Driven: 2020 Honda WR-V
Compact SUV’s are becoming more common these days, brands cannot help but flock towards the idea. Among these brands is Honda, which have a great deal of experience in building high-quality SUV’s. The BR-V, HR-V, and CR-V have become quite successful in local markets, but some may find its size intimidating, never mind its demanding price tag. If you are one of these people, then Honda’s 4th inline alternative, the WR-V, might just grab your interest. The WR-V offers all the practicality and comfort you would expect from its bigger siblings but only smaller. We recently spent some time with this newbie, and we must admit it, the WR-V is among one of the best-value-for-money compact SUV’s out there.
Engine
There is no doubt that the Japanese automakers have found a niche in building top-quality SUV’s and the WR-V is no different. The WR-V’s engine as expected is well-built and very economical. The WR-V gets offered in both Comfort and Elegance guises. Both share a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 66kW of power and 110 Nm of torque. Although it is built to be more fuel-efficient than its competitors, the WR-V does however lack that power punch needed to compete with them. Uphills with the WR-V felt quite lethargic, and this is mainly due to its lack of torque. The WR-V’s 5-speed manual transmission proved to be quite smooth despite its engine being tumultuous at times. There are cracks in the WR-V’s performance, but its excellent fuel consumption of 6.4 L/100 km is enough to make any consumer intrigued by the nifty SUV.
Exterior
Outside, the WR-V gets all the styling cues you would expect from a Honda SUV. It may not be exactly easy on the eyes as one would say but true Honda enthusiasts will certainly appreciate its design. Features such as its chrome-wing grille make it easy to recognize that the WR-V’s influence stems from the Honda BR-V and Jazz. As standard, the WR-V gets LED daytime running lights and C-shaped taillights. Its ground clearance of 177mm makes an ideal offering for those navigating through the pothole-filled roads of South Africa. In terms of wheels, the WR-V gets around on 16-inch alloy wheels. The WR-V may not be the most stylish compact SUV out there, but at the end of the day, its value for money recognition is what you would be after when you consider the WR-V.
Interior
Much like its bigger siblings, the WR-V offers a spacious and comfortable cabin. Its hard plastics give us the impression that despite its low-price tag, Honda has managed to maintain a good practical interior. Features such as its 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system make the WR-V feel quite homely. Other wonderful features include a multifunction steering wheel, keyless entry (with push-button start), and a rear-view camera. Honda’s design language is evident throughout its cabin but despite all these wonderful features, its lack of style may drive consumers away.
Verdict
Overall, the WR-V is a certain bargain-for-money compact SUV, offering all the features of an SUV above its asking prices. The WR-V’s starts at R289 900 making it a direct competitor to the Ford Ecosport and Hyundai Venue. Despite everything that is great about the WR-V, one cannot help but feel that it's still finding its feet. Its style feels very much borrowed rather than its own. Although the WR-V offers everything we want from a compact SUV, it lacks that certain flamboyance to truly stand out.
Pricing
Honda WR-V 1.2 Comfort R289 900
Honda WR-V 1.2 Elegance R319 900
The Honda WR-V is sold with a 5-year/200 000 km warranty, 4-year/60 000 km service plan, and 3-year AA Roadside Assistance.
Also worth a look: the Honda Amaze and the Honda Elevate: WR-V Successor Debuts in SA.
FAQ
Q: What does the Honda WR-V cost in South Africa?
The 2020 Honda WR-V starts from around R289,900 for the Comfort variant and goes up to approximately R319,900 for the Elegance model, making it one of the most affordable compact SUVs in Honda's local lineup.
Q: Is the Honda WR-V worth buying?
The Honda WR-V is worth buying if you prioritise fuel economy and reliability over outright performance, as it delivers excellent consumption of 6.4L/100km and Honda's proven build quality at a competitive price point under R320,000.
Q: How fuel efficient is the Honda WR-V?
The Honda WR-V achieves an impressive fuel consumption figure of 6.4 litres per 100km, making it one of the most economical compact SUVs you can buy in South Africa today.
Q: What engine does the Honda WR-V have?
The Honda WR-V is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 66kW of power and 110Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission across both Comfort and Elegance variants.
Q: Is the Honda WR-V underpowered?
Yes, the Honda WR-V feels underpowered with only 110Nm of torque from its 1.2-litre engine, particularly when tackling hills or highway overtaking, but this compromise enables its excellent fuel economy figures.
Should You Buy It?
The best budget compact SUV under R320,000 in South Africa is the Honda WR-V, but only if you can live with its performance limitations. At R289,900 for the Comfort model, it offers unbeatable value with Honda's legendary reliability, excellent fuel consumption of 6.4L/100km, and all the practicality you need for daily driving. However, if you regularly drive on highways or need decent overtaking power, you might want to stretch your budget to something with more grunt. For city commuters and first-time SUV buyers who prioritise running costs over excitement, the WR-V is a solid yes.
