Honda of Brazil is gearing up to electrify and expand its range of cars in Brazil. This Friday (19), executives from the Japanese automaker met with President Lula in Brasília (DF) to announce an investment of R$ 4.2 billion in the country by 2030.

The amount will be spread among the launch of new products, increased local production, as well as the development of new technologies, including the brand’s hybrid flex system.Just as Jornal do Carro reported back in late March, Honda will have a new entry-level SUV made in the country.
In this initial announcement, the automaker does not provide details or mention dates. However, patents registered in the country indicate that the new WR-V is the next big news, with a launch already in 2025.
Recently launched in Japan, the model uses the same base as the City line, with which it will share mechanics and features.
In the Brazilian lineup, the new Honda WR-V will be positioned just below the HR-V in the price list, in a segment that is becoming increasingly crowded, with models like the Fiat Pulse, Chevrolet Tracker, VW Nivus, and newcomers Citroën Aircross and Renault Kardian, among others.When will the new Honda WR-V arrive?The new entry-level Honda SUV is expected to debut within a year, by the beginning of the 2nd half of 2025.
And already with national production at the Itirapina factory, in the interior of São Paulo. However, unlike the previous model, which looked more like an adventurous version of the Fit, the new WR-V will be different from the City line. It will have a much more robust body.
The entry-level SUV is 4.32 m long, 1.79 m wide, 1.65 m tall, and has a 2.61 m wheelbase – with this last measure exactly the same as the HR-V. However, the WR-V will be positioned lower on the price list. Thus, the difference will be in the “packaging.”
Also, the two models will have things in common, as is the case with Nivus and T-Cross.For example, the new WR-V will have the same mechanics as the other models, with a 1.5 flex naturally aspirated engine with direct injection and variable valve timing, capable of delivering 126 hp of power and up to 15.8 kgfm of torque (with ethanol).
And the CVT automatic transmission that simulates seven gears. In all cars, the traction is always front-wheel drive. In addition, it will probably come with a hybrid flex version due to the new emissions limits of Proconve L8 (Control Program of Air Pollution by Automotive Vehicles).
Hybrid flex and full production steamHonda’s factories in the interior of São Paulo will work in two shifts to accelerate the production of vehicles from the Japanese automaker.
The HR-V, City, and City Hatchback models are made in Itirapina, while engines and parts are manufactured in Sumaré.Furthermore, Honda aims to reduce its idleness rate by 20%.
Currently, the automaker’s production is at about 50% of the total capacity of 120,000 units/year. The Japanese company is expected to take advantage of the good sales of the HR-V in 2024.
In just the first three months of this year, the compact SUV has already sold more than 6,000 units. Therefore, the potential production of the WR-V in the country indicates an important step for the brand.