2023 Honda WR-V enters subcompact SUV market with Jakarta premier

MANILA: Honda just introduced the Honda WR-V in Jakarta as part of the model’s world premier.

This newest product, which combines the distinguishing qualities of Honda SUVs — including industry-leading performance and technology — with a more compact shape and athletic style, is the automaker's debut model in the small SUV market in Indonesia. It is also Honda’s answer to the likes of the Toyota Raize and Kia Stonic.

In Indonesia, the small crossover retails from P1.01 million to P1.15 million.

The 2023 Honda WR-V was created from the Honda SUV RS Concept, a small SUV with a sportier personality typical of Honda's RS version. This idea has also been implemented in the past through the RS variation, which first appeared in an SUV model with the 2022 Honda HR-V introduced in Indonesia in March 2022.

The Honda WR-V in mass production, which had been presented with camouflage stickers at auto shows and road shows in various parts of Indonesia, was the next step in the full implementation of this concept. Consumers at that time had also embraced it with great enthusiasm.

Prior to going on sale, the 2023 Honda WR-V underwent extensive customer research as well as testing on various Indonesian roads.

Based on the study's findings, Honda created a vehicle that caters to Indonesian consumers' needs, particularly those of young families and individuals looking for a small SUV with features and a stylish and athletic appearance that is ideal for use in urban and suburban areas.

Kotaro Shimizu, President Director of PT Honda Prospect Motor, said: "The Honda WR-V was designed and developed through research and testing directly carried out in Indonesia to adapt to the needs of consumers and the character of the roads in Indonesia.

With various advantages over other models in its class, ranging from sporty design, largest engine performance, highest ground clearance, to advanced safety technology, this model is dedicated to people who have a passion for excellence and will lead them to be winners in their lives.”

The Honda WR-V’s -bodywork mixes a more sporty look with the swagger of an SUV.

With this particular model, the Honda WR-V has a futuristic "tessellated" front grille and contemporary headlights with sporty dark chrome highlights. In order to look classy and give the driver great visibility, the Honda WR-V also has thin, sharp, and long LED headlights. Additionally, this vehicle has a contemporary sequential turn signal, which enhances the appeal of this SUV's front design.

Application of LED bars in the car's rear design gives it a stylish and distinctive appearance. The car seems sleek and sporty when viewed from the side, with the body line created to run from the headlights to the flanks and ending at the taillights. The Honda WR-V’s rear door is distinctive since it is designed on the same principle as a coupe, with the door handle on the side of the window frame.

With a height of 220mm, the 2023 Honda WR-V has the maximum ground clearance in its class to give drivers a sense of security when navigating diverse road conditions. Two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels with sportier design components are used on the Honda WR-V RS variation to highlight the RS's unique personality. While the Honda WR-V type E has alloy wheels measuring 16 inches.

The Honda WR-V’s interior includes a 4.2-inch Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) Display screen on the dashboard that displays accurate information while driving, including the Honda Sensing function, average fuel consumption, travel distance, and remaining fuel. This screen is combined with a 7-inch touchscreen audio display that has a variety of features, including smartphone connectivity and hands-free calling.

While the 2023 Honda WR-V has slim proportions, its cabin can still offer a place that is more comfortable and roomy.

It has the most space in its class, including the widest head, leg, and knee room. This vehicle's trunk has a capacity of 380 liters, providing a larger storage area for carrying a range of items for diverse uses.

Most notably, the Honda WR-V's cabin tightness is helped by spray dampening material and a closed panel construction surrounding the automobile body panel region to generate a higher level of silence and keep out outside dust and foul aromas.

A seat back pocket storage space is available in both the driver's seat and the front passenger seat of the Honda WR-V type RS and RS with Honda Sensing. Six water bottle holders are included in total, and the second row seat may be folded up to a 40:60 angle.

Rear Seat Reminder, a voice and multi-information display warning to remind the driver to check the rear seat if there is anything left behind before exiting the vehicle, is also included in the RS and RS type with Honda Sensing.

Touted to be the most powerful in its class, the 2023 Honda WR-V's L 1.5-liter i-VTEC DOHC inline four cylinder engine produces a maximum of 121hp at 6,60 rpm and 145 pound-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm. The CVT transmission in the Honda WR-V features G-Design shift technology, which helps deliver strong acceleration performance and has a four-percent increase in fuel efficiency. A CVT transmission works well with a powerful engine to give the user a fun driving experience on a variety of in-town and out-of-town roads.

Other features on the WR-V include the Walk-Away Auto Lock, which locks the door automatically a short while after the driver has moved at least two meters away from the vehicle. This feature is among the best in its class. Additionally, it has features like Remote Motor Start, which works to start the air conditioning and engine of the car before getting inside.

Honda LaneWatch technology provides a wider view of the blind spot area for the driver. The vehicle may be more easily entered without a key thanks to the Smart Entry System, and the Auto Foldable Side Door Mirror with LED Turning Signal can automatically fold when the car is locked.

While the transmission is in the Reverse position, a rear camera can provide a top view, regular view (130°), or wide back view (180°). The Honda WR-V RS has an Auto Headlight function with Honda Sensing. When there is little light and when the car lock is unlocked, these headlights can switch on automatically. They can also turn off a short time after the car is locked.

Additionally, this function will activate after multiple wipes and will shut off when the wiper is not in use.

Last but not least, Honda vehicles including the Accord, CR-V, Civic RS, HR-V, BR-V, and City Hatchback RS have previously had the Honda Sensing technology that is now found in the WR-V.

In order to lower the danger of accidents, Honda Sensing is a collection of safety technologies that provide complete protection for both drivers and passengers.

Photos from Honda

Also read: Honda Cars PH to launch all-new BR-V on Nov. 21, now accepting reservations