Honda’s much anticipated small SUV, the Honda WR-V, has just been launched in Malaysia. Offered in four different variants, the WR-V is Honda Malaysia’s most affordable SUV yet with a RM89,900 starting price.
Of course, that RM89,900 price tag is for the base S model of the WR-V. A tier up is the E trim for RM95,900, followed by the V variant at RM99,900. As for the range-topping – and more aggressive-looking – RS model, it goes for RM107,900. These prices are on-the-road without insurance.
All variants of the WR-V are powered by the same 1.5L naturally-aspirated DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque paired to a CVT driving the front wheels. It’s worth noting that this is the same mill found in the City and the base S variant of the HR-V, so this is a tried-and-true engine.
One of the headline features of the WR-V has to be the Honda Sensing ADAS, which is offered on all trims except for the base S model. It features Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).
However, as the WR-V doesn’t feature an electric parking brake, its version of Honda Sensing doesn’t support Low-Speed Follow, much like the V Sensing models of the City and City Hatchback.
As the range-topping model, the WR-V in RS guise does come with a number of exclusive features. On the exterior, it features a mesh-style grille with a dark chrome finish, bright silver lower garnish, and sleek-looking 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels; other models get 16-inch alloys instead. On top of that, it gets the Honda Connect telematics system too.
Other standard features of the WR-V include four airbags (six for the RS), a 7-inch infotainment screen with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry with push start button, and the Honda LaneWatch camera mounted on the left side mirror.
According to Honda Malaysia, the Honda WR-V has received over 2,500 bookings. The Japanese carmaker said that deliveries for these orders are expected to be fulfilled within two to three months; not too long of a waiting time.