In the race between automakers to provide a SUV in every possible market segment and niche, the latest contender is the Honda WR-V that is a kind of jazzed up Jazz.

It shares its basic body shell and platform with the Honda Jazz, but at least it not simply a badge job and it has its own styling front and rear with the looks quite similar to the HR-V and it has the requisite raised ride height – 173 mm.

Pricing is R289 900 for the 1.2 Comfort and R319 900 for the 1.2 Elegance so it sits as an alternative to the 7-seat BR-V (R285 400) and is cheaper than the equivalent Jazz slightly, which sells for R290 800 in 1.2 Comfort guise.

The only engine option is the normally aspirated 1.2-litre i-VTEC 16-valve unit, which pushes 66 kW and 110 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.

The entry-level WR-V 1.2 Comfort is fitted as standard with automatic climate control, a conventional audio system, multi-function steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, electric windows and mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, six crash bags and anti-lock brakes.

The 1.2 Elegance gains a 17.8cm touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay connectivity and reverse camera, as well as push-button start, cruise control and leather-covered steering wheel.

Both models have 16-inch alloy wheels as standard and apart from LED headlights on the flagship, there is little to tell the Comfort and Elegance apart.

After-sales backup comes in the form of a 5-year/200 000 km warranty and 4-year/60 000 km service plan, with intervals set at 15 000 km.