Honda enters SUV segment, launches WR-V at Rs 7.75 lakh

Japanese automaker Honda on Thursday entered the fast growing compact SUV segment with the launch of the WR-V at Rs 7.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for petrol variant. The sub-four-metre WR-V will compete with Ford EcoSport, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Hyundai Creta, among others.

The top end of petrol variant comes for Rs 8.99 lakh. Diesel model begins at Rs 8.79 lakh and here the top end comes for Rs 9.99 lakh.

Honda, which has seen a double-digit decline in volumes for a year now, is banking on the WR-V to expand sales. "We have high hopes from this vehicle. We will make a consistent growth this year," said Y Ueno, president and CEO at Honda Cars India.

The fifth largest player in the domestic market last month launched the new City, its best-selling vehicle in India. The company said about 14,000 bookings have been received for the sedan in about a month, giving it hopes to claim back the position of most sold sedan in the segment. Maruti's Ciaz has taken up that position in recent months.

Developed by Honda's R&D team in India, WR-V is being targeted at the urban youth who seek more sporty vehicles. "We are positioning it as an urban sporty lifestyle vehicle. It will offer the best fuel efficiency in its segment," said Jnaneswar Sen, senior vice-president for sales and marketing.