Honda WR-V RS Compact SUV Spied Undisguised in Pune – India Launch Likely Soon
Honda Cars India is gearing up for a major product offensive, and the latest evidence comes from Pune, where a fully undisguised test mule of the Honda WR-V RS was spotted on public roads in early December 2025. The vehicle, in its top-spec RS trim, carried Indonesian plates marked “Honda Jakarta Centre” and a “Testing Vehicle” sticker, strongly suggesting it was undergoing ARAI certification and local evaluation ahead of a potential Indian market entry.
This is the Indonesian-spec second-generation WR-V (launched there in 2022), not the larger Elevate-based WR-V sold in Japan. It shares its platform with the Honda Amaze sedan and measures around 4,060 mm in length – just over the sub-4m threshold. For India, Honda is expected to shorten it slightly to qualify for lower excise duties in the compact SUV segment.
Key Highlights of the Spied WR-V RS
- Design: Sporty RS body kit with aggressive bumpers, skid plates, black cladding, roof rails, rear spoiler, 17-inch alloys, LED headlights with wraparound DRLs, and L-shaped LED taillights with sequential indicators.
- International Specs (Indonesia): 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine (121 PS, 145 Nm), paired with 6-speed manual or CVT; features include a 7-inch touchscreen, 6 airbags, cruise control, and Honda Sensing ADAS.
- Expected India Changes: Likely to switch to the 1.2L petrol engine from the new Amaze for tax benefits, keeping it affordable (estimated starting price ~₹8-10 lakh). Interior could borrow from the third-gen Amaze with modern touches.
The sighting aligns perfectly with Honda’s recent announcement of launching 10 new models in India by 2030, including 7 SUVs. The WR-V would slot below the Elevate as a sub-4m compact SUV, directly rivaling the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Brezza – a segment Honda has been absent from since discontinuing the previous WR-V in 2023.
While Honda hasn’t officially confirmed the launch, the undisguised testing in Pune (home to ARAI) points to serious intent. Expect more details or an official reveal in the coming months, possibly targeting a 2026 launch. This could be a much-needed volume driver for Honda in India’s highly competitive SUV market!