WR-V vs Vitara Brezza vs EcoSport : Spec Comparison

Honda has taken a different approach to the compact-SUV or crossover market in India. Rather than using their car platforms to create hopped up pseudo-SUVs, the company has decided to pump up their cars to create a similar effect. Thankfully, the modifications extend beyond just adding body cladding.

The BRV, launched in May 2015, received a comprehensive redesign, reworked suspension, a tweaked steering system and other mechanical changes - except for the silhouette, there was no comparing it to the Mobilio.

The WRV seems to also follow this philosophy and is significantly different from the Jazz. Rather than pitting it against the Volkswagen Cross Polo, Fiat Avventura, Hyundai i20 Active and Toyota Etios Cross, the WR-V seems better equipped to take on the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and the Ford EcoSport.

Dimensions

While the WR-V matches and betters the other two in terms of overall length and wheelbase respectively, it sharing components with the Jazz hatchback limits its height and width. 

Honda is well known for its ability to package its cars for the best utilisation of space, and the WR-V is expected to be no different. It has the biggest luggage compartment in this comparison with all the seats upright. For a crossover based on a hatchback platform, the WR-V does have a commendable ground clearance, which is 12mm short of the benchmark in this comparison.

Diesel Engine and Transmission

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The diesel variants of the WR-V are powered by the tried and tested 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged 'Earth Dreams' motor. It is on par with the EcoSport diesel in terms of maximum power and has slightly less peak torque, but it is the only car in this comparison to have a 6-speed manual transmission. The WR-V has the most efficient diesel motor in this comparison.

Petrol Engine and Transmission

The petrol variants of the WR-V are powered by a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated i-VTEC motor. It only has to content with the Ford EcoSport in this comparison as Maruti sells the Vitara Brezza exclusively with a diesel engine; the EcoSport does offer two petrol engines choices, though. The petrol motor on the WR-V is low on power as compared to the EcoSport and claimed efficiency is slightly lower too.

Honda will launch the WRV on March 16, 2017. We will revisit this comparison again to see how the WR-V compares to its rivals in terms of price and equipment.