2020 Honda WR-V facelift launched in India – updated styling and kit; petrol and diesel engines; from RM49k

The 2020 Honda WR-V facelift has been officially launched in India, a few months after the third-gen Jazz-based “SUV” first appeared on Honda India’s website and social media. Originally set to be introduced in April, the launch was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic that hampered production at the company’s plant in Tapukara, Rajasthan, where the WR-V is made.

Revisions to the exterior include a new front end that sees a bolder Solid Wing chrome grille sitting above horizontal slats instead of a honeycomb mesh insert. The WR-V also sports redesigned headlamps, fog lamps and a new light signature for the taillights, all of which are LED-type units on the range-topping VX variant – the base SV will come with halogens instead.

Both variants will also get a new design for their standard 16-inch wheels, but only the VX comes with an electric powered sunroof, side mirror indicators and a rear wiper. As before, the WR-V boasts side body cladding, front and rear skid plates as well as roof rails as signs of its “go anywhere” and rugged persona.

Moving inside, the WR-V receives an updated pattern for the fabric seat upholstery and the infotainment system has been upgraded to a seven-inch touchscreen that offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, navigation with live traffic support, an infrared remote control and various media playback options.

2020 Honda WR-V facelift launched in India – updated styling and kit; petrol and diesel engines; from RM49k

These items are standard on both the SV and VX, along with four speakers (the VX gets two additional tweeters), a multi-view reverse camera, rear parking sensors, manually adjustable front seats, a multi-info display, steering wheel controls and single-zone automatic air-conditioning. The VX gets extras like keyless entry and engine start, cruise control, power-folding side mirrors, silver dash trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a front map light and a centre armrest.

Honda India is offering the WR-V in six exterior finishes, including Premium Amber Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Golden Brown Metallic, Radiant Red Metallic and Platinum White Pearl.

Safety-wise, the entire line-up comes standard with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, front seat belt reminder, high speed alert, impact-mitigating headrests and a brake override system (sensors recognise when the accelerator pedal and brake pedal are being pressed at the same time).

2020 Honda WR-V facelift launched in India – updated styling and kit; petrol and diesel engines; from RM49k

In terms of engines, buyers have access to a 1.2 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC petrol unit that delivers 90 PS at 6,000 rpm and 110 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm. This has a rated fuel consumption of 16.5 km/l and is paired with a five-speed manual transmission.

An alternative is a 1.5 litre four-cylinder i-DTEC turbodiesel with 100 PS at 3,600 rpm and 200 Nm at 1,750 rpm, which is rated at 23.7 km/l. Going this route nets you a six-speed manual gearbox instead, and both engines are compliant with India’s latest emissions standard, BS6.

The SV with a petrol engine will cost 849,900 rupees (RM48,731), while the diesel version goes for 979,900 rupees (RM56,181). Springing for the VX with the i-VTEC will will set you back 969,900 rupees (RM55,608) and the most expensive variant is the i-DTEC-powered VX at 1,099,900 rupees (RM63,076).

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