KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Honda WR-V RS spotted undisguised, confirming local testing ahead of a likely 2026 launch
- Sporty RS styling with LED lighting, bold cladding, and signature RS badging
- India-spec model expected to use a 1.2L petrol engine with MT/CVT options from the Amaze
Honda's long-term India strategy is beginning to take shape, and one of the first signs is the unexpected appearance of the Honda WR-V RS on Indian roads. Spotted undisguised in Pune, the sportier RS variant hints at Honda fast-tracking its product expansion ahead of its promise to introduce 10 new models by 2030. The sighting suggests the WR-V RS could join Honda's local lineup sooner than expected, giving the brand a much-needed boost in the compact SUV segment. Read on to find out more details on the latest sightings, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
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Honda WR-V RS Spied Undisguised: What The Images Reveal
The undisguised Honda WR-V RS caught on camera leaves little to the imagination. The SUV carries an Indonesian number plate frame marked 'Honda Jakarta Centre,' along with a 'Testing Vehicle' note on the windshield gives clear indicators that Honda is evaluating the global-spec WR-V for Indian conditions, likely as part of ARAI certification. From the front, the WR-V RS sports a sharper, more athletic face. The headlamp shape and upper grille layout echo Honda's newer design language, similar to what we've seen on the global Amaze, but the RS variant adds a sportier twist with gloss-black accents, a honeycomb-style grille insert, and a chunkier bumper. Sleek LED DRLs and neatly integrated fog lamp housings further elevate its youthful appeal.
Move to the side profile, and the WR-V continues to look more SUV-like than before, thanks to bold cladding, slightly raised stance, and clean character lines. The wheels appear to be RS-spec alloys finished in a darker tone, consistent with the trim's positioning in overseas markets. At the rear, the LED taillamps feature a familiar C-shaped signature, but the RS trim adds sequential turn indicators, a more sculpted bumper, and a prominent red RS badging that instantly identifies it as the sportiest offering in the WR-V family. Overall, the SUV looks contemporary and well-proportioned, with enough distinct touches to differentiate itself from Honda's existing lineup.
Expected Engine and Powertrain for India
Internationally, the Honda WR-V uses a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, producing 121 hp and 145 Nm. However, for India, Honda is expected to take a different route. The 1.2-litre petrol engine from the third-generation Amaze is likely to be adopted for this model to meet local market needs and pricing expectations. Manual and CVT options are expected, mirroring Honda's typical offerings in the segment.
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Positioning In Honda's India Lineup
Honda currently sells just three models in India, the City, Amaze, and the increasingly popular Elevate. The WR-V RS would not only expand this portfolio but also give Honda a stronger foothold in the compact SUV space, a segment that continues to witness intense demand. With its sporty styling, feature-rich cabin (expected), and Honda's reputation for refinement, the WR-V RS could quickly become a high-volume contender for the Japanese brand, something it still hasn't witnessed for quite some time.
Verdict
The Honda WR-V RS's undisguised appearance in India strongly suggests that the SUV is closer to launch than anticipated. With its sporty RS styling, familiar Honda practicality, and a likely India-friendly powertrain, the WR-V RS could be a strategic addition at a time when Honda needs fresh nameplates to stay competitive. If Honda manages to price it smartly and load it with the right set of features, the WR-V RS may very well become the catalyst for the brand's renewed push in 2026.
