While I was in the Western Cape to sample the new Honda Ballade, the Japanese marque also launched its new WR-V compact SUV.
The Honda WR-V is aimed directly at the Ford EcoSport and Suzuki Vitara and it joins the market in two variants: Comfort and Elegance.
If you are familiar with Honda’s products, you will notice that the new WR-V gets its inspiration from models in the line-up. On the outside, it comes fitted with a bold headlight design that incorporates LED daytime running lights.
The range-topping Elegance comes fitted with LED projector headlamps as well as LED fog lights. The Comfort model is equipped with halogen projector headlights as well as fog lights.
The rear of the WR-V is fitted with C-shaped taillight clusters as well as a rear trim that is finished in contrasting charcoal.
The WR-V runs on sexy 16-inch alloy wheels.
The colour line-up for the new WR-V includes a new Platinum White (Pearl), Radiant Red (Metallic), Lunar Silver (Metallic) and Modern Steel (Metallic).
One thing that struck me when I got inside the WR-V was the spacious interior. It is spacious and can comfortably seat five passengers.
The luggage compartment is rated at 363 litres with the rear seats raised and 881 litres with the rear seats folded flat. This should be enough to gulp grocery items, bags and other sizeable products.
There is also what Honda calls the “Magic Seat” system that has been borrowed from the Jazz and HR-V. The Magic Seats can be configured in several different ways to accommodate a variety of tall and long objects.
The WR-V’s upholstery consists of high-quality black fabric, soft-touch charcoal finishes, as well as silver accents.
The Comfort and Elegance models are fitted with a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with audio controls and automatic air-conditioning with intuitive touch-panel controls as well as front and rear electric windows.
The Elegance adds leather finishes for the gearshift knob and steering wheel.
The Comfort model comes fitted with a simple-to-use five-inch LCD audio system that allows Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
The Elegance takes things further with the addition of a seven-inch touchscreen display audio system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
The system has been neatly incorporated into the dashboard.
The Elegance gains an upgraded six speaker system while the Comfort gets only four speakers. Both models benefit from rear parking sensors while the Elegance gains an integrated reverse parking camera.
The Elegance is also fitted with cruise control and smart keyless entry with push-button start.
A sole naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre four-cylinder powers the WR-V range with 66 kW of power and 110 Nm of torque.
Both models spawn a five-speed manual gearbox but, sadly, no automatic transmission planned for our market.
I sampled both variants at the launch, in and around the Western Cape, and I am impressed with how both models go about their business.
Although the engine feels like it could do with a turbocharger, it still delivers adequate shove when needed to do so.
The new Honda WR-V has a great balance between a great ride and handling balance.
Our launch route involved driving through some twists and turns and the WR-V’s body control, as well as bump absorption, are all good. The manufacturer claimed fuel consumption figure of just 6.4 litres/100km is quite an attraction.
Safety comes courtesy of six SRS airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, ISOFIX child seat anchors, as well as ABS with EBD. The new Honda WR-V comes standard with Honda’s five-year/200 000km warranty, backed by a four-year/60 000km service plan as standard with service intervals every 15 000km.
Three-year AA Roadside Assistance service is also included in the purchase price.
- WR-V 1.2 Comfort MT R289 900
- WR-V 1.2 Elegance MT R319 900
