After much anticipation, Honda Malaysia has launched the smallest SUV to wear the H badge in the country. The 2023 Honda WR-V is a direct rival to the Perodua Ativa in terms of size but price-wise it’s close to the Proton X50.

Yet, the 5-seater SUV sibling to the second-generation Honda BR-V (which will not be coming to Malaysia) has a large boot space. At 380 litres, it’s 11 litres more than the Ativa and 50 litres more than the X50.

Even with the rear seats up, the “Winsome Runabout Vehicle” has enough room for a family trip. As demonstrated in the photo above, there’s enough room for a cooler box, a child's stroller, a badminton bag, and a large suitcase. The absence of a tonneau cover does help with adding more things to the boot.

Also read: Malaysians' response to 2023 Honda WR-V overwhelming, dealers working overtime to fulfill preview slots!

As a refresher, the Malaysian-spec WR-V is locally assembled (CKD) at Honda Malaysia’s plant in Pegoh, Melaka. There are 4 variants available and they are all powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine that makes 121 PS and 145 Nm.

Also read: How much of the 2023 Honda WR-V is shared with the City and BR-V?

Power is sent to the front wheels (FWD) via a CVT automatic gearbox. The WR-V has a ground clearance of 207 mm while suspension-wise, there are MacPherson struts up front and torsion beam at the back.

Standard on all variants is Honda LaneWatch and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity though automatic headlights, reverse camera, remote engine starter, and Honda Sensing are offered on all variants except for the base S variant.

Also read: Here to battle the Ativa, 2023 Honda WR-V launched in Malaysia; priced from RM 90k, 1.5 NA, Sensing

As mentioned a few paragraphs ago, the WR-V is available in Malaysia in 4 variants and the following are the prices (Peninsular Malaysia, on-the-road without insurance):

• WR-V 1.5 S – RM 89,900
• WR-V 1.5 E – RM 95,900
• WR-V 1.5 V – RM 99,900
• WR-V 1.5 RS – RM 107,900

Also read: 2023 Honda WR-V - 4 variants to choose from in Malaysia, what are the differences?