And, when you factor in the price, Honda’s WR-V ends up feeling like a bit of a hard sell.DesignVisually speaking, the WR-V is longer, wider and taller than the Jazz. The WR-V comes with a price tag of ` 8. At the rear, it looks quite different, though, enough to distinguish it from anything else from the line-up.In absolute terms, Honda has tried to make a car that could well be positioned as a ‘crossover’ version of the Jazz.

The new model to jump on the bandwagon is the Honda WR-V. The only room for improvement on the WR-V is the cabin insulation. We got a chance to drive its petrol variant and with its nimble steering and soft clutch, crisscrossing through heavy city traffic is quite easy. Engineers claim that the body has been strengthened further keeping in sync with the extra millimetres added to the platform. This multi-faceted category follows a different hierarchy in India to cater to a spectrum of customers. The large WR-V badging helps generate interest for someone approaching it from the rear. However, when compared to the more square and upright compact-SUVs in the market today, the WR-V’s appeal seems to dim. The diesel gets a 6-speed manual and the petrol gets a 5-speed manual.

If you have driven Jazz, it will be easy for you to discern the change in the suspension system.15 lakh (ex-showroom), which is Rs 70,000 over the Jazz, but the ride and quality WR-V has to offer, this extra amount is well justified. But the difference here is that the effort to make an all-new car comes across as more substantial. It is definitely better suited to tackle Indian roads, and is more versatile than the Jazz. The headlamps get trademark LEDs with DRLs.2-litre i-VTEC petrol that produces 90hp at 6,000rpm and 110Nm at 4,800rpm as well as a DOHC 1.

This brings us to the sub-compact SUVs and compact crossovers that have caught the fancy of buyers lately. Attributed to compact size, spacious cabin, raised ground clearance, impressive mileage and aggressive pricing, the newly formed sub-compact SUV or crossover space is growing into a snowball with carmakers spinning off new models to claim a niche spot in the segment. In profile, there is a hint of Jazz thanks to the creases on the doors and flow of the roof.The new Honda WR-V is compact and slightly larger than the old model.5-litre I-DTEC turbo-diesel that puts out 100hp at 3,600rpm and 200Nm at 1,750rpm.Engine and handlingAs expected, the WR-V gets the same engines as the Jazz. The front is unmistakably Honda.

As The SUV segment is gaining popularity day-by-day, buyers in India are spoiled for choice with the influx of car models piling up the segment. It gets the familiar chrome slab on the grille. This has been achieved by raising the ground clearance and wheelbase, which is further supported by relatively large tyres. Gear shifting requires multiple downshifting while overtaking, but underfloor heating Suppliers once you get used to it, WR-V is really fun to drive.. It’s larger by approximately 50mm all round.

It’s a done practice with a lot of other carmakers — Toyota’s Etios Cross, Volkswagen’s Cross Polo and Hyundai’s Active i20 come to mind.VerdictIf you are looking at getting yourself a Jazz, the WR-V deserves a closer look. The bonnet looks flat and raised. It just about hints at its crossover aspirations; cue the higher ground clearance. Just don’t expect the WR-V to tackle any serious mud plugging. However, the WR-V does offer more in terms of appeal and equipment. That means a SOHC 1. As per the company’s claim, WR-V gets a different suspension set-up compared to Jazz. The new model to jump on the bandwagon is the Honda WR-V