Cheaper than HR-V, this Ativa-rivalling 2023 Honda WR-V will offer turbo / hybrid power at City prices
Eric · Oct 6, 2022 10:37 AM
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2023 Honda WR-V to challenge Raize, Rocky, and Ativa soon
Could be 1.5-litre e:HEV, 1.0-litre turbo, or 1.5-litre NA engine
Entry-level SUV that could be priced like a Honda City
Ever since the Toyota Raize and Daihatsu Rocky made its debut back in 2020, this entry-level SUV duo has been a sales hit in Japan. Upon its launch in Indonesia, the Raize-Rocky duo also climbed to the top of the sales chart, much like its Malaysian counterpart, the Perodua Ativa.
If recent development is of any indication, the Raize, Rocky, and Ativa reign could soon be threatened by a new upcoming entry-level SUV, which is likely to be the 2023 Honda WR-V.
Honda is on a roll with SUVs
The SUV RS Concept could preview the WR-V
Earlier this year, we reported that Honda is indeed developing a new entry-level SUV for the ASEAN region, which was previewed by the Honda SUV RS Concept.
Interestingly, the Honda WR-V may not be limited to the ASEAN region, as recent reports from Japan indicate that Honda has plans for an entry-level SUV in the Land of the Rising Sun too.
One plus one equals to two so it’s not difficult to see that the WR-V could also be offered in Japan. After all, the Raize and Rocky are also offered in Japan and Honda is currently unrepresented in that segment.
Japanese media outlets also reported that the upcoming WR-V could get the choice of several powertrain options:
1.0-litre turbo with 122 PS and 173 Nm
1.5-litre e:HEV hybrid with 109 PS, 253 Nm
1.5-litre naturally-aspirated with 122 PS and 145 Nm
Yes, those powertrain options are similar to what's currently on offer on the Honda City and Honda City Hatchback, though actual availability depends on the market.
Thailand's Honda City gets a 1.0-litre turbo and 1.5-litre hybrid
Recall that within the ASEAN region, the Honda City is offered with these powertrains:
Thailand: 1.0-litre turbo and 1.5-litre e:HEV
Malaysia: 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated and 1.5-litre e:HEV
Singapore: 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated
Indonesia: 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated
Philippines: 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated
Vietname: 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated
The new 1.5-litre DOHC unit has been fitted to multiple Honda models across this region
How big is the Honda WR-V?
The Japanese sources claimed that the Honda WR-V would be 4,200 mm long, 1,760 mm wide, and 1,600 mm tall.
Dimensions
Model
Length (mm)
Width (mm)
Height (mm)
WR-V
4,200
1,760
1,600
Ativa
4,065
1,710
1,635
HR-V
4,330
1,790
1,590
When will it go on sale?
Is the capital W hinting that the model could be called WR-V?
While the Japanese Honda WR-V is expected to reach dealerships by Spring 2023, it remains to be seen when the ASEAN-spec model will go on sale. We reckon it could be soon, as the model has been spotted in production form back in July.
How expensive would it be?
Last but certainly not the least, the Japanese Honda WR-V could be priced from the JPY 2 million (~RM 64k) mark, right smack into the Rocky-Raize duo’s price point (JPY 1.7 million to JPY 2.5 million).
If the forthcoming 2023 Honda WR-V is priced similarly to a Honda City, would you consider purchasing one?
Started from the IT industry but somehow managed to find his way into the automotive industry. If he’s not gaming, he’s constantly tinkering with his daily/weekend car.
