Scoop: Honda Malaysia Set To Introduce WR-V And 3 Other Models For 2023

Thanks to a credible insider source, CariCarz.com has learnt that Honda Malaysia is set to introduce up to 4 new models locally this year. The information shared with us stems from a nationwide dealers conference held by the firm recently where the brand’s 2023 product plans were disclosed.

In said briefing, the firm did not specifically mention any model names. Instead, the firm used vague descriptions such as “small SUV”, “SUV”, “sedan”, and “sports” to describe each of the four, but it doesn’t take much to guess what each could be.

New Honda WR-V debut in Indonesia, Nov 2022.

We’ll start with the “small SUV” which, according to our source, was presented with a darkened image of a small-sized crossover SUV. Though it wasn’t named clearly, we’re certain that this is the new Honda WR-V compact crossover SUV that debuted in Indonesia late last year.

Initially previewed as the SUV RS Concept in said Republic, the WR-V was built for the ASEAN market in mind where it goes against the likes of the Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize DNGA-based twins. Locally, the model will slot below the HR-V and rival against the (also DNGA-based) Perodua Ativa and the Proton X50.

Indonesia-spec 2023 Honda WR-V 1.5RS pictured.

As detailed prior, the WR-V packs a familiar 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC 4-cyl petrol mill plus CVT transmission setup, producing 119 HP and 145 NM. The model launched in Indonesia in Nov 2022 showed plenty of premium styling cues, especially in sporty RS range-topping form.

Crucially, this compact crossover is endowed with the Honda Sensing active safety (ADAS) suite in full, which also perhaps fuelled the stellar 5-star ASEAN NCAP score it garnered earlier this year. Surely, its arrival in the Malaysian market should stir the B-segment SUVs space further.

Note: US-spec 2023 Honda CR-V pictured above.

Besides this came an unnamed “SUV” model which, in all likelihood, points towards a brand new sixth generation Honda CR-V offering. The current fifth-gen model was introduced back in 2017 before undergoing a mild refresh in in 2020.

Note: US-spec 2023 Honda CR-V pictured.

Camouflaged prototypes of the new sixth-gen model has been spotted undergoing road tests in Thailand recently, indicating imminent regional debut very soon. The fact that the model was hinted at this recent local dealer conference also indicates that Malaysian market entry will happen shortly after.

A "sports" model is part of this 4-car plan, likely the new FL5-gen Honda Civic Type-R.

SUVs aside, what’s left then are the “sedan” and “sport” models. No prizes for guessing that the latter will be the new FL5-generation Honda Civic Type-R hot-hatch. Set to continue where its FD2R and FK8R predecessors left off, we can likely expect the new Type-R to debut perhaps towards the tail-end of this year and spark strong rivalry against the recently launched Toyota GR Corolla.

Current Malaysia-spec Honda City 1.5 RS e:HEV.

As for the unnamed “sedan” model hinted, this may not be a full-model change (FMC), but a minor model change (MMC) or facelift of an existing model instead, according to our source. All signs point towards this treatment for the existing fifth generation Honda City sub-compact sedan.

Current Malaysia-spec Honda City 1.5 RS e:HEV.

Said model, which includes an electrified hybrid powertrain option, was launched locally back in 2020. With the impending arrival of the new fourth generation and now DNGA-based Toyota Vios (AC100), a light refresh is indeed warranted for the City to bolster it against said Toyota-badged segment rival.

As to when we’ll see each launched, this remains unclear for now, though we reckon we will see the first of which taking place within the second quarter (Q2). So, which of these four new Honda models will you be most excited to see this year? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…