We’ve just got to know that Honda has introduced the new-gen WR-V in Japan. The actual news here that excites us is that this model is identical to the Elevate available in India. It’s noteworthy that the new model is being produced in India and exported to Japan from the Tapukara plant. Intriguingly, the WR-V shares its name with Honda Car India’s discontinued Jazz-based crossover. This clearly marks a strategic move by the automaker to unify its global lineup with proven models. Moreover, we feel the nameplate made way for ‘Elevate’ in India as the carmaker didn’t want any sort of association between the Jazz and its Hyundai Creta-rival. This is quite understandable given the lower price positioning of the now-defunct India-spec WR-V.
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New Honda WR-V vs Elevate – What All’s Different?
Honda introduces the WR-V in Japan, labeling it as the “Winsome Runabout Vehicle,” emphasizing fun and cheerfulness in its design. Although visually similar to its Indian counterpart, the Japanese model features a handful of changes. This is to help the car adapt better to the local tastes in the carmaker’s home market. While the Japanese version boasts an all-black interior, the Indian model has brown and tan hues. Additionally, the leather accents on the dashboard are omitted in the Japanese version. Notably, the JDM-spec Honda WR-V gets five monotone color options. In comparison, the Indian model is available with seven monotone and three dual-tone choices.
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Also, the new Honda WR-V gets a less sophisticated touchscreen infotainment unit. While India gets a 10-inch unit, the JDM version has a smaller version with physical buttons on the right-side. This is similar to what we’ve seen on some of the last generation Honda cars in India. Also, unlike our version, the Japanese model misses out on an electric sunroof and wireless charging. Meanwhile, it gets Honda Sensing suite with ADAS features like –
- Lane Watch Camera
- Collision Mitigation Brake
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keep Assist
- Auto High Beam
- Parking Sensors
Under the hood, the Indian Honda Elevate and the Japanese Honda WR-V are identical. Both get the same 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated i-VTEC engine. It produces 119 bhp of maximum power and 145 Nm of peak torque. However, while the Indian version is available with both manual and CVT options, only the latter is available on the JDM-spec model. There’s no hybrid variant even for Japan. More details will be released next month, while sales will start in April 2024. The new model could have a starting price of 2 million Yen (Approx INR 10.99 lakh), which aligns closely with the Indian price point.
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Author’s Note
It’s truly remarkable to witness the Honda Elevate, which made its global debut in India earlier this year, now being exported from India to its home market in Japan. I would like to highlight how this not only underscores India’s growing prominence in the global automotive landscape but also reflects the robust manufacturing capabilities established in the country. The fact that a model initially unveiled in India is now making its way back to Honda’s home market is a testament to the expertise and efficiency of the Indian automotive industry. It signifies a pivotal shift, showcasing India’s capacity to not only meet domestic demands but to contribute significantly to the global supply chain. This development bodes well for the future, suggesting that India is poised to play an increasingly crucial role in the world of automobile manufacturing.
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