2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 S Review

In Malaysia's A-Segment SUV market, practicality and value for money have always been the core considerations for consumers. The 2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 S, as a popular model in this segment, enters the market with standard configurations such as a sunroof and 207mm ground clearance, targeting users who emphasize daily commuting and light outdoor needs. This test drive mainly evaluates whether its performance, practicality, and configurations justify its pricing and enhance daily usability.

From the exterior, the WR-V 1.5 S maintains Honda's youthful family design style. The front features a blacked-out honeycomb grille paired with sharp LED daytime running lights for high recognition; the silver skid plate under the front bumper adds to the rugged SUV look, while the halogen front fog lights provide functional illumination. The side profile features smooth lines, 17-inch alloy wheels matched with 215/55 R17 tires, creating a well-balanced proportion. The silver roof rails and side protective cladding further emphasize its crossover attributes. At the rear, the blacked-out tail light assembly echoes the front, and the rear bumper also features a silver skid plate. The overall design is simple yet adheres to mainstream aesthetic standards.

Stepping inside, the interior adopts a black theme, with the dashboard covered in soft-touch materials for a decent tactile feel. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits atop the center console, offering a simple and intuitive interface that supports Bluetooth connectivity and basic media functions. Below it is the manual air conditioning control area, with knobs that have moderate damping and are easy to operate. The instrument cluster includes a digital multi-information display, clearly showing data like RPM, speed, and fuel consumption. In terms of features, the car comes standard with a single sunroof and sunshade. The front row is equipped with a 220V/230V power outlet, while the rear row includes air conditioning vents and 60:40 split-folding seats, ensuring a level of convenience for daily use. However, the speakers are limited to just two without any branded support, providing average sound quality. The steering wheel lacks multifunction buttons, which is somewhat regrettable.

In terms of space, the WR-V 1.5 S has overall dimensions of 4060mm×1780mm×1608mm, with a wheelbase of 2485mm. The front seats offer good support, and for an occupant standing at 175cm tall, there is approximately a fist and two fingers of headroom after adjusting the seating position. In the rear row, passengers of the same height have about a fist of legroom and around a fist of headroom, which sufficiently meets the needs of daily family use. The floor in the middle has only a slight hump, and the comfort for the middle passenger is acceptable. In terms of storage capabilities, the boot space offers 380L of capacity, which can be expanded by folding the rear seats, allowing for easy accommodation of luggage or strollers. Other storage spaces, such as the front central armrest box and door pockets, are sufficient for daily use.

In terms of power, the car is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum output of 121PS and a peak torque of 145N·m, paired with a CVT gearbox. During start-up, the power response is smooth, and pressing the accelerator results in a linear increase in engine RPM. The acceleration performance up to 60km/h meets urban commuting needs; however, above 80km/h, the power output shows signs of fatigue, requiring adequate distance for overtaking. The driving modes include only Economy and Normal modes. In Economy mode, throttle response is slightly slower, but fuel economy is improved.

In terms of handling and chassis, the front suspension is a MacPherson independent suspension, and the rear suspension is a torsion beam non-independent suspension. The steering wheel precision is average with minimal play, making daily driving relatively effortless; the suspension is tuned for comfort, filtering out most minor vibrations when passing speed bumps or uneven roads, but larger potholes can result in a more pronounced bumpy feeling for rear passengers. At high speeds, vehicle stability is decent, and the steering wheel does not exhibit noticeable vibrations at 120 km/h. In terms of fuel consumption, the measured fuel efficiency in urban conditions is about 7.2L/100km and approximately 5.8L/100km on highways, placing its overall fuel economy at a medium-to-high level among vehicles in the same class.

For driving and riding comfort, the noise control performance of the vehicle is average, with wind noise and tire noise becoming increasingly prominent above 80 km/h; engine noise at high speeds can also infiltrate the cabin, affecting its quietness. The seat padding is moderate, ensuring no significant fatigue during prolonged seating; the rear seat angle is reasonable, providing acceptable comfort for long-distance rides. The manual air conditioning offers good cooling performance, and the rear air vents effectively improve the rear passengers’ temperature comfort.

Overall, the key advantages of the 2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 S are its high ground clearance enabling good off-road capability, rich and practical features (such as a sunroof and rear air vents), and the reliability of the Honda brand. Compared to the Perodua Ativa in the same class, the WR-V offers better space but is slightly less powerful and slightly less fuel-efficient; compared to the Proton X50, it is more affordably priced and has lower maintenance costs, though its features and performance are somewhat lacking.

All in all, the 2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 S is a model suitable for family users who value practicality and cost-effectiveness. Its smooth powertrain, adequate space, and practical features can meet the needs of daily commuting and light family outings. If your budget is around 90,000 MYR and you're looking for a reliable, hassle-free model with SUV characteristics, the WR-V 1.5 S is worth considering.