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
- 1,111 kg kerb weight
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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Still got people buy?? Its EV generation already la. Who still want to change engine oil, change gasket, worry about coolant leaking or overheating?? For this price I can guy EV already
Toyota Veloz or Vios is better. Chery Omada 5 is also better at price range of WRV RS.
Monthly rm800+ only for this amazing WRV.
and your Mak mertua is impressed teramat kagum..
Called that amazing when WRV already no blind spot monitor and 360 camera? WRV also come with two speakers and 4 airbags but only RS come with six for speakers and airbags while Toyota and Chery have
WRV gets Brio interior from India
Better just buy the Honda City
Dead at launch… clearly, the marketing team has not been following up with paultan.org and new car releases in the market. launch this car at this price and expect it to survice the competition? keekek…
again, deat at launch.
at that price, this car is a no-brainer (to NOT BUY!)
battery car saja, boring.
Then beratur nak charge dekat charging station like stupid
Masami probably one of unnamed automotive blog journalist that already start the propaganda on promoting EV cars. Good job. Lick it clean. EV is for loosers. People are moving towards hydrogen fuel cell cars. Work hard okay, Masami. I know loosers like you dreaming to own an EV car, but Proton is best suited for you.
With additional 8k, it’s worth it for RS version ?
Would this shakes the position of
“Best sub-100K vehicle” Alza?
very clever, meanwhile, H logo same segment selling @ RM150,000
Not to mention it is imported from our biggest neighbour but pretend it is from Korea.
How come this piece of junk selling higher than Perodua Ativa? The interior so outdated but the asking price so high. Really not worth, didn’t even have BSM like Ativa. Confirm targeting the Honda Fanboys. No wonder HR-V got price increase. To make this piece of junk looks cheaper I assume Even the Toyota Veloz bigger than this is only starting from RM95k.
So true. The WR-V Odometer also looks like Proton Saga. Inside all plastic, quality like shit but selling price “so high”. I wonder how many people cancelled their booking.
Selagi ada yg mmbeli, slagi tu la ade yg mnjual.
Harga vs ape yg dia bg, sgguh x berbaloi.
Spec mcm waknat.
Tp tetap feveret B40. Logo H kan~
sorry other people that like the brand buy the car that they want and and made other cars more expensive and then out of reach for others. fact that people are buying says they like the car and worth the money. even you expert thinks it does not.
Good alternative to the City if you prefer taller cars and don’t mind the smaller boot.
once you sit inside the WRV, you will realize it is not an alternative to City.. the interior space is not what you would imagine.
You might end up choosing a City instead.
The interior look outdated compared to HRV, with that price better get the base HRV.
4 airbags? what is this, 1998?
This was made for Indian market I think. At this price point after cutting the cost to bare minimum, it also cannot sell well over there as the price is still considered super luxury, so the overstock sell to us in Malaysia. That is why so low spec.
might as well get veloz or xpander.7 seat, better specs.same price.even Ativa is better specs than this
Don’t get that expander pls! Third world product that meant to hv 2 airbags only!
India is making Honda Elevate, which cheaper than Jazz and City
Even larger than this Honda Compact cut size BR-V WR-V
Toyota Veloz or Vios is better. Chery Omada 5 is also better at price range of WRV RS.
Those yg bli H ni die2 wanna impress mentua nih.
Tu yg ade meme, ade H, dpt b***job.
Tapi memang betul bro hahahah modal guna honda city gm6 je, berapa kali dah sedap dalam parking mall hehehehh tu yang sayang nak jual kereta ni
Mantap anak muda. Anda idola kami. Hahahah
Alamak, 4 airbags, Halogen Bulb…
Boleh cash down ka?
People will compare this to the X50 price wise. It will be split between brand presence & value proposition between these two. Ativa just mind it’s own business as usual, no threat.
Handsome than Proton Iriz Active!
One of the special car come with 2 speakers??
Better than perodua/toyota
. Even toyota do not have small SUV… With feature rich lole honda
pricing not too bad… but specs wise nothing outstanding compared to ativa… ativa is very hard to beat for its price
For the same money, I’ll buy Omoda 5
like – WRV
dislike – mazda cx3 1.5
Mini SUVs like these two are a big mistake, but unfortunately people will still gobble them up.
Mistake or not,there is such a thing as “BRANDING”.
There r fanboys who will have nothing but a Honda.
U can explain the kaw kaw dragon frontage of Ativa or the speed of X50,nothing moves them.This is the cheapest SUV in the Honda stable.
Already 2500 have placed bookings.
So ,the competition is getting hotter.
So,Ativa,Alza,Velox,x50 …all engaged in a fierce fight for the sub 100k market for SUV/MPV.
Lmao 100k? Just go for HRV. This thing is DOA.
Test market brada. Tgk bpe rmai yg bangang akan bli WRV nih.
Sng2 je dorg nk candy2 kan kite ye.
marahnya. haha. tenang. beli kereta yg mampu ye. biar yg nak beli tu beli. bukan pakai duit you pun. haha.
reading the specs of this, it’s so obvious that this car was made for developing nations only. if you really want a Honda, look at the city i’m begging. it’s specced so much better. also “ there’s no tonneau cover or even provision for one (there are no mounting cutouts in the rear plastic trim for this)” is about the dumbest thing i have ever read. like what on earth? lol.
another created for India garbage car. anything designed for these “emerging market” is cost-down trash. please stop encouraging manufacturers. stop buying these trash.
Thought that WR-V will be cheaper than the City since it was classified as A-Segment while City was classified as B-Segment but in reality no, it was expensive than the City which I could tell that many people wouldn’t accept to buy WR-V with its price range.
Overpriced for such a small vehicle. Wrong strategy from Honda Malaysia. Should have stuck with the BR-V 7 seater MPV
india model = cost down, cheapo models
how did Malaysians stoop so low???
This generation WR-V is an Indonesian designed model, not Indian, the Indian one is the Honda Elevate, an even cheaper and nastier model. Seriously this sort of “emerging market” cars are the worse.
“Indonesian design” maybe better than India. But it always specced worse than “Malaysian design”, if you want to call it that. Even our Myvi were down-specced in Indo. MY car has always specced similar to Thai & SG. Comparing this to the Honda City, it’s worse specced at a higher price than the City. That 2500 booked really stooped so low.
Aiya who care roti canai better than Tom yam or nasi padang or bak Kut teh as long full and happy ok la. All loser here follow me buy BMW like if not just buy what ever low class car you want and be happy ok
Its either Honda is too dumb or Ringgit is to weak.
It’s most likely both.
Honda clever. They make money using scraps.
its just the buyers are dumb to buy it.
But Honda Malaysia is on the other side thinking Malaysian will be dumb and ringgit currently is weak thou!
100k for A segment ativa rival…. Better just go for x50 or omoda
When their A-segment crossover end up being more expensive than their B-segment sedan and hatchback. I’ve heard the Thais complained about the WR-V’s build quality and interior materials being worse than the City despite being more expensive than the City.
The shorter mpv BR-V now
Will canibalize Honda City sales
4 airbags only FOR REAL?
Ativa, x50 or even omoda 5 is better choice
This is rip off
For those that jakun H will buy this WRV.
Omoda 5 turbo RM 108k, Honda WRV normal RM 99k to RM 108k… Saya pilih Omoda 5
I think we need a new differentiator between this and HR-V because even though they’re both “B-segment” judging by wheelbase, they’re sized very differently internally.
I thought 2023 toyota vios is already badly priced…. until I saw this.
both are overpriced. Even Cherry try their luck with Omoda 5. Expect it to be sub 100k for lower spec model. Blame it on Ploton – they set the price high with X50 and Malaysian equally blamed for buying it. MALAYSIAN SHOULD LEARN HOW TO BOYCOTT OVERPRICED PRODUCTS. Karipap mahal pun beli. Blame it on inflation la Covid la. Serving the interest of the Greed.
You should also thanks to PN rule too during pandemic were only protecting mercedes while not caring other brands. And agree that also done under Tun M policy. And yes both of proton and mercedes are the ones to be blame on
Agree
x50 price high? omg..with the tech, space,& performance, its a bargain. I hv T, H,V, P1 cars, still find x50 one of the best, but started to look abit boring , maybe a facelift can help if u said abt x90, then i agreed.
Everything about this car is outdated, I encourage anyone with half a brain to do your research before buying this overpriced car.
Seriously Honda? This price? This is a very outdated design with basic tech and safety for entry level to the Honda brand and you price it like this?
Good luck. Was expecting 20k cheaper.
In Indonesia, WR-V is positioned below City, and sold cheper than City.. HM really rips off its fanboys..
Indonesia imports the City from Thailand while they locally assemble the WR-V, that’s why the City is more expensive than the WR-V.
Meanwhile Thailand is the other way around, locally assemble the City while importing the WR-V from Indonesia, end up WR-V being more expensive than the City.
Currently Malaysia is the only one to locally assemble both models, yet the WR-V still end up being more expensive than the City.
The City Hatchback is produced in Indonesia, but more expensive than the WR-V by a huge margin, about 20% more
its better to bring BRV instead of WRV
Seemed like it is aiming at Vios buyers and not Ativa due to the pricing.
Vios buyer will be Vios buyer. Toyota owners usually have made up their mind to be more conservative and won’t change their mind suddenly and switch to Honda.
WRV is more on cannibalizing their own City and HRV sales.
I disagree. Used to T but chg to H. T win in comfort, nvh. H win in performance & handling. Anyway i prefer the later, as Nvh can be improved by diy cheaply. But i still think Wrv is overpriced small suv!
WRV and H itself also no blind spot monitor and 360 camera while T have. Vios also come everything and power also improving better even using myvi engine and good quality than WRV and H itself
If i buy, i will choose the cheapest s spec then wrap FULL leather and add 2 more speakers, just enough.
Probably the one and only car in the market now which can showcase how dumb one can be. Ridiculous price, in terms of value, ativa is at miles ahead. In terms of tech, x50 is miles ahead. Y wud anyone buy this? Especially someone whos taking loan to get this. Cannot brain.
Wow, Honda Jazz / BRV price segment but with limited ovarall package
Just reminder that this car was designed in India for India market only. Stop feeding Honda and they will stop feeding us 3rd rate cars.
This generation WR-V is designed in Indonesia, but then again their standards are also really low. A really low standard yet overpriced car.
You cant really compare pegoh made with those honda of thais and indon, thats why the latter exports more. Pegoh made is rubbish
This will be a fail experiment like the BRV, only sell for one generation and then discontinue.
wah with these kind of prices…rakyat are treated like fark only….thot election that time say price reduction here and there…all bullshits only…
yalah india there selling dirt cheap…so no complain there….reached here price double….haha farkla
LOL, and I thought the Daihatsu Vios (refuse to call it a Toyota) was overpriced. I was actually considering waiting for this WR-V to replace my mother’s car. Glad I didn’t wait and went for the Cross Hybrid instead. This kind of interior coupled with CKD Honda typical lack of noise insulation simply cannot demand more money than a City.
gonna buy ativa and change to apple carplay :)
good luck
I hope people will boycott this product from Honda. If Toyota/Perodua can give small size Turbo why not Honda? Proton/Geely also gives Turbo with full specs features.
Honda World please repeat the success story of Civic Turbo in Malaysia.
Crazy pricing…in this economic condition. Sure sell or sure not sell?
Honda has the best engine. Nice car except the price a bit high.
you dont buy car only based on engine. Unless it is LS
The top spec is RM 108k and it still use the mighty handbrake? At this price Veloz is a better buy with 7 seater which have better features in many aspect except the WRV has higher engine output. Other option will be Omoda 5 which is turbo charged. This WRV is reserved for Honda fan boy seriously.
Outdated interior, 96k but two speakers ahahahaha lapsap spec still want to sell so expensive
Won’t b surprise alot of ppl wil b rushing to Honda showroom not to make booking but instead cancel their their booking due to the exorbit price.
I was thinking too.
So many loser complain you think your ringgit is power is it go buy ativa or axis don’t bother looking comment here. Price too high no this no that what you want some more convert your money see first. Follow my example go make money buy BMW or else buy local car and happy ok
Hahaha true. Those who complain end up driving protong or perutdua, the only brands they can afford
If u guys see the comments on tiktok damnn u will feel sorry for them to fall by honda trap. They say this is better than x50 and the price us cheap . No wonder honda us really expensive bcs if the id*ot who keep buying their overpriced car
FFS, for 108k please get yourself the HRV low spec.
Wow not bad for a small H car. Better than Ativa for sure. Poor B40 can go for Ativa. No point complaining here, P2 will always be a P2, for low income people. Work harder people!!!…u think BMW & Merz cars are cheap? Good stuffs are expensive.
Proton X50 is much better….
Claim to be direct competitor to Ativa but somehow they just made Ativa a better option.
Lol Honda
should I buy this car?