The first-generation WR-V was launched in Brazil on 15 March 2017 and India on 16 March.[7][8] It was the first model developed by Honda Research & Development Center of Brazil in collaboration with Honda Research & Development Center of Japan, while keeping the requirements and preferences of the young Brazilian and Indian customers in mind. According to Honda, the WR-V "is endowed with a sporty, stylish and aggressive design language".
The first-generation WR-V shared many of its parts and features with the Fit/Jazz, including the body shell, doors, dashboard and the instrument panel. The ground clearance was measured at 188 mm (7.4 in).[9]
The model received a facelift in 2020, first launched in India and then in South America.
In 2022, sales ended in Brazil. Production continued for export.[10]
In India, the first-generation WR-V was available in both petrol and diesel engine options that were shared with the Jazz. The petrol unit is a 1.2-litre L12Bi-VTECfour-cylinder engine that produced 66 kW (89 hp; 90 PS) and 110 N⋅m (81 lbf⋅ft) of torque, paired to a 5-speed manual transmission, while the diesel unit is a turbocharged 1.5-litre N15A1 i-DTEC four-cylinder engine that produced 74 kW (99 hp; 100 PS) and 200 N⋅m (148 lbf⋅ft) of torque, paired to a 6-speed manual transmission.[11][9] In Brazil, it was powered by a larger 1.5-litre L15A7 i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine that was also shared with the Fit.
The first-generation WR-V in its most basic Latin American market configuration with 2 airbags, UN127 pedestrian safety standard and ESC received a 1-star safety rating from Latin NCAP in 2022 (similar to 2014 Euro NCAP rating systems).[12]
The second-generation WR-V was launched in Indonesia on 2 November 2022.[3][18][19] It was initially previewed by the SUV RS concept car showcased at the 28th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on 11 November 2021.[20] Its camouflaged production form was later showcased at the 29th iteration of the show on 11 August 2022.[21]
Development of the second-generation WR-V was done by Honda R&D Asia Pacific, led by Large Project Leader Poychat Ua-Arayaporn.[22] The model shared the outer headlight assembly, bonnet and front door panels with the second-generation Amaze. Its dashboard is also nearly identical to the Amaze and the second-generation BR-V.[23] The ground clearance was measured at 220 mm (8.7 in) (rated 207 mm (8.1 in) for the Malaysian market),[24] raised by 32 mm (1.3 in) from the previous generation.[25]
Exports from Indonesia commenced on 28 February 2023, while local assembly in Malaysia commenced in June 2023.[24][26]
Rear view
Interior
The SUV RS Concept which previewed the second-generation WR-V
The second-generation WR-V is powered by a 1.5-litre L15ZFDOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine that produced 89 kW (119 hp; 121 PS) at 6,600 rpm and 145 N⋅m (107 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4,300 rpm. There is no diesel engine option for this generation.[27]
Honda introduced the WR-V in the Small SUV segment on November 2, 2022,[28] It is intended to be the primary rival to the Toyota Raize.[29]
In Indonesia, the second-generation WR-V is offered in E and RS trim levels, both initially only available with CVT.[30]Honda Sensing active safety system along with the LaneWatch camera system is available as an option for the RS trim.[31] The 6-speed manual transmission option was added for the E trim on 19 May 2023.[17]
The second-generation WR-V was launched on 10 March 2023 in Thailand. Imported from Indonesia, it is offered in SV and RS trim levels with CVT and Honda Sensing as standard.[32][33]
The second-generation WR-V was launched on 12 May 2023 in Brunei. Imported from Indonesia, it is offered in a sole RS trim with CVT and Honda Sensing as standard.[34]
The WR-V was previewed for the Malaysian market on 21 June 2023.[24] It was officially launched on 13 July 2023 as the replacement to the BR-V in the local line-up.[35] It is available in four trim levels: S, E, V and RS; all variants are powered with the 1.5-litre L15ZF engine paired with CVT transmission.[36] Unlike in other markets, the Malaysian specification WR-V is equipped with height adjustment switch for the headlights in order to comply within the UNECE regulations, Honda Sensing is standard on all trim levels except the base S trim.[37] At its launch, Honda Malaysia targeted sales of 1,300 units per month with 2 to 3-month waiting period.[38]
The Japanese market WR-V was introduced on 16 November 2023. Unrelated to the Southeast Asian market WR-V, the Japanese market WR-V is a renamed Elevate, an SUV first introduced in India. Positioned below the similarly sized Vezel, it will go on sale in 2024 as an imported unit from India.[40]
^Katana, Satria (2 March 2023). "Ekspor Honda WR-V Resmi Dimulai, Thailand Tujuan Pertama?" [Exports of the Honda WR-V Officially Begin, Is Thailand the First Destination?]. AutonetMagz (in Indonesian). Indonesia: Asia Net Mandiri. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
