It’s easy to dismiss the Honda WRV as just a raised Jazz with SUV styling, but that doesn’t do it justice. Since its 2017 launch, the WRV has consistently moved units—not because it’s flashy or aggressive, but because it delivers on the basics: space, practicality, and the Honda badge.
Let’s break down what the 2022 facelift brings to the table.
What’s New in the Facelift?
The changes are subtle but noticeable:
- Bolder front fascia with a wider chrome grille connecting LED projector headlamps
- Redesigned fog lamps with thicker black housings
- New 16-inch alloy wheel design (diesel variants only)
- LED tail lamps in blacked-out surrounds
But beyond the face, not much has changed. The rear is largely untouched, and the cabin layout remains familiar.
Interior: Practical, But Could Be Better
Honda’s interior packaging remains a strong point. The WRV offers solid knee and headroom, even without the typical SUV boxiness. The seats are well-cushioned, but several features are conspicuously missing:
- No rear AC vents
- No USB/charging ports at the back
- No center armrest
- Fixed, non-adjustable rear headrests
The boot space, however, is impressive at 363 liters, outdoing most compact SUVs in this segment.
Engines & Performance
Petrol – 1.2L i-VTEC
- Power: 90 PS @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 110 Nm @ 4800 rpm
- ARAI Mileage: 16.5 kmpl
- 0–100 km/h: 15.1 seconds
Rev-happy and smooth, the petrol engine is classic Honda: eager to climb revs, but lacking mid-range torque. It’s fun when pushed, but in daily traffic, you’ll be downshifting often. Add to that the BS6 transition has dulled some of its low-end punch.
Diesel – 1.5L i-DTEC
- Power: 100 PS @ 3600 rpm
- Torque: 200 Nm @ 1750 rpm
- ARAI Mileage: 23.7 kmpl
- 0–100 km/h: 13.03 seconds
The diesel WRV is quieter than before but still on the noisier side. However, it pulls cleanly across the rev range, requires fewer gear shifts, and is far more tractable in traffic than the petrol. Downsides? Slightly slower than the BS4 version, and less fuel-efficient due to emissions updates.
Ride & Handling
This is where the WRV surprises. Thanks to its lower center of gravity, it handles corners better than most compact SUVs. Steering is quick and direct, though it could use more weight at high speeds. Ride comfort is a strong suit—soaking up bumps with confidence.
Feature Highlights
- Power Steering & Windows
- ABS
- Dual Front Airbags
- Auto Climate Control
- LED Projector Headlamps & Fog Lights
- Alloy Wheels
What’s missing? An automatic transmission—a major oversight in today’s market.
Pricing (Ex-Showroom India)
| Variant | Fuel | Engine | Mileage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SV | Petrol | 1199 cc | 16.5 kmpl | ₹8.62 L |
| Exclusive Edition | Petrol | 1199 cc | 16.5 kmpl | ₹9.75 L |
| VX | Petrol | 1199 cc | 16.5 kmpl | ₹9.75 L |
| SV | Diesel | 1498 cc | 23.7 kmpl | ₹9.85 L |
| Exclusive Edition | Diesel | 1498 cc | 23.7 kmpl | ₹11.05 L |
| VX | Diesel | 1498 cc | 23.7 kmpl | ₹11.05 L |
Verdict
The WRV facelift isn’t revolutionary—and that’s both its strength and weakness. It sticks to what it’s good at: space, comfort, and efficiency, especially in diesel guise. But it misses an opportunity to up its game on tech, features, and transmission options.
In a market loaded with feature-rich rivals like the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Mahindra XUV300, the WRV feels a bit undercooked. Still, if drivability, reliability, and practicality top your list, it remains a worthy contender.
What do you think of the facelift? Would you still consider the WRV over its boxier, trendier rivals? Let us know in the comments—and subscribe to Motosutra for more honest auto reviews.
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