2023 Honda WR-V gets five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating 

The all-new Honda WR-V subcompact recently received a five-star rating from the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP). So let’s break down how exactly it scored on the said organization’s safety tests.   

ASEAN NCAP - Honda WR-V

For adult occupant protection, the WR-V received a weighted score of 27.41 out of a maximum of 32, which is equivalent to a five-star rating. Its child occupant protection rating also scored high at 42.79 out of 51. For these two categories, it underwent a frontal impact test, a side impact test, and ASEAN NCAP also made sure to test its head protection technology. 

The WR-V’s safety assist was also pretty good at 16.37 out of 21.00. The ASEAN NCAP also considered the car's ability to provide safety to motorcycle users that it shares the road with. In this case, it garnered a score of 8.36 out of 16.00. 

The safety assist testing and motorcycle safety category accounted for the vehicle’s comprehensive safety. Included in this collection of assistive driving tech is the WR-V’s autonomous emergency braking system which can detect pedestrians. 

This Honda proved that it can protect its occupants during a crash

Of note, the WR-V is equipped with Honda Sensing, which includes features that are meant to give safer drives. Safety tech such as lane departure alert, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with low speed follow, among others are included in Honda Sensing. 

With regards to standard safety equipment, the Honda WR-V that was tested comes with six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, anti-lock braking, stability control, etc.

But as attractive as all of these sounds from the perspective of car buyers, do note that the 2023 Honda WR-V is yet to be included in Honda Cars Philippines’ model lineup. It has yet to release an official statement in regard to its plans for the WR-V.

Bringing the WR-V into the local market could make sense for Honda Cars PH since the subcompact crossover segment is constantly gaining popularity in the Philippines. It’s also worth noting that Honda Cars PH currently has no challenger for the said segment that includes vehicles such as the Toyota Raize, Kia Stonic, and MG ZS, among others.   

The Honda WR-V was launched in Indonesia last year

Last year, we reported that the waiting period for a brand-new Toyota Raize Turbo could take between three to four months. This is a testament to the Raize’s popularity in the market. 

Back in 2021, Kia Philippines posted a 76 percent sales growth that was driven by the Stonic, a subcompact crossover. A total of 1,400 Stonic rolled off the showroom in 2021, accounting for 37 percent of Kia PH’s 2021 sales run.

That said, it could make sense if Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. brings the WR-V. It could rival the likes of the Toyota Raize, and other subcompact crossovers available in the country. Would you like to see the Honda WR-V on local roads? Do you think Honda PH should launch the WR-V? 

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