2024 Honda WR-V could come to Australia
Honda Elevate renamed as WR-V for Japan, where the new small SUV goes on sale early next yearThe 2023 Honda Elevate has been confirmed for the Japanese market, where it will be known as the 2024 Honda WR-V, significantly strengthening the all-new small SUV’s chances for the Australian market.
The Elevate was unveiled mid-year as a new addition to Honda’s range in India, where it would subsequently be produced, but now the compact SUV has been revealed in Japan as the WR-V and will be released there in March with a starting price of ¥2,098,800 – the equivalent of $21,756 in Australia.
Dimensionally similar to the established Honda HR-V but significantly taller, higher off the ground and sporting a more traditional SUV silhouette, the WR-V could materialise here as a second Honda model positioned in the bustling compact SUV market.
This move could prove especially fruitful for Honda given the HR-V is homologated and sold here only as a four-seater and features a significantly smaller boot than the WR-V (304 litres versus 458L), not to mention the fact MG, Toyota and Mitsubishi all employ similar strategies within the same segment.
The JDM-spec WR-V also happens to be powered by exactly the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and continuously variable transmission combination as the HR-V, with both systems outputting 89kW/145Nm and driving the front wheels.
Honda Australia said in June the new model hadn’t been green-lit for the local market but simultaneously didn’t rule it out.
In Japan the newcomer will slot in some ¥300,000 ($A3107) below established model – known there as the Vezel – pointing to a hypothetical starting price about $34,000 drive-away in Australia.
“The vehicle name, WR-V, is an acronym that stands for ‘Winsome Runabout Vehicle’,” said Honda HQ this week.
“The word ‘winsome’ means ‘delightful’ and ‘cheerful’ … the name represents Honda’s desire to create a vehicle people can use to enjoy their everyday lives with energy and enthusiasm.
“Honda developed the new WR-V with the aim of creating a vehicle that will embrace and support the thoughts of individuals who think-outside-the-box, dispel stereotypes and express their unique way of life with more freewheeling thinking.”
The WR-V will be offered in three grades in Japan – X, Z, Z+ – and its headline equipment will comprise a 9.0-inch infotainment system, alloy wheels, semi-digital instrument cluster, rear air-vents, power-folding mirrors, USB-A ports, adaptive cruise control, smartphone mirroring, a UV-reflecting windscreen and five colour options.
‘WR-V’ is yet to be trademarked with IP Australia, which suggests that even if the new high-rider is confirmed for Australia it’ll likely be a little while before we see it in local showrooms.
Related: Six cars with hidden door handles
Related: New Honda Civic Type R wait list almost two years long
Related: Honda HR-V misses out on top safety rating
Related: The A to Z of car name acronyms
Related: Ten-month wait for new Honda HR-V e:HEV
Join the conversation at
Or email us at
Or email us at
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
