Honda is making some groundbreaking shifts in the industry of automobile. They have launched the new generation WR-V SUV for the Japanese market. The big launch involves none other than the Honda Elevate C Segment SUV.
It comes with the familiar WR-V nameplate. Perhaps, you already know that Honda has recently introduced the Elevate for sale in India. To keep up with it, Honda has also launched a similar Elevate in Japan.
The exterior and design of the Japanese Elevate SUV are similar to the India-spec Elevate. However, there still remain some major differences. Hop in your seat belt. In our article today, we will discuss all about the Japan-spec Honda Elevate SUV. Let’s begin.
Honda Elevate SUV To Be Launched In Japan As 2024 Honda WR-V
It’s quite normal to have a few questions in mind. Because, the Honda Elevate was recently launched in India, on September 4, 2023.
Now, it would be the first time the Japanese automobile manufacturer Honda is ready to launch the Elevate SUV, made by Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) in Japan in 2024.
It’s really interesting that HCIL’s Honda Elevate to be shipped in the highly regulated Japanese market for the first time.
**Note: Honda Cars India Ltd is a subsidiary of the Japanese Honda Motor Company.
HCIL is also excited about shipping out the Elevates from the Tapukara production facility, based in Rajasthan. Here’s what they have to say,
“After its successful debut in India earlier this year, Elevate is scheduled for Spring 2024 launch in the Japanese market under the brand name WR-V, This strategic move is a strong reflection of the manufacturing capabilities of India operations and also solidifies our vision of making the country a key export hub in Honda business,”
In India, full preparation is going in the Tapukara Honda plant in order to deliver and take care of the domestic and export materials for the Japanese market.
So, is there going to be a major change between Honda-spec and India-Spec Elevate SUV? Find out below.
About WR-V
Before we directly jump into the difference between the two major specs, it’s wise to know about the WR-V brand first.
The WR-Vs are the subcompact crossover SUVs of Honda, abbreviated as Winsome Runabout Vehicle.
The vehicles are not like general SUVs, instead, they offer better versatility and a more practical approach on the road. They combine both – (1) the elements of a compact car and (2) the style and utility of an SUV.
We often prefer it for city driving and urban highways. WR-Vs ensure the balance between efficiency, navigation, and the elegant interior.
More to this, Honda WR-Vs cover higher ground clearance than traditional hatchbacks. The bumpy exterior and breathable interior improve utility for passengers and cargo. Honda made sure their WR-Vs included the latest technologies in terms of safety, connectivity, and infotainment.
However, the specs of the latest WR-V vary for different markets. This year, the WR-V Elevate SUV has undergone some significant changes in features and specs too. So, yes! We are confident that, the 2024 WR-V represents the latest interaction of its previous models, with an update in design, tech, and performance.
Honda Elevate-Based WR-V – Key Differences
Although made in India, the Japan-Spec Elevate SUV is going to have a few significant changes in design, interior, and powertrain options. Keep reading to find out.
The Exterior Gets no Change
As we know now, there is not much of a difference in the exterior design of the Elevate SUV, which recently had its launch in India in September 2023. The exterior gets the beautiful shiny red, that improves the charm on the road.
The Interior Gets the Most
However, we still have a few differences that follow the cabin. The Japan-spec WR-V gets a Black Cabin Theme. Meanwhile, Elevate India promotes a brown theme.
Additionally, the 2024 Elevate WR-V also lacks some features such as the single pane sunroof, the top is sealed and well, not available anymore. Plus, we are going to miss the wireless phone charger that’s present in the Honda Elevate: India-spec.
Well! The alteration in the infotainment system is unique. The Japan-spec Honda Elevate WR-V gets a different 10-inch touchscreen system. The system now has physical buttons on the right edge of the display screen.
We also see some variation in colors. In India, the Honda Elevate SUV is available in 7 monotone and 3 dual-tone colors. However, in Japan, you have the Elevate in 5 monotone colors. HCIL cut down 2 more monotone colors and opted out of the dual tones in Japan.
Safety Gears
Honda never compromises safety. They promote safety not just for their users but also for the passersby. Both SUVs (India and Japan Spec) feature the same row of safety features.
The Elevates include useful stuff like Honda’s LaneWatch camera – it helps you see better, and Level 3 ADAS features like a forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control.
So, if you’re about to collide with something, you get a warning, with modern tech of adaptive cruise control that adjusts everything automatically.
2024 Honda WR-V Powertrain Options
Honda hasn’t revealed too many details of the WR-V’s powertrain options. Right at the moment, information is limited to us. So far, we know,
The upcoming Elevate WR-V features the same 1.5-litre normal petrol engine as the India-spec Elevate. Hence, you will likely have the same 121 PS of Power with 107 lb-ft Torque in Japan. That’s likely the same as the Indian version of Honda Elevate.
However, in India, you will have Honda Elevate with continuously variable transmission (CVT) options including 6-speed manuals. It might seem upsetting, but the Japan-spec Honda Elevate only gets CVT without any manuals. Plus, it is also likely to not have any form of hybridization.
Here we are. Now you clearly know the difference between India Spec Honda Elevate and the Japan Spec Honda. It may seem like, the Japanese version lacks some significant features. Remember, the core features and safety gears remain the same in both of the models.
We also think, it’s a limited version, we are going to have in Japan as this is the first trade with HCIL. Based on performance and credibility, in the future, we believe India is going to ship more Honda vehicles to Japan for commercial use.
Last Words
Honda has remarkable plans to make in the future EV industry. Let us know in the comment section what you think of the HCIL-made Honda Elevate, which is to be launched in Japan as WR-V.
We will soon be back with another article. Till then, stay with us and share our article with others to help us grow too! Cheers to Honda – the whale of the automobile industry.
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