Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda, the Honda automobile production and sales subsidiary in Brazil, unveiled a design sketch of the all-new Honda WR-V compact SUV which will make its world premiere at the Sao Paulo International Motor Show 2016 (November 10-20, 2016).

The company says that based on research of customer needs in South America, Honda R&D Brazil developed the WR-V as a vehicle that realises both a “tough and urban” SUV design, which is popular among people who enjoy active lifestyles, and excellent utility within a compact body size. The all-new WR-V will be introduced to Brazil and other countries in South America.

Through this introduction of a new compact SUV model, following the CR-V and HR-V, in South America where the SUV market is expanding, Honda plans to further enhance the line-up of its SUV products.

WR-V is India-bound

According to Autocar India, Autocar Professional’s sister magazine, the WR-V is headed for India around March next year.

It will be powered by the 90.0.6hp, 1.2-litre, i-VTEC petrol engine, borrowed from the Brio, and the 100hp 1.5-litre Earth Dreams i-DTEC diesel engine like on the City and the Mobilio. Transmission options include a five-speed manual and a CVT gearbox for the petrol motor; the diesel unit is mated to a six-speed manual.

Overall, the WR-V will be more like a cross-hatchback version of the standard Jazz and is expected to take on the Hyundai i20 Active, Fiat Avventura and the Toyota Etios Cross in the Indian market.