The budget end of the subcompact crossover market is booming. The Toyota Raize has been a huge success, and the Kia Sonet has been selling like hotcakes. Let’s not forget that Nissan wants in on the highly lucrative segment with the upcoming Magnite.
But there’s one model that we think would be a great addition to that class. That would be the Honda WR-V, and it’s been available in most of Southeast Asia for a while already…but not in the Philippines.
We got up close and personal with one when we covered the Bangkok International Motor Show a few months ago. Given that budget subcompact crossovers have been doing well locally, we say Honda is missing out on a potential gem of a car.
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In essence, it’s a BR-V with the tail end chopped off and the wheelbase shorted by a huge chunk. That makes it about the same size as, you guessed it, the Raize and Sonet. Of course, that’s oversimplifying it, as it has a unique exterior design and has some tweaks to the underchassis.
Inside, however, it should look familiar to BR-V owners. The dash layout is identical, as well as the interior door trims. The same could be said about the engine specifications, which is the familiar 1.5-liter mill that powers every subcompact Honda model these days. It’s good for 119hp and 145Nm, and its engine is then mated to a continuously variable transmission or a six-speed manual.
Depending on the market, there are up to four variants available for the Honda WR-V. The E and RS are constants, with the latter being the top-spec model. The Honda Sensing advanced driver assist system is fitted standard on most variants, which is in tune with the company’s continuous safety push.
So far, the WR-V has been proving a success for the brand, particularly in Indonesia (where it’s made), Thailand, and Malaysia. So, what’s holding Honda Cars Philippines back from selling it here? We’re unlikely to get an official answer, but the WR-V is only being sold in right-hand drive markets only.
While a plausible reason, remember that the WR-V is based on the BR-V. The BR-V is sold in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive configurations. That does open up the possibility of it being introduced in left-hand drive countries, but it’s no guarantee that it will be made.
Still, we say it’s worth considering this model for the Philippine market. If Honda needs more proof that a model in the budget small crossover segment will draw in sales, just take a look at the Sonet. It’s practically printing money for Kia Philippines.
