Honda Malaysia has officially launched the 2023 Honda WR-V, with the A-segment/small B-segment SUV making its debut earlier today, four months after it was indicated for our market. As correctly suggested from the information gleaned during the local preview for the car held last month, the Winsome Runabout Vehicle, to give it its full name, goes on sale here in four variant forms, mimicking the City sedan/hatchback line-up.
First up, let’s get to the variant grades and pricing. The WR-V range in Malaysia starts with the base 1.5L S, which dips in under the RM90k-mark at RM89,900. Next, there’s the 1.5L E, which goes for RM95,900. The highest-spec standard variant is the 1.5L V, and that goes for RM99,900.
Finally, there’s the range-topping 1.5L RS, the variant at the heart of all communications regarding the car so far, from the preview test drive in Thailand to the closed-door public previews and ads for it. It rolls in at RM107,900, which is just RM8,000 away from the base S variant of the larger HR-V, now priced at RM115,900 following a recent price revision. All prices are on-the-road, without insurance.
As it is in Indonesia and Thailand, all the Malaysian WR-V variants are powered by a L15ZF 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated DOHC i-VTEC engine offering 121 PS at 6,600 rpm and a maximum torque of 145 Nm at 4,300 rpm. The mill is the same unit as found in the City and entry-level HR-V Grade S, and like in those applications, is paired with a CVT.
Size-wise, the WR-V is a direct competitor to the Perodua Ativa. The WR-V measures in at 4,060 mm long, 1,780 mm wide and 1,608 mm tall (1,576 mm for the S), with a 2,485 mm-long wheelbase.
In comparison, the Ativa is 4,065 mm long, 1,710 mm wide and 1,635 mm tall, and has a 2,525 mm-long wheelbase, making it five mm longer, 27 mm taller and 40 mm longer in terms of wheelbase, but 70 mm narrower than the WR-V. As for ground clearance, the WR-V’s 207 mm is slightly ahead of the Ativa’s 200 mm.
As mentioned in our test drive review, despite the similarity in size, the WR-V feels a bit more compact of the two visually, but its lines make it the more vibrant looking of the duo and sportier, in the case of the RS. With a chrome chequered front grille and two-tone 17-inch wheels, it does have a taut, bold look about it.
However, the Malaysian-specification RS omits the one visual feature that would have completed things, and that’s the black roof (as seen on the Thai RS) to present it in a two-tone exterior colour scheme. As confirmed from the preview, there’s no black roof for Malaysia, and neither is there an add-on option for it, so if you’re looking to dress the variant up as such, it’ll have to be done via an externally-sourced route.
The Malaysian WR-V also omits the faux roof rails as seen on the Thai example – made of plastic, they’re decorative rather than functional anyway, so expect to find something along those lines via the aftermarket route. The one mechanical difference in the Malaysian car is the inclusion of a height adjustment switch for the headlights, part of the UNECE regulations requirement as specified by Malaysia.
Inside, you’ll find a dashboard that mimics the ones on the second-gen Amaze and second-gen BR-V, which it takes over from in the local model line-up. This brings along traditional elements such as an analogue instrument cluster (with a MID display, or a 4.2-inch TFT screen in higher variants) and a gearshift assembly carried over from the BR-V to a mechanical handbrake. Aside from the cosmetic considerations, everything works well to sight and touch.
Elsewhere, the WR-V offers 380 litres of boot space, which is 11 litres more than the Ativa, although this won’t really be discernible in actual use. However, there’s no tonneau cover or even provision for one (there are no mounting cutouts in the rear plastic trim for this) on the WR-V, so buyers will have to consider how they want to go about maintaining boot space privacy, with darker window tint likely the easiest solution.
As for standard equipment, the WR-V comes with a seven-inch Digital Audio touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility fitted across all variants. Also found on all variants is the automaker’s LaneWatch side camera system, two front USB ports, a multi-angle reverse camera, power retractable door mirrors and two rear parking sensors.
Variant-wise, the base Grade S effectively mirrors the Indonesian base E in terms of general specifications. It gets halogen headlamps (without auto feature), black fabric seats, digital air-conditioning and a MID instrument display, while the steering wheel is a urethane unit.
As for the audio system, the S gets a basic two speaker layout, and it is dressed with 16-inch five-spoke silver alloys and 215/60 Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance tyres. The S also comes with a micro pole antenna, the only variant to feature this.
Moving on to the E adds on auto headlights and a shark fin antenna, while interior additions include remote engine start, walk-away auto lock, cruise control and a 4.2-inch TFT coloured multi-info display for the instrument cluster. The E also gets two extra speakers to bring the driver array to four.
Heading into the V adds on exterior kit in the form of LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED front fog lamps and LED front turn indicators. Inside, the variant ups the trim with the introduction of a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a switch to leather/fabric combination upholstery with blue contrast stitching. Also finding its way on is a single-zone automatic climate control system and a rear centre armrest.
Finally, the range-topping RS adds on exterior kit such as a variant-specific chrome chequered grille and larger 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, which are shod with 215/55 Continental UC6 tyres. Inside, the variant features red accent trim and red contrast stitching on the leather/fabric combi seats and steering wheel. Incidentally, the RS is the only variant to feature a black headliner, with that on the S, E and V being finished in grey.
Other items include LED sequential turn signals, paddle shifters, alloy pedals, red needles for the speedometer/tachometer (white on the other variants) and two further speakers to make for a six-speaker audio set-up. The RS is also the only variant to come equipped with the Honda Connect telematics system.
In terms of safety, the WR-V comes with four airbags (front and side) as standard across all variants (except the RS, which gets six airbags), rear ISOFIX child seat anchors, vehicle stability control,
ABS with EBD and brake assist and hill start assist as standard. That’s for the base S.
From the E onwards, you’ll find the Honda Sensing ADAS package, which contains lead car departure notification (LCDN), adaptive cruise control (ACC), collision mitigation braking system (CMBS or AEB), forward collision warning (FCW), lane keep assist system (LKAS), road departure mitigation (RDM), lane departure warning (LDW) and auto high beam (AHB).
Missing from the Sensing suite on the WR-V is the low-speed follow function, and this can be put down to the mechanical handbrake utilised on the car.
Five exterior colours are available for the 2023 Honda WR-V, and these are Ignite Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Stellar Diamond Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl. A Modulo bodykit package is also available for the SUV, as are a number of accessories packages.
Read our first drive report of the SUV for a more detailed overview of the WR-V from a performance and product perspective.
2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 S – RM89,900
Gets as standard:
Mechanicals
- 1.5 litre DOHC i-VTEC engine
- 1,498 cc naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol
- 121 PS at 6,600 rpm, 145 Nm at 4,300 rpm
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
- Front-wheel drive
- Mechanical parking brake
- MacPherson strut suspension (front), torsion beam (rear)
- Ventilated brake discs (front), drum (rear)
- 0-100 km/h in 11.0 seconds
- 1,108 kg kerb weight
Exterior
- Halogen headlamps
- Bulbed front turn indicators
- LED taillights
- 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, 215/60 Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance tyres
- Power-folding door mirrors
- Body-coloured door handles
- Micro pole antenna
Interior
- Smart entry with push-start button
- Urethane multifunction steering wheel, with audio controls
- Tilt steering wheel adjustment
- Analogue instrument cluster with monochrome multi-info display
- White instrument cluster indicator needles
- Power windows with driver’s side auto up/down
- Urethane gear knob
- Black fabric upholstery
- Light grey headliner
- Fabric-covered top centre console armrest
- Manually-adjustable front seats
- Manual climate control system
- Seven-inch Display Audio touchscreen head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bluetooth, hands-free telephone (HFT) system
- Two speakers
- Two front USB ports
- 12V accessory socket at rear of centre console
- Two rear parking sensors
- Multi-angle reverse camera
- 16-inch steel spare wheel
- 380 litre boot space
Safety
- Four airbags (front and side)
- Rear ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Vehicle stability control
- ABS with EBD and brake assist
- Hill start assist
- Emergency stop signal
- Seat belt reminder on all seats
- Auto door lock
- Honda LaneWatch side camera system
2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 E – RM95,900
Adds on:
Mechanicals
Exterior
- Auto headlights
- Shark fin antenna
Interior
- Remote engine start
- Walk-away auto lock
- Cruise control
- 4.2-inch TFT coloured multi-info display
- Four speakers
Safety
- Rear seat reminder
- Honda Sensing driver assistance suite
- Forward collision warning
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Road departure mitigation
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping assist
- Automatic high beam
- Lead car departure notification
- Rear seat reminder
2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 V – RM99,900
Adds on:
Mechanicals
- 0-100 km/h in 11.1 seconds
- 1,125 kg kerb weight
Exterior
- LED headlights
- LED daytime running lights
- LED front fog lamps
- LED front turn indicators
Interior
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather/fabric combination upholstery with blue contrast stitching
- Leather-covered top centre console armrest
- Single-zone automatic climate control system
- Rear seat centre armrest
2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 RS – RM107,900
Adds on:
Mechanicals
- 0-100 km/h in 11.3 seconds
- 1,145 kg kerb weight
Exterior
- RS chequered pin front grille
- RS badging
- LED sequential front turn indicators
- 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, with 215/55 Continental UC6 tyres
Interior
- Leather/fabric combination upholstery with red contrast stitching
- Black headliner
- Paddle shifters
- Red instrument cluster indicator needles
- Sport pedals
- Six speakers
Safety
- Six airbags (front, side, side curtain)
- Honda Connect telematics system
GALLERY: 2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 RS
GALLERY: 2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 V
GALLERY: 2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 RS with Honda Connect telematics
GALLERY: 2023 Honda WR-V Malaysian brochure
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