Honda has been working on a compact SUV for the Indian market which can be the WR-V replacement. In recent news, a new name has been registered from Honda which is called 'ZR-V'. It continues with the 'R-V' suffix Honda uses for all its SUVs and crossovers.
Also read: Hyundai Venue BS6 vs Maruti Brezza Petrol BS6: Fuel Economy Compared
In 2018, we heard the news that Honda is developing a new compact SUV for the Indian market which will rival the cars like Maruti Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Magnite etc. Honda ZR-V will be sold in India and other countries as well. To keep the costs in check, Honda might use the affordable and durable Amaze's platform. The Honda ZR-V will be placed below the HR-V which is sold globally. Honda is also considering the HR-V for the Indian market which was cancelled before due to higer costs and localisation.
There are big chances of this car replacing the WR-V in the Indian market as the WR-V is ageing and needs a replacement. The WR-V also competes with other compact SUVs and it will be insensible to keep both the WR-V and upcoming ZR-V in the market. Talking about engines, the ZR-V will get 1.0-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre petrol hybrid engines globally. As India loves diesel engines for high fuel efficiency and torque delivery, Honda will also plonk in the 1.5-litre diesel engine in the ZR-V.
The Honda ZR-V will be underpinned with the MK4 Honda Jazz which is safer and expensive. We won't witness that platform underpinning the India-spec ZR-V as we don't get the MK4 Honda Jazz either. Close to home, Honda has piled up a slew of launches this year and all are waiting to clear the toll of COVID-19. After the lockdown gets over, we will see the launch of the 2020 Honda City, Honda Jazz Facelift and Honda WR-V facelift as well. Honda City is all new and will be packed with an array of new features but the other two cars will be tucked with new clothes only.
