Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? You're not just looking at a price tag. You're weighing budget, ensuring top-notch safety for your loved ones, understanding monthly maintenance costs, desiring the latest features, and of course, trusting the company's service network. It's a complex puzzle. Today, we're going to dive deep into a car that aimed to tick many of these boxes for Indian buyers: the Honda WR-V, specifically the models released between 2020 and 2023. Was it the right choice for you? Let's find out.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Honda WR-V 2020-2023 offered a choice of refined petrol and fuel-efficient diesel engines, a hallmark of Honda's engineering.

• 1.2L i-VTEC Petrol Engine:
  • Maximum Power: 90 PS (at 6000 rpm)
  • Peak Torque: 110 Nm (at 4800 rpm)
  • Transmission: 5-speed Manual
  • Fuel Economy (ARAI): Around 16.5 kmpl
• 1.5L i-DTEC Diesel Engine:
  • Maximum Power: 100 PS (at 3600 rpm)
  • Peak Torque: 200 Nm (at 1750 rpm)
  • Transmission: 6-speed Manual
  • Fuel Economy (ARAI): Around 23.7 kmpl

Design Overview

• Exterior: The WR-V was Honda's take on a sub-compact SUV, blending elements of a hatchback and an SUV. It featured a bold chrome grille, projector headlamps with integrated DRLs, and roof rails that added to its pseudo-SUV appeal. The raised ground clearance and body cladding gave it a rugged look, setting it apart from its Jazz hatchback sibling. The diamond-cut alloy wheels (on higher variants) also enhanced its road presence.
• Interior: Inside, the WR-V offered a practical and spacious cabin. The design was largely borrowed from the Jazz, meaning good ergonomics and clever space utilization. The all-black theme with silver accents gave it a sophisticated feel. Quality of materials was decent for the segment, and the overall fit and finish were typical Honda – solid and reliable.

Key Features

While the WR-V might not have been packed with every bleeding-edge feature, it offered a practical and comfortable experience.

• Infotainment System: A 7-inch Digipad 2.0 touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
• Electric Sunroof: A segment-first feature at the time, adding to the premium feel.
• Automatic Climate Control: For consistent cabin temperature.
• Cruise Control: Available on higher variants, enhancing highway driving comfort.
• Keyless Entry with Push-Button Start/Stop: Convenient access and ignition.
• Rear Parking Camera with Sensors: Aiding in parking maneuvers.
• Steering-mounted Audio and Calling Controls: For convenience and safety.
• LED Headlamps and Fog Lamps: Offering better illumination.

What is the Ground Clearance of Honda WR-V 2020-2023?

The Honda WR-V boasted a robust 188 mm of ground clearance, which was quite good for navigating Indian roads and tackling minor undulations with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Honda WR-V 2020-2023?

The WR-V offered a generous 363 litres of boot space, making it highly practical for family trips or carrying luggage.

What are the Dimensions of Honda WR-V 2020-2023?

• Length: 4000 mm
• Width: 1734 mm
• Height: 1601 mm
• Wheelbase: 2555 mm

Powertrain Options

As mentioned in the engine specifications, the WR-V came with two primary powertrain options:

• 1.2L i-VTEC Petrol Engine: Paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission. Honda did not offer an automatic transmission (CVT) with the petrol WR-V in this period, unlike its Jazz sibling.
• 1.5L i-DTEC Diesel Engine: Paired with a smooth 6-speed manual transmission. The diesel engine was known for its strong low-end torque and impressive fuel efficiency.

Safety Features

Honda has always prioritized safety, and the WR-V was equipped with essential safety features for its segment.

• Dual Front Airbags
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Rear View Camera
• High-Speed Alert System
• Driver and Co-driver Seatbelt Reminders
• Impact Mitigation Front Headrests

NCAP Rating Table

Rivals of Honda WR-V 2020-2023

The Honda WR-V competed in the hotly contested sub-compact SUV/crossover segment. Its main rivals included:

• Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza (now Brezza)
• Hyundai Venue
• Kia Sonet
• Tata Nexon
• Mahindra XUV300
• Ford EcoSport (discontinued)

"How is the Car?" (Pros & Cons)

Let's break down the real-world experience of owning a Honda WR-V from 2020-2023.

Advantages (Pros):

• Spacious and Practical Cabin: One of its biggest strengths was the comfortable and airy cabin with excellent rear-seat space.
• Refined Petrol Engine: The 1.2L i-VTEC engine was smooth and reliable, typical of Honda.
• Fuel-Efficient Diesel Engine: The 1.5L i-DTEC diesel was a mileage champion, offering great running costs.
• Good Ground Clearance: At 188 mm, it handled Indian road conditions and speed breakers with ease.
• Large Boot Space: A 363-litre boot made it practical for long journeys and luggage.
• Honda Reliability: Known for its build quality and long-term dependability.
• Electric Sunroof: A unique selling proposition in its segment at the time.

Disadvantages (Cons):

• No Automatic Transmission with Petrol: A significant miss for urban buyers who prefer automatics.
• Diesel Engine Noise: While efficient, the diesel engine could be a bit noisy at higher RPMs.
• Dated Interior Design: The interior, while practical, started looking a bit old compared to flashier, feature-rich rivals.
• Not a True SUV Feel: Despite the looks, it drove more like an elevated hatchback than a rugged SUV.
• Lack of Certain Modern Features: Missed out on features like wireless charging, ventilated seats, or a 360-degree camera, which newer rivals started offering.
• Limited Variants: Fewer choices compared to some competitors.

Conclusion

The Honda WR-V 2020-2023 carved a niche for itself as a practical, spacious, and reliable urban crossover. While it might not have offered the aggressive styling or feature-laden cabins of some of its newer rivals, it scored high on Honda's core strengths: engine refinement (petrol), fuel efficiency (diesel), interior space, and robust build quality. If you prioritize a dependable, comfortable, and family-friendly vehicle with good ground clearance for Indian roads, and aren't overly concerned about having an automatic petrol option or the very latest tech gizmos, the WR-V could still be a compelling used car option today. It was a no-nonsense package designed for those who value substance over flash.