Honda WR-V Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's A-Segment SUV market has been intense. Consumers not only want the compact body for urban flexibility but also care about spacious practicality and comprehensive basic configurations. As the entry-level version of the series, the 2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 S enters the market with a price tag of RM 89,900. Its core selling points focus on high ground clearance, a standard sunroof, and practical safety configurations. This time, we got our hands on the actual vehicle to see if the entry-level version can meet daily household needs with its price advantage, while verifying whether its performance in power and space matches the standards of the same class.

In terms of exterior design, the WR-V 1.5 S maintains the rugged style consistent with the series. The front face features a large black honeycomb grille paired with upward-angled LED daytime running lights, offering decent recognition; the headlights use halogen light sources, aligning with its entry-level positioning. The side profile of the vehicle has straight lines, and the 215/55 R17 tire specifications are relatively large among vehicles in the same price range. Combined with a minimum ground clearance of 207mm, its passability is superior to regular sedans. The rear design is simple, with LED taillights and a black skid plate under the rear bumper, enhancing the visual appeal of an SUV. Overall, the exterior design isn’t overly flashy, leaning towards a practical and enduring aesthetic.

Sitting inside, the interior of the WR-V 1.5 S revolves around a black tone, with the dashboard made of hard plastic material, though the workmanship is relatively neat. A 7-inch touch center control screen comes standard, supporting basic audio functions, and its operation logic is straightforward. The instrument panel is a Digital Multi-function Display, capable of showing core information such as RPM, fuel consumption, and mileage with adequate clarity. In terms of features, the entry-level version also boasts several highlights: a single sunroof with a sunshade curtain to enhance interior brightness; manually adjustable air conditioning for the front row which is easy to use, and standard rear air vents providing comfort for rear passengers. It also includes a 220V/230V power outlet and rain-sensing wipers, which improve daily convenience. However, there are only two speakers, and the audio quality is average, so users with higher audio demands may need to consider aftermarket upgrades.

The space performance meets the expectations for an A-Segment SUV. The dimensions of the vehicle are 4060mm in length, 1780mm in width, and 1608mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2485mm. The front seats offer good support, and passengers who are 175cm tall will find ample headroom and legroom. Rear space is moderate; a passenger of the same height can enjoy approximately one fist of legroom and sufficient headroom. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, expanding the cargo capacity of the trunk from 380L, making it capable of accommodating a baby stroller or suitcase. For storage, the front and rear door panels include cup holders, and there is a storage compartment under the dashboard, making it convenient for storing small daily items.

In terms of performance, the WR-V 1.5 S is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum horsepower of 121PS and a peak torque output at 4800rpm, paired with a CVT transmission. The power response is relatively gentle during start-up, making it suitable for following traffic in congested urban conditions. Once accelerating beyond 60km/h, the power delivery becomes more linear. When overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply prompts the transmission to adjust its gear ratio promptly. Although it does not provide a strong push-back feeling, it is sufficient for daily commuting. The vehicle only offers a standard driving mode, without sport or eco modes, but the smoothness of the CVT transmission is commendable, as gear shifts are almost seamless.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has moderate weight and clear responsiveness, making it easy to drive in the city and park. The front suspension is MacPherson independent suspension, and the rear suspension is a torsion beam non-independent suspension (although not explicitly stated in the configuration list, this structure is common in the same vehicle class). It performs well in absorbing small bumps on urban roads, but rear passengers may feel noticeable vibrations when going over speed bumps or rough roads, though it is within an acceptable range. At high speeds, the vehicle's stability is good, with no significant floating feeling during 120km/h cruising.

Fuel consumption meets expectations, with an official combined fuel consumption of 6L/100km. In our actual test on urban roads (half in congestion and half normal traffic), it was around 6.8L/100km; on highways, fuel consumption can drop to 5.5L/100km. With a 40L fuel tank, the full tank range is approximately over 650km, meaning you don't need to refuel frequently for a week of daily commuting. Regarding noise control, the interior is relatively quiet at low speeds, but as the speed exceeds 80km/h, tire noise and wind noise gradually become noticeable, though they do not affect normal conversations.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2023 Honda WR-V 1.5 S are its budget-friendly pricing and practical features. The 207mm ground clearance is suitable for Malaysia's rural road conditions, and the standard sunroof and rear air vents enhance comfort. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Perodua Ativa 1.0T X (RM 72,600), the WR-V 1.5 S is slightly more expensive but offers more space and better features; compared to the Proton X50 1.5T Standard (RM 86,300), the WR-V has better fuel economy and lower maintenance costs.

This car is suitable for families that prioritize practicality, especially those who frequently need to commute in urban areas and occasionally travel to rural areas. While it does not have standout performance features, it excels in balance and its price-to-configuration ratio is well-managed. If you're looking for a reliable, practical, and cost-effective entry-level SUV, the WR-V 1.5 S is worth considering.