Honda Cars India Starts Export of Elevate SUV

Honda cars has commenced exporting the made-in-India Elevate to other countries. The first country to get the new compact SUV is Japan, where it has been renamed as the WR-V. Both the export and domestic variants of the Elevate are being manufactured at Honda’s Tapukara plant in Rajasthan. We take a closer look.

Honda Elevate Export Variant: Slightly Different From Indian Model

In terms of exterior design, the export variant of the Honda Elevate is identical to the Indian model. However, the interior is where there are a few differences. The export model gets an all-black theme instead of the dual-tone black and beige layout we get here. It also gets a different infotainment system, which may offer country-specific content and features.

In Japan, where the Elevate will be known as the WR-V, it will sit below the HR-V in the brand’s lineup. It will give customers an option of buying an SUV with traditional upright and squared-off styling instead of the coupe-like design of the HR-V. Additionally, the HR-V is only available as a strong hybrid, while the WR-V will be offered with an ICE option only.

Honda Elevate Export Variant: Powertrain Details

Honda will offer the Elevate export variant with the same powertrain as the Indian model. It is a 1.5-litre N/A petrol motor that makes 120 bhp with 145 Nm of peak torque. However, the CVT automatic will be the sole transmission choice globally, unlike India where a 6-speed manual gearbox is also on offer.

Honda: Two Separate WR-Vs Sold Globally

Honda currently offers two different WR-Vs overseas. The Japan-spec model is based on the City and will be exported from India. Meanwhile, the WR-V sold in Indonesia is based on the Amaze, features different styling, and is slightly smaller.

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