KUCHING: Honda has introduced the Winsome Runabout Vehicle (WR-V), its first-ever small sports utility vehicle, in Malaysia with a goal of selling 1,300 units per month.
The five-star Asean NCAP-rated vehicle, which was created in Honda Research and Development (R&D) Asia Pacific in Bangkok and on which the WR-V is partially based, effectively replaces the BR-V, which was cancelled.
“As the automotive landscape changes in Malaysia, we are witnessing a rise in demand for SUV models. This segment is increasing in popularity as it is practical and spacious, while offering driving performance and comfort,” said Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer, Hironobu Yoshimura.
He said prior to its launch, bookings were opened for the All-New WR-V in June this year.
“We are proud to announce that the All-New WR-V has garnered attention from Malaysians and since the WR-V’s debut last month, Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd has taken 2,500 reservations,” he added.
Available in four variants, the company said the top spec RS variant holds the majority of the demand at 43 per cent. This is followed by the next premium V variant with 38 per cent, the E at 12 per cent, and the rest making up of the lowest S variant.
It expects the RS to eventually make up 60 per cent of demand as there was initial uncertainty if the top variant would be available in standard internal combustion engine (ICE) or hybrid as per Honda’s Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD) system.
The WR-V is also Honda Malaysia’s most affordable SUV in the current lineup.
The RS sells for RM107,900), V for RM99,900), E for RM95,900, and S for RM89,900. The waiting period for the WR-V is expected within two months.
While the company does say chip shortage is still an issue or major factor, it has seen a favourable market flow as of the first half of this year.
Honda Malaysia hopes that the chip shortage will stabilise in the second half before normalising by the end of the year. The company remains confident of meeting its sales target of 80,000 units by the end of the year.
Housing a 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder DOHC engine with i-VTEC that’s paired to a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) with G-design shift technology, the front wheel drive (FWD) WR-V has a performance of 119hp at 6,600 rpm and 145Nm of torque at 4,300rpm.
The most affordable SUV in Honda Malaysia’s current lineup is defined by its short-and-sportier BR-V platform (especially in the A-pillar area) and ground clearance of 207mm. It measures at 4,060mm in length, 1,780mm in width and 1,608mm in height.
The top spec RS variant has a mesh-style grille (instead of the digital-ish inspired design) with silver chrome, silver painted lower garnish, and 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.
Overall, the Malaysian models share the majority of its specifications both in features and mechanical with that of the Thailand and Indonesian models – with the only differences being Malaysia receiving the headlight adjuster (as a mandatory requirement), while missing out on the decorative roof rails on the RS model as well as a dual-tone colour scheme.
