We may not have it in the Philippines yet, but the 2023 Honda WR-V always attracts attention when we write about it.

The WR-V is Honda Cars’ smallest crossover and is aimed squarely at the Toyota Raize. It also features better safety equipment and a stronger engine than its Toyota rival.

But what’s it like out on the road? Our friends at WapCar Thailand have tested the new WR-V to see if it’s a worthy adversary to the Raize.

Fun to drive

The Honda WR-V makes for a great city car because of its small dimensions, said AutoFun Thailand Content Head Pisan.

In addition, the WR-V has great suspension that soaks up bumps with ease, along with sharp steering. Combined with 220 mm of ground clearance and a tiny turning circle, it’s the sort of small car that can take on the urban jungle.

However, the little Honda feels a bit noisy and wobbly partly because of the fairly stiff tires, which are meant for fuel economy.

Over 17 km/l

Speaking of fuel economy, the Honda WR-V got 17 to 19 km/l on the expressway, with Honda Cars claiming an average fuel consumption of 16.7 km/l in mixed driving.

These stellar figures are accomplished by a relatively powerful engine that’s shared with the Honda BR-V, Honda HR-V and Honda City.

The WR-V’s 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine produces 121 PS and 142 Nm of torque. This is mated to a continuosly variable transmission (CVT).

The drivetrain provides outstanding response and good low-to-midrange acceleration. However, the CVT drags a bit when starting from a stop or pressing the accelerator hard, which can be mitigated by using the paddle shifters.

“If you don't take [high] speed seriously, driving around 100-120 kilometers per hour is considered comfortable,” Pisan said.

Great safety kit

The Honda WR-V trounces the Toyota Raize in terms of safety equipment.

In Thailand, all variants come with the Honda SENSING active-safety suite that includes features like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist. 

However, these life-saving features do drive up the cost, with the WR-V nearing the price of seven-seater multi-purpose vehicles in Thailand.

“If it is a customer who wants a lot of toys in the car, it can be considered satisfactory to a certain extent,” Pisan said.

Nonetheless, Pisan found the new WR-V to be a stellar choice for those who want a small crossover that offers more than the Raize.

“If you want to have peace of mind, whether it's a gasoline engine, comfortable sitting position or Honda style, this one is interesting,” he said.

Would you pick the Honda WR-V over the Toyota Raize if Honda Cars decides to sell it in the Philippines?

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