Rumours that started emerging last year seem to be true as evident by Honda's teaser image released over the weekend. Image: paultan.org.
Rumoured for introduction last year, Honda has officially confirmed the reveal of a new small crossover/SUV below the HR-V for this week.
Despite making no reference to the name in a teaser image released this past weekend, it is widely believed the newcomer will be called ZR-V and apart from slotting-in below the HR-V as mentioned, replace the WR-V that debuted five years ago.
In an apparent reversal of previous reports, the ZR-V, which was supposed to debut in May this year, is now expected to ride on the same platform as the new BR-V instead of the City (Ballade) with the mentioned teaser outlining a significantly bigger silhouette than the WR-V.
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Likely to be influenced by the HR-V and BR-V on the styling front, as well as inside, the ZR-V will still provide seating for five and derive motivation from the same 1.5-litre petrol engine as the BR-V, and potentially also the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol used in the Thai-market City sedan and hatch.
Unlike the WR-V imported from India for sale in South Africa, the ZR-V is not expected to retain the 1.2-litre petrol or 1.5 DTEC turbodiesel engines. Instead, it could get the e:HEV 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain used in the Fit with transmission choices set to include either a five-speed manual or a CVT.
As indicated by the teaser image, all will be revealed this coming Thursday (11 November) when the wraps come off at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show.
For our thoughts of the WR-V, click here.