Being a product specifically developed for ASEAN and other developing countries, the Honda WR-V’s second destination following its world debut in Indonesia is Thailand. Unlike in the archipelago, however, the WR-V is the only compact SUV available in the Kingdom as the Toyota Raize is never sold there.

With 2 variants offered – the base SV and RS – the Thai-spec 2023 Honda WR-V is fully-imported (CBU) from Honda’s Indonesian plant in Karawang. That plant is also home to the WR-V’s 7-seater sister, the BR-V.

Prices for the WR-V in Thailand start at THB 799,000 (~RM 103k) for the SV variant and THB 869,000 (~RM 112k) for the RS variant. It's not the cheapest SUV in the Kingdom, mind you, as the MG ZS which is a larger B-segment SUV starts from THB 689,000 (~RM 89k).

Also read: Honda WR-V vs Toyota Raize (Perodua Ativa): Cast your votes

It's also more expensive than the Honda City Hatchback which starts from THB 599,000 (~RM 77k).

Just like in Indonesia, the Thai-spec WR-V is only available with one powertrain option across the pair. Underneath the front bonnet is a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder petrol engine. The unit makes 121 PS and 145 Nm and is linked to a CVT-type automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.

Also read: All-new 2023 Honda WR-V debuts in Indonesia - Can it win over the Ativa?

The specs and features on the Thai-spec WR-V are also similar to what is being offered in Indonesia but with only 2 variants offered, they are pretty well-equipped. Standard features on both variants are:

• Automatic LED headlights
• Electrically adjustable and foldable side door mirrors
• Tilt leather steering wheel
• Synthetic leather and fabric combi seats
• Automatic air conditioning
• 4.2-inch TFT multi-info display
• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support

The higher RS variant gets 6 speakers instead of 4, 17-inch alloy wheels rather than 16, paddle shifters, and an exclusive two-tone Ignite Red Metallic/Black roof colour.

As mentioned in the title, Honda Sensing ADAS suite is available as standard which consists of:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Lane-Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
• Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN)
• Auto High Beam (AHB)

However, the Honda LaneWatch camera as well as 6 airbags are only available on the RS variant. The base WR-V SV does not get LaneWatch and has 4 airbags.

Also read: A mini HR-V, Malaysia-bound Honda WR-V awarded 5-star ASEAN NCAP crash test rating

Moving closer to home, the WR-V will be entering Malaysia too as camouflaged units have been spotted on local highways. Still, Honda’s rival to the Perodua Ativa would likely be priced much higher than even the most expensive variant of P2’s compact SUV. We expect the Malaysian-spec WR-V to be priced around the RM 90k mark.

Also read: Spied: Ativa-rivalling 2023 Honda WR-V spotted on Malaysian roads