By Clive Funizwe

If you are going to be late to a party – you better be fashionably late, like the Honda WR-V. Based on its stablemate, the Honda Jazz, it is a raised ride height offers more headroom. This was done without having its proportions ruined. We would go as far as saying that the WR-V design has made it quite a looker and less panel van like.

Practical

Remaining with the positive elements, the WR-V retains the practicality thar Honda is known for. Magic seats are still part of the package, where the rear seats can fold up and allow the space from floor to ceiling to be used to carry items that need to remain upright (think, kids bicycle, a flower or wedding cake).

Upfront, interior space remains good with a good view out for both passengers and driver. Ergonomics are hard to fault most things are intuitively where they should be. The driving position and driver visibility is great too. On the technology front, you get bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a 7-inch touchscreen which connects you to the car’s infotainment. This brings us to the not-so-positive elements. For one, the use of touch screens for both the infotainment and air-conditioning system’s is hampered slightly. Cars at this level do not get haptic feedback and this means you find yourself second guessing whether your input happened.

Engine

 We also felt that the 1.2 engine was a little underpowered for a car that is designed for small families. This means it is easy to get higher than claimed fuel consumption. During our time with the WR-V, we were initially getting an average of around 7.0l/100km but we were nearing the lower 6.0l/100km mark before we parted ways with the WR-V.

Another aspect to note is that the overall cabin quality does not feel as robust as the one in the Jazz. Some switch gear and finish feel less tactile. This is something you will only be aware off if you have been inside a 2020/1 Honda Jazz.

Final word

Overall, the WR-V offers great value from a car point of view and lives up to its price tag and what the competition offers in this category. Our 1.2 Elegance manual derivative is priced from R319,900. Engine output is rated at 66kW and 110 Nm. A 60,000km/4-Year service plan with a 200,000km/5-Year warranty is offered as standard.