Honda Elevate Launched In Japan As WR-V

It remains largely similar to the India-spec model but has crucial differences.

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