Soon, the Perodua Ativa will not be alone in the Malaysian compact SUV market as this latest set of spyshots of the upcoming 2023 Honda WR-V on local roads shows. The fully camouflaged SUV looks completely unrecognizable but there are some clues that point towards this being the WR-V.
The rear of the SUV looks similar to the WR-V that made its global debut in Indonesia last year and there is a prominent protrusion on the passenger side mirror which is where Honda’s LaneWatch camera is located.
The heavily camo'd SUV also bears a Melaka trade plate, M 248 A, and the historic state is also where Honda Malaysia's Pegoh plant is located.
The WR-V is only available with one powertrain in Indonesia, a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre i-VTEC DOHC unit that produces 121 PS and 145 Nm. This is paired with a CVT-type automatic gearbox and the unit is also found on the all-new BR-V as well as petrol variants of the City and City Hatchback.
The WR-V has overtaken the Toyota Raize in sales in Indonesia ever since its debut. Indonesia is the production base for Honda’s compact SUV with plans for it to be exported to markets around ASEAN and other developing markets.
In Malaysia though, the WR-V is likely to be locally assembled (CKD) in Melaka. Despite competing against the Perodua Ativa, the WR-V’s starting price is likely to be higher than the top-spec Ativa. Perodua’s spiritual successor to the Kembara is priced between RM 62,500 to RM 73,400.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
