Honda Teases WR-V Small Crossover for South American Market

Demand for subcompact crossovers isn’t just high in the U.S., the rest of the world can’t get enough of them either. Honda has already given us the subcompact HR-V, but it’s preparing another cute ute for Brazil and other South American markets. Called the WR-V, which stands for “Winsome Runabout Vehicle,” the new crossover has been previewed in a sketch ahead of its debut at the Sao Paulo International Motor Show.

The automaker says the R&D team of Honda Automoveis do Brasil, Honda’s Brazilian production and sales subsidiary, developed the WR-V based on research into South American customers’ needs. Honda calls the WR-V “tough and urban.” We wouldn’t use all of those words to describe the WR-V’s design, but the crossover definitely looks suited to an urban environment thanks to its small size. The WR-V is said to be closely related to the B-segment Honda Fit, which also shares its platform with the HR-V. Honda manufactures and sells the HR-V in Brazil, so the WR-V most likely slots below that model. The model could be essentially a Fit with a slight lift, much like the Brazil-only Fit Twist of a few years ago.

It’s unclear if Honda intends to import the WR-V to the U.S., but the company confirms the CUV will be sold in Brazil and other South American countries. The small crossover is also said to be bound for India. The WR-V will make its debut at the Sao Paulo auto show on November 8-9, when we should learn more about the new model.

Source: Honda

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