Honda Cars India has started exporting the Elevate mid-sized SUV to Japan. In fact, the Made-in-India Honda Elevate has been launched in the Japanese market under the brand name WR-V. It is for the first time in HCIL’s business that a model is being exported from India to Japan that highlights the country’s growing manufacturing prowess and global competitiveness.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Takuya Tsumura, President and CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, “Launch of the ‘Made-in-India’ Elevate as WR-V in Japan is a proud moment for all of us. This reaffirms our manufacturing potential and growing importance of Honda Cars India in Honda’s global business strategies. The All-New Honda Elevate has been very well appreciated in the Indian market becoming our key pillar of business. We are confident that we will be able to replicate this success and satisfy our global customers with the best quality and craftsmanship.”
The Honda Elevate made its global debut in India in September last year. The company sold over 30,000 units in the past 6 months in the country. The model was unveiled as Honda WR-V in Japan in December 2023 and has received an excellent response from customers. The Japanese-spec model will be offered in 3 variants – X, Z and Z+ and in total of 5 colours – Illumina Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Gold Brown Metallic and Meteoroid Grey Metallic.
Similar to the India-spec Elevate, the new Honda WR-V for Japan will come with ADAS tech with features like collision mitigation brake, false start prevention function, false rear start prevention function, short-distance collision mitigation brake, pedestrian accident reducing steering, road departure prevention function, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping support system, preceding vehicle start notification function, sign recognition function, auto high beam and parking sensor system.
It is powered by a tried & tested 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 121bhp and a peak torque of 145Nm. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a CVT automatic unit. However, the India-spec model is also available with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
