Finally realizing the shifting consumer preference from small hatchbacks and sedans to small SUVs, Honda has finally pulled the wraps off its all-new 2023 WR-V, a sub-compact SUV designed specifically for the ASEAN market.
Set to compete in a segment populated by its chief rival, the Toyota Raize but also the Kia Stonic, Hyundai Creta, and even the growing number of Chinese SUVs, the all-new WR-V doesn’t ride on the Jazz/HR-V platform like the first-generation WR-V did; neither does it share its platform with the Brio. Instead, it rides on a shortened BR-V platform.
As previously leaked, the 2023 WR-V wears the “DG48” model code. The CVT gains a step logic called G-design shift. Either way, Honda has opted to eschew plopping in a small turbocharged engine under the hood. Instead, they’ve gone for the BR-V/HR-V/City’s normally-aspirated 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Here, the DOHC L15 makes 121 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque—the most in the segment. Power aside, it is extremely maneuverable. Its Independent MacPherson Strut/Torsion Beam Axle suspension provides a small 5-meter turning radius.
Designed under the grand concept of Urban Freestyler, the WR-V stays close to the SUV RS Concept’s design which was shown last year, but swaps the concept car fade-effect grille with a chrome-studded one and more conventional taillight clusters akin to the current Civic. Meant to be vibrant and bold, it has aggressive fender flares, full LED headlights, sequential LED turn signal indicators, and LED taillights. And despite the “RS” moniker given to the concept, the WR-V is available in both RS and non-RS trims with the E getting 16-inch wheels (215/60R16 tires), while the RS receiving standard 17-inch wheels (215/55R17 tires). The RS also receives unique aesthetic touches. Ground clearance, regardless of variant, stands at 220 mm.
Inside, the WR-V shares its basic dashboard with the BR-V. But because of its sporty positioning, it gets red highlights and accents. The driver gets a 4.2-inch TFT display with a unique welcome graphic. It also has a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and features such as leather seats. Despite its compact exterior proportions, Honda promises class-leading passenger and cargo room.
For safety, the WR-V gets Honda SENSING. The monocular camera, also found in the BR-V and Civic, provides a variety of driver assist technology including autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and automatic high beam assist. Other safety features include 6 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control as well as Honda LaneWatch.
The WR-V, which stands for Winsome Runabout Vehicle completes the Honda crossover line-up joining the BR-V, HR-V, and CR-V for the ASEAN region. It is targeted towards a younger demographic (22 to 40 years old).
In Indonesia, the all-new WR-V’s launch market, it’s priced at 271,900,000 Rupiah (P 1.016 million) to 309,900,000 Rupiah (P 1.115 million) which is lower than both the HR-V and BR-V.
If it does arrive in the Philippine market, this could potentially be positioned between the City RS sedan and RS hatchback. It could explain why Honda Cars Philippines opted to just bring one variant of their sub-compact hatchback.
2023 Honda WR-V Specifications
- Overall Length: 4,060 mm
- Overall Width: 1,780 mm
- Overall Height: 1,608 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,485 mm
- Front Track: 1,540 mm
- Rear Track: 1,540 mm
2023 Honda WR-V Engine & Transmission
- Engine: 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC 16-valve 4-cylinder
- Maximum Output: 121 PS @ 6,600 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 145 Nm @ 4,300 rpm
- Transmission: CVT
- Forward Gear Ratio: 2.526 to 0.408
- Reverse Gear Ratio: 2.706 to 1.489
- Final Gear: 5.436
2023 Honda WR-V Chassis & Suspension
- Front Suspension: Independent, MacPherson Strut
- Rear Suspension: Torsion Beam Axle
- Front Brakes: Ventilated Disc
- Rear Brakes: Drum
- Wheel Size: 215/60R16 or 215/55R17
2023 Honda WR-V Key Features
- Automatic Full LED headlights
- Sequential Turn Signal Indicators
- Auto Folding Side View Mirrors
- Multi-Angle Rear View Camera
- Remote Engine Start
- One-Push Ignition System
- 4.2-inch TFT Driver Display
- 7-inch Capacitive Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 6 Speakers
- Automatic Climate Control
- Tilt Adjustable Steering Wheel w/ Controls
- Leather/Fabric Combination Seats
2023 Honda WR-V Safety Features
- Honda Sensing (Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Automatic High Beam)
- Honda LaneWatch
- 6 SRS Airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Vehicle Stability Assist
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Push Button Start/Stop with Smart Key Entry and Remote Start
- Rear Seat Minder
- Auto Lock by Speed
- Walk-Away Auto Lock
If I'm remember right, the brv's platform is based from Honda city, might be wrong tho
ReplyDeleteHCPI increased the prices of HR-V S and V for next year so they can sell the WR-V at 1.1 Million (S) up to 1.3 Million Pesos (RS)..
ReplyDeleteYeah, make sense but still, that hike price are a little too high lol
DeleteSo they still haven't adopted the “Simplicity and Something” interior design philosophy here like the City, Civic, etc. That's kind of disappointing since the dashboard, like the BR-V feels a bit dated.
ReplyDeleteInteriors of the WR-V and BR-V are just fine as its much better than its nearest rival.
DeleteThis is based on the BR-V which was designed before Honda adapted their new design language. Kinda disappointing though that it was just a copy-paste job since the design is straight out of the soon to be outgoing gen of CR-V
DeleteI find the loudmouth Kuchi88's comments on nearly every article Uly has in, even if his sources are "trust me bro". Not even showing references to back up his own data.
ReplyDeleteJust drive your vehicle, man. And most probably, neither owned nor even tested one.
Its irritating really, but just ignore him. I asked him for his sources, he said CAMPI's sales report, which is already dubious as reports those specific are shown only to investors etc, i think. Even sir Uly said CAMPI hasnt released any official reports.
DeleteYeah man. I don't know man, but I really hated armchair car "enthusiasts" with their pseudo-expertise in car trends. Probably just a regular internet guy.
DeleteBest to just ignores kutchi pinocchio, he's spreading here mis information, fake news and even outright lies.
DeleteI dont see an electric sunroof for the PH variant
ReplyDeleteeh gusto ngang magpaputi ng balat bigyan mo pa ng araw duh
ReplyDelete