Launched: Honda WR-V Compact Crossover – 4 Variants, From RM89,900

All-new Honda WR-V officially launches in Malaysia with 4 variants available priced from RM89,900.

After teasing and opening up the order books for it last month, Honda Malaysia officially launched the new Honda WR-V compact crossover SUV earlier today. First hinted earlier this year, the WR-V model is set to woo a whole new set of customers for Honda Malaysia.

Prior to its launch today, Honda Malaysia has already received over 2,500 bookings for the WR-V thus far. Following today’s launch, the firm target to shift up to 1,300 units of this model monthly.

The new WR-V was developed by ASEAN Honda designers and engineers.

The WR-V first made its global debut in Indonesia late last year, and it’s worth noting that the WR-V stands unique as an ASEAN model developed by ASEAN Honda designers and engineers. For Malaysia, the model is offered across four trimlines – S, E, V, and RS.

All variants share the same 1.5-litre DOHC 4-cyl petrol heart plus a CVT automatic transmission, the former generating 121 PS and 145 NM to drive the front wheels via the latter. Crucially, this mill promises to be economical with Honda claiming a low 6.0-litres/100 KM average across the board.

All variants harness the same 1.5-litre DOHC 4-cyl petrol mill and CVT automatic box pairing, the former rated at 121 PS and 145 NM.

Keyless entry and ignition, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 380-litre boot are common features across the entire WR-V range.

Other shared traits across the board include a 380-litre standard boot capacity, 207 MM ground clearance, the Honda LaneWatch Camera, vehicle stability assist (VSA), two USB-A charging ports, as well as a 7-inch centre infotainment touchscreen display offering both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Whist Honda Sensing (left) is available upwards from the E-grade, the Honda LaneWatch Camera (right) is standard across the board.

With the exception of the base S-grade, the Honda Sensing active driver assistance (ADAS) suite is standard-equipped upwards from the mid-spec E-grade. This adds Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane-Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keep Assist System(LKAS), Auto High Beam (AHB), amongst many.

Chrome Silver-finished front grille is exclusive to the RS variant only, along with sequential front turn signals.

Other luxuries such as automatic climate control, TFT meter display, multi-angle reverse camera, as well as paddle-shifters are avaiable depending on grade too.

Other luxuries such as a 4.2-inch TFT digital instrument display, automatic climate control, multi-angle reverse camera, and keyless entry and ignition with remote ignition and walk-away lock functions are standard-equipped upwards from the E-grade variant too.

Opt for the V grade and the list is bolstered further with the addition of leather seat upholstery, with blue contrast stitching, rear seat armrest, full-LED headlights and DRLs plus foglights, and a more stylish front grille design with a silver chrome finish.

Also exclusive to the RS variant are two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels.

Naturally, much of the fancy bells and whistles are reserved for the sporty RS range-topping variant. Exclusive here are dual-tone 17-inch allow wheels (instead of single-tone 16-inch types), front grille with dark chrome finishing, additional scuff plates, and the presence of sequential turn signals up front.

On board, the RS also gets beefed up with combination leather and fabric seat upholstery with red contrast stitching motif. It’s also the only grade in the range to feature both steering-mounted paddle-shifters and new Honda Connect suite. As for safety, the RS is also the sole variant to benefit with 6 airbags lining its cabin instead of 4.

As for colourway, the Honda WR-V sees a choice of five hues available including a brand new Stellar Diamond Pearl option. As for price, the WR-V mirrors the City Hatchback here at RM89,900 (S), RM95,900 (E), RM99,900 (V), and RM107,900 (RS) on-the-road sans insurance. Included here is a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty too.

Are you digging Honda’s alternative against the Perodua Ativa? Which of the four variants on offer tickles your fancy? As always, hit the comments below – and our social platforms – with your thoughts…