2023 Honda WR-V earns top marks in ASEAN NCAP

MANILA: The Japanese carmaker introduced the 2023 Honda WR-V as their contender in the subcompact crossover category last year. The car initially won many admirers with its attractive appearance and useful functions, but it has since gained more admirers thanks to its five-star safety certification, as reported by ZigWheels Malaysia.

The 2023 Honda WR-V received a 5-star rating in a recent safety test conducted by ASEAN NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries). The small SUV has just started selling in Indonesia, despite not yet being a part of Honda's lineup in the Philippines.

The top-of-the-line WR-V trim, the 2023 Honda WR-V RS, which is fitted with a Honda Sensing suite of driver and safety assist systems and adds an extra layer of security to the vehicle, participated in the ASEAN NCAP safety test.

Six airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, electronic stability control, and an anti-lock brake system are just a few of the safety features that helped the SUV earn such high marks.

Adult Occupant	34.26
Child Occupant	16.78
Safety Assist	15.58
Motorcyclist Safety	10.45
Total	77.07

 

With a final score of 77.07 points, the 2023 Honda WR-V demonstrated an admirable performance at the ASEAN NCAP safety evaluation, and therefore getting the maximum possible rating of 5 stars in each of the evaluated areas.

This newest product, which combines the distinguishing qualities of Honda SUVs — including industry-leading performance and technology — with a more compact shape and athletic style, is the automaker's debut model in the small SUV market in Indonesia. It is also Honda’s answer to the likes of the Toyota Raize and Kia Stonic.

In Indonesia, the small crossover retails from P1.01 million to P1.15 million.

The 2023 Honda WR-V was created from the Honda SUV RS Concept, a small SUV with a sportier personality typical of Honda's RS version. This idea has also been implemented in the past through the RS variation, which first appeared in an SUV model with the 2022 Honda HR-V introduced in Indonesia in March 2022.

Prior to going on sale, the 2023 Honda WR-V underwent extensive customer research as well as testing on various Indonesian roads. Based on the study's findings, Honda created a vehicle that caters to Indonesian consumers' needs, particularly those of young families and individuals looking for a small SUV with features and a stylish and athletic appearance that is ideal for use in urban and suburban areas.

 

With this particular model, the Honda WR-V has a futuristic "tessellated" front grille and contemporary headlights with sporty dark chrome highlights. In order to look classy and give the driver great visibility, the Honda WR-V also has thin, sharp, and long LED headlights. Additionally, this vehicle has a contemporary sequential turn signal, which enhances the appeal of this SUV's front design.

Application of LED bars in the car's rear design gives it a stylish and distinctive appearance. The car seems sleek and sporty when viewed from the side, with the body line created to run from the headlights to the flanks and ending at the taillights. The Honda WR-V’s rear door is distinctive since it is designed on the same principle as a coupe, with the door handle on the side of the window frame.

With a height of 220mm, the 2023 Honda WR-V has the maximum ground clearance in its class to give drivers a sense of security when navigating diverse road conditions. Two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels with sportier design components are used on the Honda WR-V RS variation to highlight the RS's unique personality. While the Honda WR-V type E has alloy wheels measuring 16 inches.

The Honda WR-V’s interior includes a 4.2-inch Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) Display screen on the dashboard that displays accurate information while driving, including the Honda Sensing function, average fuel consumption, travel distance, and remaining fuel. This screen is combined with a 7-inch touchscreen audio display that has a variety of features, including smartphone connectivity and hands-free calling.

While the 2023 Honda WR-V has slim proportions, its cabin can still offer a place that is more comfortable and roomy.

It has the most space in its class, including the widest head, leg, and knee room. This vehicle's trunk has a capacity of 380 liters, providing a larger storage area for carrying a range of items for diverse uses.

Most notably, the Honda WR-V's cabin tightness is helped by spray dampening material and a closed panel construction surrounding the automobile body panel region to generate a higher level of silence and keep out outside dust and foul aromas.

Other features on the WR-V include the Walk-Away Auto Lock, which locks the door automatically a short while after the driver has moved at least two meters away from the vehicle. This feature is among the best in its class. Additionally, it has features like Remote Motor Start, which works to start the air conditioning and engine of the car before getting inside.

Honda LaneWatch technology provides a wider view of the blind spot area for the driver. The vehicle may be more easily entered without a key thanks to the Smart Entry System, and the Auto Foldable Side Door Mirror with LED Turning Signal can automatically fold when the car is locked.

While the transmission is in the Reverse position, a rear camera can provide a top view, regular view (130°), or wide back view (180°). The Honda WR-V RS has an Auto Headlight function with Honda Sensing. When there is little light and when the car lock is unlocked, these headlights can switch on automatically. They can also turn off a short time after the car is locked.

Additionally, this function will activate after multiple wipes and will shut off when the wiper is not in use.

Photos from ASEAN NCAP, Honda

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