Honda WR-V Spied Testing in Pune, Completely Undisguised

The Honda WR-V RS has now been seen testing in India without any camouflage giving a clear look at the SUV before its expected launch. This fresh sighting lines up with Honda’s long term plan for India where the company has already shared its intention to roll out 10 new models by 2030. Even though the full roadmap stretches over several years, Honda seems to be moving quickly with products that can enter the market sooner

Honda WR-V RS Testing Begins In India

Honda’s future strategy aims to strengthen its presence in the fast growing SUV space. The WR-V has been available in countries like Indonesia and Thailand and the RS variant has now been spotted on Indian roads for the first time in an uncovered form. The sighting strongly indicates that the company has started local assessments which is a common step before an official launch

Clear Signs Of A Test Mule

The test model seen in Pune reveals two important details:

• The number plate frame carries the label “Honda Jakarta Centre”
• A sheet on the front windshield reads “Testing vehicle”

These two signs confirm that this is an Indonesian spec unit undergoing evaluation for India. Since the SUV was seen in Pune where ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) is located the model could be undergoing certification checks

Honda WR-V RS Front-End Design

The Honda WR-V RS seen on test shows its full exterior, since the car was running without any type of cover. The front styling carries a number of design cues that look familiar to Honda’s recent lineup

A Look At The Front Section

The face of the SUV shares a close resemblance to the second generation Honda Amaze especially around the headlights and grille. The grille itself has its own pattern yet the thick chrome bar at the top feels almost identical to the Amaze sedan. The headlamps come with sleek LED DRLs which give the front a modern appeal

The bumper carries a sporty shape, and elements like fog lamps, dark inserts and a faux skid plate add more presence to the overall look. These touches reflect the character of the RS trim which is usually positioned as the sportier option in Honda’s range

Rear Design And RS Highlights Of The Honda WR-V RS

The back of the SUV also reveals several design elements that help the RS variant stand out

Rear Styling Details

• LED tail lamps with sequential turn indicators
• Black cladding that runs along the lower section of the body
• A distinct RS badge finished in red on the rear hatch

The flowing tail lamp design resembles the previous WR-V model, but the newer shape looks cleaner and more stylish. The RS badge makes it clear that this is the sport focused version, which sits above the S, E and V trims in markets like Indonesia

Platform And Mechanical Details Of The Honda WR-V RS

In countries like Indonesia the WR-V is built on the second generation Amaze platform. It is powered by a 1.5 liter i-VTEC petrol engine that produces 121 hp and 145 Nm. The engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic, offering a balance of efficiency and smooth power

Possible India Spec Changes

For the Indian market Honda is expected to shift to the third generation Amaze’s 1.2-liter petrol engine instead of the 1.5 liter unit. This engine choice would be more suitable for local tax brackets and fuel economy expectations. A smaller engine also keeps pricing competitive, which is important in the compact SUV space

Why Honda Is Bringing The WR-V RS To India

Honda currently sells only three models in India: the Elevate, Amaze, and City. The lack of a wide lineup has limited the company’s reach, especially in the SUV heavy market where most buyers are now shopping. Bringing in the WR-V RS gives Honda a chance to re-enter the compact SUV segment with a product that already exists in other Asian markets

Strengthening The Portfolio

• The WR-V can help Honda fill the gap below the Elevate
• The RS trim adds a sportier option for young buyers
• A compact SUV helps increase sales volume
• Local testing ensures the product meets Indian road and fuel standards

The quick appearance of an undisguised unit on public roads shows that Honda may not wait long before announcing its plans for India

Expected Market Position Of The Honda WR-V RS

The compact SUV class in India is one of the busiest and most competitive. If launched, the WR-V RS will stand against strong rivals like the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV300

Honda will likely highlight:

• A clean and sharp exterior
• A recognizable Honda cabin experience
• A reliable and efficient powertrain
• Sporty RS-specific styling

These points could help the WR-V RS stand out in a crowded category

The completely uncovered sighting of the Honda WR-V RS in Pune confirms that Honda is actively testing the model for India. With the SUV already on sale in other Asian markets and Honda planning a larger product expansion the WR-V RS could soon be added to the brand’s local lineup. The RS variant’s sporty look proven platform and strong brand identity may give Honda the boost it needs in the compact SUV market