First Look: 2023 Honda WR-V – Would you prefer this over the Ativa and X50?

After teasing it last week, Honda has finally unwrapped its latest offering in Indonesia earlier today. Dubbed as the 2023 Honda WR-V, this compact crossover SUV is poised to rival against the Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize (Perodua Ativa) in Indonesia and similar ASEAN markets.

The model was previously shown as the SUV RS concept not too long ago, with this final production version sharing much of its dimensions and silhouette, albeit toned down. Honda positions this as its smallest and most compact crossover SUV offering that slots below the HR-V, but it boasts much of the features and tech akin to said larger sibling.

Honda WR-V 1.5 RS with Sensing.

L-R: Honda WR-V 1.5 RS, Honda WR-V 1.5 E.

Measuring  4,060 MM long with a 2,495 MM wheelbase, 1,780 MM wide and 1,608 MM tall, the Honda WR-V is a very compact crossover indeed. What's impressive too is this pint-sized crossover's 220 MM ground clearance. In other words, the WR-V is about the same size as the Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize/Perodua Ativa.

For the Indonesian market, the WR-V is offered in three variants – a base E, mid-spec RS, and a range-topping RS with Sensing option. All share a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC 4-cyl mill plus CVT powertrain setup, the former delivering 121 PS and 145 NM to the front wheels via the latter.

On the surface, it’s easy to see how the WR-V mimics its larger sibling the HR-V – and to a certain extent, the new BR-V 7-seater as well – in terms of exterior design. Of course, much of the nice bits are reserved for the RS and RS with Sensing variants only.

Key exterior highlights of the RS variants include a sportier RS grille design with a dual-tone finish, full-LED headlights with novel sequential LED turn signals and LED fog lamps, not forgetting larger 17-inch two-tone wheels that’s exclusive to these two variants too. The base E variant, on the other hand, makes do with regular halogen headlamps, a simpler grille design finished in black, as well as slightly smaller 16-inch single-tone alloy wheels instead.

On board, the E and both RS variants greatly differ in terms of kit and trims. Exclusively primed in the RS variants are key premium features such as combination leather and fabric seat covers plus leather-wrapped steering wheel, novel 4.2-inch TFT meter panel display, automatic and digital climate control interface, 6-speaker hi-fi audio (4-speaker setup in the E), as well as additional conveniences such as Walk Away Auto Lock and Rear Seat Reminder.

Only the RS with Sensing variant gets the Honda Sensing suite in full swing. This primes the crossover with a myriad of advanced driver assistances (ADAS) such Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) plus Lane-Keeping Assistance (LKAS), Lead-Car Departure Notification (LCDN)  Auto High-Beam Assist (AHB), as well as an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) suite.

Whilst still on the range-topper, it’s also the sole variant to offer both the Honda Lane-Watch Camera feature and 6 airbags lining its cabin. Regarding the latter, just 4 airbags are primed in both the mid-spec RS and base E variants.

Apart from that, all variants share similar standard equipment. Key amongst which is a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen infotainment unit offering Apple Car Play, USB and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, voice command functions, as well as a multi-angle reverse camera.

Besides that, standard across the board too are things like keyless entry and ignition with remote ignition function, not forgetting a sleuth of standard safety feature that include ABS with EBD and BA (discs up front with drums at the rear), Hill-Start Assist (HAS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), ISOFIX childseat anchors, as well as a two-point rear parking sensors.

In Indonesia, Honda offers the WR-V with a total of six paint scheme options, but only the RS gets the tasty two-tone red and black scheme. Common across the range though are both the black and grey options, whilst the sole white option is available only for the base E variant.

Overall, it’s plain to see that Honda’s newest ‘baby’ crossover SUV is both styled and specced to sell, especially in key ASEAN markets where it’ll go against the aforementioned Toyota/Daihatsu rival, as well as others like the Mazda CX-3 and Peugeot 2008 for instance.

Presently, Honda Malaysia hasn’t given any indications of introducing the WR-V in to the Malaysian market just yet. If it does, then it’ll have to fend off strong challenges stemming from both the Perodua Ativa and Proton X50, the recently refreshed Mazda CX-3, Peugeot 2008, Hyundai Kona, as well as up-and-coming Chinese entries like the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro.

What do you reckon then, folks? Would you be keen on this miniaturised HR-V of sorts over the other players we just mentioned? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…