Honda Elevate Launched In Japan As WR-V

Months after launching the Elevate in India, Honda has now launched it in Japan. However, in the brand’s home market, it is called the WR-V. It looks just like the India-spec model and apart from the new name, it is slightly different. 

WR-V stands for Winsome Runabout Vehicle, where Winsome stands for “fun and cheerfulness”. Compared to the Indian model, the WR-V has an all-black interior theme and different seat upholstery. While the Elevate is offered with seven monotone and three dual-tone colours, the WR-V only comes with five monotone colour options. 

Other changes include a new touchscreen that has a knob and four physical buttons on the right side. The size of the display is not yet known but it seems to be sized between the 8-inch and 10.25-inch touchscreens offered on the Elevate. Furthermore, the Japan-spec WR-V also missed out on a sunroof and wireless smartphone charger. Interestingly, Honda has retained its ADAS suite for the WR-V with features like collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and more. Other features on the WR-V include a lane-watch camera, reverse camera, rear AC vents, connected car tech and more. 

The WR-V is available in three trims – X, Z and Z+. While Honda hasn’t detailed the equipment list of these three, it did mention that the WR-V X trim comes with basic equipment and the Z trim gets all the bells and whistles Honda Japan is offering with the WR-V. The only addition to the Z+ is different upholstery compared to the WR-V Z. The most notable difference between the X and Z trims is the alloy wheels, or the lack thereof on the X trim. 

In terms of accessories, the WR-V has a plethora of options. These include multiple chrome embellishments on parts like the grille, bumpers, skid plates, fog lamp housing, front fenders and exhaust tips. The WR-V can also be had with a different grille where the standard one is the same as on the Elevate, the optional one gets vertical slats. 

Mechanically, the Japanese WR-V is identical to the Indian Elevate. Both get a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 119 bhp and 145 Nm. Honda has not yet confirmed if the Japanese model also gets a 6-speed manual gearbox as only the CVT is visible in the images on the website. More details about the WR-V will be released in December before it goes on sale early next year. In Japan, prices for the WR-V start at JPY 2 million (roughly ₹11.02 lakh). For reference, prices for the Elevate start at ₹11 lakh (ex-showroom, India).

Also read: Honda Elevate Review: Make Or Break Product