All-new 2023 Honda WR-V debuts in Indonesia, Will it come to Malaysia?

KUALA LUMPUR: Honda has unveiled the second-generation version of its compact SUV, the WR-V. Positioned below the HR-V in the brand’s global lineup, the WR-V is a direct competitor to the Perodua Ativa.

The new WR-V is the road-ready iteration of the SUV RS Concept that surfaced last year in the Indonesian market, where it is now offered in three different trims - E, RS, and RS with Honda Sensing. Pricing for the 2023 WR-V starts at IDR 271.9 million (RM 82.5k) and goes all the way up to IDR 309.9 million (RM 94k).

Talking about the major changes over the predecessor, the second-gen WR-V benefits from sportier cosmetic upgrades inside and out, a new platform, a new engine, and advanced features, and is also slightly bigger in size.

The SUV now looks like a ‘proper’ SUV as it has been designed from the ground up, unlike its predecessor which was just the jacked-up Jazz. Among the key exterior highlights is a honeycomb mesh grille bracketed by sleek LED headlights, a sharp-looking front bumper, a big air dam, LED fog lamps, flared wheel arches, 17-inch alloys, a rugged-looking rear bumper and split LED tail lamps.

The cabin has an all-black interior theme with soft-touch materials and leather upholstery. Depending on the variant, it is loaded with the following bits - 

• 7.0-inch touchscreen unit
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
• Automatic air conditioning
• Remote key operation for engine on/off and headlights
• Push button start-stop
• Six airbags
• Honda Sensing ADAS suite with features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, auto high beam, and automatic emergency braking

Powering the new WR-V is a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, which is good for making a maximum power of 121 PS and a peak torque of 145 Nm. The power is sent to the wheels via a continuously variable transmission.

Will the Honda WR-V come to Malaysia?

Well, there is no such information yet available on the arrival of the WR-V in Malaysia. However, the increasing craze for compact SUVs may lead Honda to bring it against the Ativa in the local market.

Also read: 2023 Honda Civic Type R arrived in Vietnam: What’s on offer