All-new 2023 Honda WR-V debuts in Indonesia - Can it win over the Ativa?

After months of teasing around 16 cities in Indonesia, the all-new second-generation 2023 Honda WR-V finally made its global unwrapping debut in the archipelago. Unlike its jacked-up predecessor, the all-new WR-V looks like a proper SUV.

Billed as Honda’s latest entry in the lucrative compact SUV market, the all-new WR-V is similarly sized as the which has been making waves in Indonesia where it is sold as a Toyota Raize/Daihatsu Rocky.

There are 3 variants offered for the all-new WR-V in Indonesia:

• WR-V E – IDR 271.9 million (~RM 82.5k)
• WR-V RS – IDR 289.9 million (~RM 88k)
• WR-V RS with Honda Sensing – IDR 309.9 million (~RM 94k)

The WR-V’s prices are similar to the highest-spec Rocky/Raize in Indonesia which tops at around IDR 283 million (~RM 86k).

Based on the all-new which also made its worldwide debut in Indonesia last year, the WR-V has a distinctive appearance compared to its 7-seater sibling. The WR-V’s looks were first previewed as the SUV RS Concept which was unveiled at the 2021 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS).

The WR-V represents Honda’s smallest SUV in its line-up and is targeted at younger buyers which Honda calls the “hustler generation”. Also, WR-V stands for “Winsome Runabout Vehicle” and Honda clearly wants to win over buyers with its latest and smallest SUV.

Despite its compact size, the WR-V claims to have the highest ground clearance (220 mm) and the largest boot volume (380 L) in its class. Honda claims the boot is big enough to fit up to 5 large suitcases or a pair of golf bags without folding the seats.

All three variants of the WR-V are only available with one powertrain at launch – a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine that makes 121 PS and 145 Nm which is the most powerful in its class (Raize/Rocky’s turbocharged 1.0-litre makes 98 PS/140 Nm). This unit is also seen in the BR-V.

This is paired with a CVT automatic transmission with G-design shift or step-shift control that promises up to 4% more efficiency compared to the older CVT while also offering better shifting when accelerating and decelerating.

Stepping inside and the all-new WR-V feels familiar and that’s where the BR-V connection continues. As for features, the lil’ Honda SUV is quite well-equipped with the following as standard:

• Push-start ignition button
• Tilt steering (no telescopic)
• Remote engine start
• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Reverse camera
• Digital air-conditioning

The RS variant adds leather seats (as opposed to fabric), 6 speakers (instead of 4), 17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch on the E), automatic air-conditioning, auto-folding mirrors, full LED headlights, and a walk-away auto lock.

Both the base E and standard RS comes with 4 airbags while the RS with Honda Sensing bumps that number to 6 while also adding Honda LaneWatch and Honda Sensing ADAS which comprises of:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Lane-Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
• Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN)
• Auto High Beam (AHB)

With SUVs already overtaking MPVs in Indonesia in the year so far and the compact SUV market heating up, will the all-new Honda WR-V be a winner for Honda in Indonesia? It’s still a little too soon to speculate when the WR-V will arrive in Malaysia but if it does, perhaps the Ativa should really be fearful.