The second generation Honda WR-V has been launched in Thailand, several months after its global debut in Indonesia last November. First previewed by the RS Concept SUV Launched in November 2021, the “Winsome Runabout Vehicle” competes in the compact SUV segment and ranks below the HR-V.
In Indonesia, these rivals are the Toyota Raize And Daihatsu Rockywho are the sister models of Perodua Ativa we have in Malaysia. However, Thailand doesn’t get any of these DNGA-based SUVs, so the WR-V is pretty much unchallenged (for now) there.
As for dimensions, the WR-V is 4,060mm long, 1,780mm wide, 1,608mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,485mm. By comparison, the Ativa is 4,065mm long, 1,710mm wide, 1,635mm high and its wheelbase stretches to 2,525mm. It should also be noted that the WR-V has a ground clearance of 220mm.
In Thailand, the WR-V comes in two variants, namely the SV priced at 799,000 baht (RM103,072) and the top-of-the-line RS which sells for 869,000 baht (RM112,102). Four monotone colors are offered, including Taffeta White, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl and Stellar Diamond Pearl, with the latter two costing an additional 6,000 baht (RM774).
The RS is also available exclusively with a two-tone paint scheme featuring an Ignite Red Metallic primary color and a black roof. A wide range of accessories from the Modulo catalog can also be ordered to further dress up the WR-V.
All variants are powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine with i-VTEC that produces 121 PS at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a CVT, and this setup is the same as that used for the WR-V sold in Indonesia.
To differentiate the SV from the RS, the former has a grille insert with horizontal dashes instead of the chrome pins of the RS. The base variant also gets standard-looking 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels rather than flashier 17-inch two-tone units. Inside, the color scheme used for the RS is mostly black with accents of red in some areas. Meanwhile, the SV gets silver accents on the doors as well as the dashboard.
As for equipment, the SV comes standard with automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights with sequential turn signals, power mirrors, synthetic leather/cloth seat upholstery black with blue stitching, a leather steering wheel with blue stitching, automatic air conditioning, keyless entry and engine start, remote engine start, Honda Smart Key Card, a 4.2-inch TFT multi-info display, a multi-angle rear view camera and a front armrest.
There’s also a seven-inch Advanced Display Audio touchscreen system supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is accompanied by a quad-speaker audio system. Passive safety systems included are Vehicle Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist, four airbags, ABS and EBD.
The upgrade to the RS enhances the kit list to include LED front fog lights, paddle shifters, red interior stitching, rear armrest, six-speaker audio system, Honda Connect telematics as well as six airbags.
The Honda Sensing suite is standard for both variants and includes Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System with Departure Warning Lane Assist (RDM with LDW), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN). The RS also specifically gets LaneWatch.
With the WR-V on its way to Thailand, Malaysia should be its next stop. The compact SUV has already been glimpses on our local roads, although Honda Malaysia has yet to confirm when and if we will get it. Given the specs available so far, would you welcome the WR-V here?
GALLERY: Honda WR-V Thailand Brochure 2023
