Priced from RM 90k, 2023 Honda WR-V launched in Malaysia; 1.5 NA, CVT, Sensing ADAS
Sanjay · Jul 13, 2023 11:26 AM
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A new entrant in the sub-RM 100k SUV market emerges today as the locally-assembled (CKD Pegoh, Melaka) 2023 Honda WR-V has just been launched in Malaysia. Four variants complete the range, all of them powered by the same engine, with prices starting from RM 89,900 k.
1.5 S - RM 89,900
1.5 E - RM 95,900
1.5 V - RM 99,900
1.5 RS - RM 107,900
Powertrain and performance
The WR-V is a pretty feature-packed car, especially at the higher variants. There's more power in this though, courtesy of a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine setup that's the same as in the City.
Power output is 121 PS and 145 Nm, routed through to the front wheels (FWD) via a CVT-automatic. There isn't a hybrid variant at launch. Standard-issue brakes for all four variants are discs up front, and drums for the rear.
Suspension-wise, it's got the regular MacPherson struts up front, torsion beam at the back, though the RS gets its own bespoke tuning. Ground clearance is 207 mm.
Exterior features
At its base, the 1.5 S and 1.5 E variants are fitted with projector halogen headlights (with LED daytime running lights), side mirrors with indicators, and LED combination tail lights. Wheels are basic 16-inchers in single-tone silver.
Moving up the specs step-up, the 1.5 V introduces automatic LED headlights and front foglamps, though it keeps the same 16-inch rollers.
The RS – Road Sailing, Honda's nomenclature for top-spec cars in our region – comes with its own choice touches. A new studded dark chrome grille decorates the front fascia, at the corners there's dual-tone 17-inch wheels, and capping all that are a set of redesigned RS badges, now in a sharper font.
Note too that our cars differ from the overseas-markets one as we don't get roof rails up top, nor dual tone colour options. Speaking of which, we get five different colourways: the headline, new Stellar Diamond Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Ignite Red Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, and also Platinum White Pearl.
Interior features
The WR-V's cabin may be a case of deja vu for a select few, as it melds cues from different recent Honda models. The simple dashboard is reminscent of the BR-V's, while some may remember the Civic FC having the same steering wheel.
Fortunately though, there's lots of new stuff as well, in addition to an interior packaging that belies the car's diminutive size.
Note the differences between the gauges
Before we get into that, let's see the spec-by-spec playbook. Everything other than the RS gets silver details with blue accents. The analogue meter is the basic type in the S, while every variant above that gets a colour digital multi-info display between the analogue dials.
Thai-market car, but ours is identical otherwise
Moving up the variants, the 1.5 V and 1.5 RS both net leather seats (fabric for S and E), leather steering wheel covers and gear knob, but note that the RS sports red stitching on said items in addition to red details peppered throughout.
All four variants also net a 7-inch infotainment system, replete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Speaker count is 6 for the RS; 4 for the E and V, and 2 for the S.
The WR-V is also equipped with remote engine start as well (E and above); which also turns on the air-cond from outside. Honda Connect is also baked into the model.
A rear centre armrest is available from the V variant onwards, and the bench themselves fold downwards 60:40 - no multi-way folding Ultra Seats in the WR-V.
Bootspace (manual bootlid for all) is 380 litres with the seats up. There is a space saver spare tyre below as well.
Shaun is 177 cm tall
First impressions? Despite it being a small car, the cockpit affords some much-welcomed 'breathing space' due to the positioning of the centre stack, and the rear being wide enough to accomodate tall adults easily.
Full specs details as above
Safety
Four airbags are standard for the 1.5 S, 1.5 E, 1.5 V, though the 1.5 RS gets six. Honda LaneWatch is standard. The requisite items (anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, vehicle stability assist) are present on all variants.
Available from the E variant onwards is the Honda Sensing active safety array, encompassing these features:
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN)
Auto High Beam (AHB)
The ASEAN NCAP testing protocol has awarded the WR-V with 5 stars.
Warranty and aftersales
Per every other model in their line-up, Honda Malaysia backs the 2023 Honda WR-V in Malaysia with a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
