2023 Honda WR-V awarded five-star safety rating by ASEAN NCAP

Back in November of last year, Honda officially revealed its Toyota Raize fighter, the all-new WR-V. It sits on the same platform as the BR-V but its dimensions and size put it squarely against the aforementioned Toyota, as well as the Kia Stonic.

With its subcompact size, generous 220mm of ground clearance, sleek looks, 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, and Honda Sensing driver aids at the ready, the 2023 WR-V is packed to the brim despite being one of the brand's smallest high-riding vehicles to date.

While we were already impressed with its design, Honda also made sure their latest crossover was also a safe vehicle. In fact, the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (ASEAN NCAP) has announced that the WR-V secured a five-star safety rating.

The variant that was recently tested by ASEAN NCAP was the top-of-the-line RS with Honda Sensing. This meant the WR-V came with six airbags (dual front, dual side, dual curtain), anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and seatbelt reminders for the driver and front passenger.

Honda Sensing gives the crossover intelligent driver aids like lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, forward collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking.

Also helping the WR-V secure its five-star safety rating is its ability to absorb impact during a crash. In the adult occupancy protection test, it was able to score 27.41 out of 32 possible points. Data from the test dummies showed that the crossover was able to provide good protection in both the frontal and side-impact tests. The WR-V also excelled in the child occupancy protection test, scoring 42.79 out of 51 possible points. Like all vehicles today, the WR-V comes with ISOFIX child seat anchors.

With the Honda WR-V scoring a five-star safety rating, those who plan to get one will have peace of mind. Unfortunately, the WR-V will not be arriving in the Philippine market (for now at least), as Honda is only making it available for right-hand drive markets. We're hoping that it will soon be offered for left-hand drive markets as well in order for it to (possibly) be available for the Philippines.