The Honda WR-V arrives in Malaysia to challenge the Perodua Ativa and has no answer from Toyota or Nissan.
There’s a new player in the small crossover market for Malaysia with the all-new Honda WR-V. This little SUV is the first of its kind from a Japanese brand and comes in at an attractive price of RM89,900. Honda Malaysia has decided to launch this new WR-V instead of bringing in the second generation Honda BR-V. Based on market research, consumers were looking for a stylish, compact, agile crossover with high ground clearance and a spacious comfortable cabin from a trustworthy brand. Those factors drove the WR-V’s product development.
Building on the solid and reliable fundamentals of the City and City Hatchback, the WR-V is powered by a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC naturally-aspirated petrol engine and a CVT automatic with G-Design Shift technology. The powerplant pushes out 121PS and 145Nm of torque while delivering good fuel economy, which is important in this segment.
This one powertrain is found in all four variants of the Honda WR-V in Malaysia. Here’s the price and specification break down:
| Grade | Price | Key Spec |
| S | RM89,900 | -16″ alloy wheels – fabric seats – 7″ display audio with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto – 2 speakers – Smart Entry with Push Start – 4 airbags – 2x Type USB ports – Honda LaneWatch |
| E | RM95,900 | + shark fin antenna + 4.2″ multi info display + reverse camera + rear seat belt reminder + 2 speakers (4 total) + Remote Engine Start + Walkaway Auto Lock + Auto Headlight + Honda Sensing* |
| V | RM99,900 | + LED Headlight + LED DRL + Front LED Fog Light + Auto Air Conditioning + leather upholstery with blue stitching + rear centre armrest |
| RS | RM107,900 | + RS interior and exterior package + 17″ dual tone alloy wheel + front sequential turn signals + paddle shifters + Honda Connect + 2 side curtain airbags (total 6) + 2 tweeter speakers (total 6) |
*Honda Sensing includes:
- Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Auto High Beam (AHB)
The Honda WR-V comes with a 380L cargo capacity that can be expanded thanks a 60:40 split folding rear seat. It lacks Ultra Seats as the fuel tank is NOT placed in the centre of the vehicle. Colour choices include:
- Platinum White Pearl
- Ignite Red Metallic
- Meteoroid Gray Metallic
- Crystal Black Pearl
- Stellar Diamond Pearl
Stellar Diamond Pearl is a new shade and may come to other Honda models in Malaysia soon. Honda Malaysia have already collected 2500 bookings for the WR-V prior to launch and has a monthly sales target of 1300 units. Deliveries will begin in two months. Head to their official website for more information, visit an authorised Honda dealership or call 1-800-88-2020.
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura said, “As the automotive landscape changes in Malaysia, we are witnessing a rise in demand for SUV models. This segment is increasing in popularity as it is practical and spacious, while offering driving performance and comfort. Based on the insights, Honda’s Research and Development (R&D) team incorporated the best features of an SUV into a smaller design, to enable the joy of owning a practical and Small SUV for everyday urban commutes. Thus, we debuted Honda Malaysia’s first Small SUV in the country, the All-New WR-V. We believe this Small SUV has a huge potential in the market and will strengthen Honda Malaysia’s strong presence in the Non-National SUV segment. We are confident that the All-New WR-V can appeal to young professionals and families who seek a Small SUV with a good value offering.”
