The highly-awaited 2023 Honda WR-V has finally been launched here in Malaysia, as the new entry point to the local Honda SUV line-up. The compact crossover will be offered here in four variants, priced from RM89,900 (on-the-road, without insurance) for the entry-level S variant.
Billed as a rival to the Perodua Ativa, the Honda WR-V stands out with its stylish exterior design, especially on the range-topping RS variant thanks to the unique trims including the chequered-flag inspired front grille mesh, 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, and LED lighting up front.
The lower variants don’t get the same rockstar treatment, however, with the most glaring “downgrade” being the simple-looking 16-inch alloy wheels. The S and E variants also make do with halogen headlamps, although the latter does at least get automatic headlights as part of its equipment list.
Being the new entry-level model, the Honda WR-V also sports a fairly simplistic – if not somewhat old school – interior design. Penny-pinching measures had to be implemented to hit its price point, and as such all variants will only come with an analogue instrument cluster (all variants aside from the entry-level S does get a 4.2-inch TFT multi-info display between the dials).
The seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display in the centre is standard across the board, however, and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity right out of the box.
ALSO READ: 2023 Honda WR-V – 1,300-unit monthly sales target, 2-3 months waiting period
Underneath the bonnet of the all-new 2023 Honda WR-V lies the very familiar 1.5-litre turbocharged naturally-aspirated inline-four engine – the same that’s used in the City, City Hatchback, and HR-V. The 1.5-litre mill here continues to make 121 hp and 145 Nm as before, with power sent to the front wheels only via a CVT gearbox.
In terms of safety, all variants aside from the base-spec S will come equipped with the Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance suite, which includes features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic high-beam.
For more information on the all-new 2023 Honda WR-V, check out our detailed launch coverage here.
