All-new Honda WR-V to launch in Malaysia Q3 2023



Yes, it’s confirmed! Following rumours that have been swirling around the internet recently, Honda Malaysia has now announced that the all-new Honda WR-V will indeed be making its debut here on our shores later this year, in the third quarter of 2023.

The Honda WR-V will become the entry-level SUV offering in the marque’s line-up here in Malaysia, replacing the BR-V that has now been discontinued.

Honda Malaysia says that the introduction of the WR-V will make it the “first Japanese mass market manufacturer to enter the Small SUV segment” in our market. For context, the Honda WR-V measures 4,060 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2,485 mm; 1,780 mm wide, and 1,608 mm tall, putting it right about the wheelhouse of a Perodua Ativa.

Looks wise, the Honda WR-V sports a fairly aggressive design motif that was first previewed by the RS SUV concept back in 2021. Highlights include the chequered flag-inspired front grille, LED headlights, skid plate-like elements on the bumpers, 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as a two-tone black roof on certain variants.

Introduced in Indonesia last November, the second-generation Honda WR-V is offered solely with a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine and CVT gearbox powertrain combo, the same as that of the Honda City, sending 121 hp and 145 Nm of torque to the front wheels.

Given Honda Malaysia’s strong market push for its hybrid powertrains, we could also possibly see the global debut of an e:HEV hybrid-powered Honda WR-V RS variant here on our shores, just as the City RS e:HEV did back in 2020. Although, that will ultimately come down to pricing, as the small SUV segment consists of predominantly price-sensitive customers.

Over in Thailand, the Honda WR-V is fairly well-equipped with standard features including a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, automatic climate control, synthetic leather and fabric combi seats, as well as automatic climate control.

The Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance suite also comes as standard across both variants over in the Land of Smiles, with features including autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation system, lead car departure notification system, as well as auto high beam.

The range-topping RS variant adds on the Honda LaneWatch blind spot camera system, and raises the airbag count from four to six with the addition of side curtain airbags.


GALLERY