Honda May Revive the WR-V Name for India
Honda seems to be gearing up for a comeback in one of India’s most competitive segments — the sub-4 metre SUV category. Reports suggest that the Japanese automaker is planning a new compact SUV that could serve as the spiritual successor to the first-generation WR-V, which was discontinued in early 2023.
This time, though, Honda appears more serious about cracking the segment. With 10 new launches planned before 2030, the company is clearly doubling down on India — one of its key growth markets.
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A Strategic Shift: Honda’s New Game Plan
The new WR-V (or whatever it’s called) isn’t expected anytime soon. Honda’s current focus remains on launching the next-gen City sedan and the Elevate-based electric SUV (codenamed 0 Alpha), both lined up until 2027. That means the new compact SUV could only arrive around 2028.
Why the wait? Costing challenges have reportedly delayed things before — Honda had even shelved the HR-V project in 2019 at the last minute due to pricing concerns. But this time, things might play out differently.
Why It Makes Sense Now
India’s revised GST rules now favor sub-4 metre cars with up to 13% lower tax, making the segment even more attractive. Currently, Honda only sells the Amaze sedan in this category, which limits its market reach.
Re-entering the compact SUV race would help Honda take on strong players like Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Sonet — all of which dominate the charts month after month.
To stand out, Honda will have to deliver more performance, better tech, and enhanced safety this time around. The old WR-V was known for its space and reliability, but it lacked the modern features buyers now expect — like advanced infotainment, connected tech, and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).
Could It Be a Hybrid?
Interestingly, rumors suggest that Honda might introduce the next-gen Brio with an SUV-inspired body and hybrid technology in international markets. If that happens, there’s a strong chance the same model could be localized for India as the WR-V successor.
Given Honda’s emphasis on fuel efficiency and sustainability, a hybrid WR-V could hit the sweet spot between performance and mileage — something Indian buyers love.
Launch Timeline and Expectations
If all goes according to plan, the new WR-V successor could make its debut around 2028, after Honda clears its 2027 product commitments. Expect it to feature a fresh design language, premium interiors, and possibly a 1.2-litre or 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain.
With the subcompact SUV segment getting more feature-packed every year, the next WR-V will have to deliver more than just a familiar name.
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The Bottom Line
Honda seems ready to re-enter the game it once exited too soon. The WR-V successor could help the brand reconnect with Indian SUV buyers — provided it gets the pricing, performance, and features right this time.
If Honda manages to balance value with innovation, the WR-V name might just make a roaring comeback on Indian roads.
