Why Has the Honda WRV Not Been Launched Yet?

[McJoanna]

Honda WRV has not been launched in China because it is an overseas-exclusive model and will not be available in the Chinese market. More details are as follows: Powertrain: The WRV is equipped with a 1.5L inline 4-cylinder naturally aspirated Earth Dreams series engine, with a maximum torque of 152 Nm and a maximum horsepower of 115 hp. The transmission options include a CVT continuously variable transmission and a 5-speed manual transmission. Dimensions: Although the WRV is a compact SUV, its body dimensions are 43005mm in length, 17605mm in width, and 1595mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2600mm.

[BellaAnn]

As a Honda owner who closely follows the brand's updates, I've noticed that the WRV has long been launched overseas but remains absent in the domestic market. Last year, Honda publicly announced plans to scale back its fuel vehicle lineup and fully commit its R&D resources to electrification. Currently, dealerships are primarily promoting the e:NP and e:NS series, with even the CR-V now offering a hybrid version. The compact SUV segment is already dominated by Honda's own Vezel and XR-V models, so introducing the WRV might risk cannibalizing their sales. If I were to guess, Honda probably thinks fuel vehicles aren't selling well, electrification requires heavy investment, and has simply decided to shelve this model.

[EdenAnn]

From an automotive media perspective, Honda's move is quite clear. In the Southeast Asian market, the WRV uses the outdated Fit platform with an aging powertrain, and the main sales model still features a 1.5L engine paired with a CVT. At the same price point, domestic brands are already offering turbocharged engines, making the current introduction essentially uncompetitive. Honda has shifted its global strategy toward electric platforms in recent years, with tight R&D budgets. Last week's dealer conference even revealed plans to halt three gasoline vehicle production lines by 2025, so it's no surprise that non-strategic models like the WRV are queued up until the year after next.

[AshleyLee]

Uncle Zhang, my neighbor who has been a technician at a 4S dealership for ten years, said this car is stuck on emission standards. After China 6B was implemented, the Fit's chassis needed major modifications, and the costs couldn't be controlled. Now, car prices are getting more competitive, with the Brazilian WRV priced at around 110,000 RMB after conversion. But in the same price range domestically, the BYD Yuan Pro already comes with fast charging—gasoline cars simply can't compete. Not to mention, the Fit platform requires extra reinforcement just to install a rear anti-collision beam, and without a five-star safety rating, they don’t dare introduce it.