BIMS 2023: The Honda WR-V in Thailand would make sense in PH

Is the Toyota Raize too common for your taste? Maybe the Honda WR-V is for you. Initially revealed in Indonesia late last year, the 2nd generation of this subcompact crossover has just arrived in Thailand and we believe that this is one model that Honda Cars Philippines must launch.

Like mentioned, the Honda WR-V competes directly with the Toyota Raize. It is based on the Honda Amaze budget subcompact sedan and is also related to the Honda BR-V. In fact, it shares stuff like its outer headlight assembly, bonnet and front door panels with the Amaze, while its dashboard is identical to both the Amaze and BR-V.

Looking at its exterior, the Honda WR-V wears a sporty and aggressive look which is a characteristic of many Honda models. The entry-level variant gets a front mesh grille with Honda’s solid wing face design, flanked by multi-reflector headlights. It also rides on 16-inch alloy wheels, and features LED taillights as well. As mentioned, the interior is identical to what you would see in the larger Honda BR-V, from the analog instrument cluster to the steering wheel, infotainment, and seats.

A sportier RS variant is also available with chrome accents on the mesh grille, RS badging, sportier two-tone alloy wheels, full LED front exterior lighting, a black roof, blacked-out side mirrors, red interior accents, paddle shifters, and leather seating.

Under the hood, the WR-V is powered by Honda’s tried-and-tested 1.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder L15 i-VTEC gasoline engine that is shared with the Honda BR-V, HR-V, City, and City Hatchback. Like in all those models, it produces 121 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque, paired to an Earth Dreams CVT, making it one of the most powerful models in the segment.

In terms of safety, it is also equipped with Honda SENSING as standard, giving it Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beams, and Lead Car Departure Notification.

Pricing for the Honda WR-V in Thailand starts at 699,000 baht (~Php 1.1-million) for the SV, and 869,000 baht (~Php 1.4-million) for the RS. While it does seem pricey especially when compared to the Toyota Raize here in the Philippines, we think that it would be a missed opportunity if Honda Cars Philippines does not introduce a model in the well-loved subcompact crossover segment.