Honda WR-V RS spied undisguised in Pune, hinting at India launch preparations
An undisguised Honda WR-V RS has been spotted in Pune, suggesting that the company may be evaluating the compact SUV for the Indian market. The appearance of the test mule comes soon after Honda announced its plan to bring ten new models to India by 2030, seven of which will be SUVs. Although the company has not officially confirmed which models will arrive, the presence of the WR-V RS on public roads indicates that it is under serious consideration.
The compact SUV seen in Pune closely resembles the Indonesia-spec WR-V and not the Elevate-based version sold in Japan. The test vehicle carried plates from Honda’s Jakarta centre along with a “Testing Vehicle” sticker, hinting that it may be undergoing ARAI testing. In its current form, the WR-V RS measures slightly over four metres in length, though Honda could make adjustments for India to fit it within the sub-4-metre segment.
Visually, the RS trim stands out with its sportier exterior elements, including a more aggressive grille, RS bumpers, 17-inch alloy wheels and LED lighting. The cabin layout mirrors that of the second-generation Amaze, featuring an all-black theme with contrast stitching. The Indonesian version comes equipped with features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, a digital MID, Honda’s LaneWatch camera, six airbags, cruise control and the Honda Sensing ADAS suite. An India-spec model may adopt updates from the upcoming new-generation Amaze.
Internationally, the WR-V RS uses a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine paired with either a manual or a CVT gearbox. For India, Honda may look at a smaller 1.2-litre engine to take advantage of tax benefits in the compact SUV category. The company has not commented on a launch timeline or specifications for India.
While there is no official confirmation yet, the undisguised test mule signals Honda’s efforts to re-enter the highly competitive compact SUV segment. With only the Amaze, City and Elevate currently on sale, the WR-V RS could play an important role in rebuilding Honda’s presence in the market.
Source – Reddit
