Honda WR-V in Malaysia - Hybrid won't be available at launch, but likely to be coming later
Hans · Jul 12, 2023 03:27 PM
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Ahead of the Honda WR-V’s launch tomorrow, Honda Malaysia has confirmed that its new entry-level SUV sitting below the Honda HR-V will be launched with just one engine option – the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated i-VTEC paired to a CVT-type automatic transmission.
The A-segment Honda WR-V competes against the Perodua Ativa (albeit with a higher price), and shares many mechanical parts with the B-segment Honda City and Honda City Hatchback, including the L15 engine. Both City models are also available with a fuel-sipping 1.5-litre hybrid engine.
Thailand market model shown, our local car won't have roof rails and black side mirrors
Naturally, there is expectation that the WR-V will follow the City and City Hatchback’s two-pronged powertrain offering – a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit for the traditionalists, and a 1.5-litre full-hybrid for those ready for an electrified future.
At a pre-launch media event earlier today, we asked Honda Malaysia if there will be a hybrid WR-V, Executive Coordinator Yujiro Sugino said, “Hybrid is something that we want to expand as a company in the total lineup and it is being considered for the future but for now, we focus on this (WR-V with 1.5L i-VTEC).”
Honda Malaysia’s polite reply is to be expected since no other country has launched a WR-V hybrid yet. However, the response also indirectly indicates that the door for a WR-V hybrid is not closed.
Recall that Honda Malaysia said the same thing during the launch of the FE generation 2022 Honda Civic in January 2022. At launch, only the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine was offered, but a 2.0-litre hybrid variant followed in December 2022.
Excluding the WR-V, Honda Malaysia currently sells 6 models, 4 of which are already available with the 2-motor i-MMD full-hybrid technology – marketed under the e:HEV badge.
The remaining two models without hybrid options are the Accord and CR-V, both are reaching the end of their model lifecycles.
A total 2,500 bookings have been collected since the order books were opened on 12-June. Prices will be announced tomorrow so check back wapcar.my tomorrow for more details.
Over 15 years of experience in automotive, from product planning, to market research, to print and digital media. Garages a 6-cylinder manual RWD but buses to work.
