Honda Japan has just opened pre-orders for the 2024 Honda WR-V. Despite sharing the same "Winsome Runabout Vehicle" acronym as the one currently on sale in Malaysia, it is an entirely different model.

Fully imported from India where the JDM WR-V is sold as the Honda Elevate, it is a blocky-looking SUV that makes our WR-V appear cute by comparison. However, Honda Access is offering accessories to spruce up the Japanese WR-V’s look.

Called the “Tough Style” package, its centrepiece is the front grille which gives a bit more bite thanks to the silver surroundings and the vertical slats. That combo makes it look like a grizzled rapper showing off their chompers and suddenly, it’s the 2000s again though unfortunately, spinners are still not part of the official accessories pack.

Also read: Honda WR-V heads to Japan, but it's a different model from Malaysia

Chrome and silver trims are also added to the lower parts of the SUV for a tough look that makes it appear ready to go off-road. However, splotchy patches of grass are likely the furthest the WR-V can go off the usual tarmac since it is front-wheel drive (FWD).

Other accessories include a pair of fender garnish with the WR-V name, chrome and black fuel lid decal, and chrome exhaust pipe finishes to make the SUV more riced up than a hefty bento box.

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Since these are merely visual upgrades, the accessorised WR-V is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine. Power figures have yet to be released though the Indian Elevate’s power output is rated at 121 PS and 145 Nm which is the same as our WR-V, City, and City Hatchback.

Also read: 2023 Honda Elevate makes global debut in India, EV model to be introduced by 2026

The JP WR-V is also a larger SUV compared to its Malaysian/ASEAN counterpart and would sit between the HR-V and CR-V dimensions-wise. Due to the absence of a hybrid option, the WR-V is likely to be priced less than the HR-V which is called the Vezel in Japan while the CR-V has been discontinued over there.

Also read: Too big, too expensive, sales of USA-focused Honda CR-V and Accord to end in Japan

Instead, the ZR-V essentially replaces the CR-V in Japan which in turn is the American HR-V that is based on the Civic.

Honda’s global SUV line-up might seem confusing with some models overlapping others but as gruff as the Japanese WR-V looks whether with or without the accessories, it might not be offered in Malaysia.