Zakirin
The Honda WR-V (RM 89,900 to RM 107,900) is an urban-focused compact crossover powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine (121 PS / 145 Nm) with a CVT, 207 mm ground clearance, a 380-litre boot, Honda LaneWatch, and Honda SENSING active safety. The Perodua Traz (RM 76,100 to RM 81,100) is Perodua’s larger B-segment SUV built on the DNGA platform, offering a 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i engine (106 PS / 138 Nm) paired with a Dual-Mode CVT (D-CVT), a class-leading 471-litre boot, 6 standard airbags across all trims, standard rear air-con vents, an Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold, and an available hands-free power tailgate.
Quick Verdict:
- Choose the Honda WR-V if:You want higher top-end engine power (121 PS / 145 Nm), a more compact 4,060 mm length for effortless city maneuvering and tight parking, Honda LaneWatch blind spot projection, a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, and Honda brand equity.
- Choose the Perodua Traz if:You want maximum value for money (saving RM 13,800 to RM 26,800), a larger B-segment body with a 2,620 mm wheelbase, a cavernous 471-litre boot, standard 6 airbags on all variants, standard Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold, rear air vents, tilt & telescopic steering, and a powered kick-sensor tailgate on the H trim.
💰 Estimated Monthly Ownership Breakdown
| Cost & Ownership Factor | Honda WR-V (1.5 S / E / V / RS) | Perodua Traz (1.5 X / 1.5 H) |
| Price (OTR w/o Insurance, Peninsular) | RM 89,900 (S) – RM 107,900 (RS) | RM 76,100 (X) – RM 81,100 (H) |
| Standard Manufacturer Warranty | 5 Years / Unlimited Mileage | 5 Years / 150,000 km |
| Estimated 5-Year Maintenance Cost | ~RM 3,300 – RM 3,900 (Honda Scheduled Service) | ~RM 2,800 – RM 3,300 (Perodua ProCare Schedule) |
| Annual Road Tax (Peninsular MY) | RM 90 (1,498 cc) | RM 90 – RM 120 (1,496 cc) |
| Claimed Fuel Consumption | ~6.0 L/100 km (~16.7 km/L) | 4.7 L/100 km (~21.3 km/L MDC Mode) |
| Luggage Space (Boot Capacity) | 380 Litres | 471 Litres |
| Est. Monthly Loan (9-Yr @ 3.0%–3.5%) | ~RM 950/mo (S) – ~RM 1,140/mo (RS) | ~RM 805/mo (X) – ~RM 860/mo (H) |
📊 Comprehensive Specification Comparison
| Feature / Spec | Honda WR-V (1.5 RS / V) | Perodua Traz (1.5 X / 1.5 H) |
| Segment / Body Style | 5-Seater A/B-Segment Compact Crossover | 5-Seater B-Segment SUV |
| Underpinning Architecture | Honda Global Small Car Platform | Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA-B) |
| Assembly | CKD (Local Assembly, Melaka, Malaysia) | CKD (Local Assembly, Rawang, Malaysia) |
| Engine Type | 1.5L 4-Cylinder 16V DOHC i-VTEC (L15ZF) | 1.5L 4-Cylinder 16V DOHC Dual VVT-i (2NR-VE) |
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | 1,496 cc |
| Transmission Type | Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) | Dual-Mode CVT (D-CVT) with Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain Layout | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Max Power Output | 121 PS (119 hp / 89 kW) @ 6,600 RPM | 106 PS (105 hp / 78 kW) @ 6,000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 145 Nm @ 4,300 RPM | 138 Nm @ 4,200 RPM |
| 0–100 km/h Acceleration | ~11.0 – 11.3 seconds | ~11.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | ~175 km/h | ~170 km/h |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 Litres | 42 Litres |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,060 mm x 1,780 mm x 1,608 mm | 4,310 mm x 1,770 mm x 1,655 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,485 mm | 2,620 mm (+135 mm longer) |
| Ground Clearance | 207 mm | 210 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1,110 – 1,145 kg | 1,145 – 1,150 kg |
| Boot Space | 380 Litres | 471 Litres |
| Wheels & Tyres | 16-inch (S/E) / 17-inch Alloys (215/55 R17 on V/RS) | 17-inch Two-Tone Alloys (215/60 R17) |
| Steering Column Adjustment | Tilt Only (Up / Down) | Tilt & Telescopic (Reach & Rake) |
| Parking Brake | Traditional Mechanical Handbrake Lever | Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold |
| Rear Air-Conditioning Vents | Not Available | Standard Rear Air-Con Vents |
| Power Tailgate | Not Available | Power Back Door with Kick Sensor (H variant) |
| Infotainment Screen | 7.0-inch Touchscreen (Wired CarPlay & Android Auto) | 9.0-inch Touchscreen (Wireless CarPlay & AA) |
| Camera & Parking Aids | Multi-Angle Reverse Camera + LaneWatch (V & RS) | Reverse Camera (X) / 360° Panoramic View Monitor (H) |
| Airbags | 4 Airbags (S & E) / 6 Airbags (V & RS) | 6 SRS Airbags (Standard on all trims) |
| Active Safety (VSA / HSA) | Standard across all trims | Standard across all trims |
| ADAS Safety Suite | Honda SENSING (E, V, RS trims) | Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA / ASA 3.0 Standard) |
⚡ Key Differences Breakdown
🚗 Powertrain, Performance & Highway Cruising
- Honda WR-V: Powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine outputting 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque mated to a step-logic CVT. It delivers higher top-end horsepower and quicker high-speed passing power above 100 km/h, providing smoother acceleration during continuous highway overtakes.
- Perodua Traz: Uses the 1.5-litre 2NR-VE Dual VVT-i engine producing 106 PS and 138 Nm of torque paired with an Akashi Kikai Dual-Mode CVT (D-CVT). The split-gear mechanism switches to a direct gear drive at cruising speeds, reducing engine RPM at 110 km/h to return superior fuel efficiency (up to 21.3 km/L MDC mode).
🎨 Dimensions, Rear Cabin Space & Boot Practicality
- Honda WR-V: Measures 4,060 mm long with a 2,485 mm wheelbase. Its compact footprint makes it effortless to maneuver through dense city alleys and narrow parking lots. Ground clearance is high at 207 mm, and boot capacity is respectable for its stubby length at 380 Litres.
- Perodua Traz: Sits on a true B-segment footprint measuring 4,310 mm long (+250 mm longer than WR-V) with a 2,620 mm wheelbase (+135 mm). This translates to significantly more rear knee room and passenger stretch-out space. Boot volume is substantially larger at 471 Litres, easily swallowing large strollers, luggage sets, and family cargo.
🛋️ Cabin Ergonomics, Convenience Tech & Safety Equipment
- Honda WR-V: Features a 7.0-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, analogue gauges with a 4.2-inch MID, a traditional manual handbrake lever, and the Honda LaneWatch camera on V and RS trims. However, the base S variant is limited to 4 airbags, and the cabin lacks rear air vents and telescopic steering adjustment.
- Perodua Traz: Comes standard with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold, tilt & telescopic steering wheel adjustment, rear air-conditioning vents, standard 6 airbags across all variants, a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and full PSDA ADAS. The H trim adds a hands-free power tailgate with kick sensor, a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, and a built-in dashcam (DVR).
🌟 3 Things We Love
Honda WR-V
- Punchy 121 PS i-VTEC Engine: Stronger high-rpm horsepower delivers effortless highway overtaking and spirited throttle response.
- Compact City Maneuverability: At just 4,060 mm in length, it is exceptionally easy to parallel park and pilot through tight urban traffic.
- Honda LaneWatch Blind-Spot Camera: Projects a crystal-clear live view of the left blind spot onto the center screen when activating the left turn indicator.
Perodua Traz
- Unbeatable Value for Money: Securing a full-sized B-segment SUV with 6 airbags, EPB, full ADAS, and a 471L boot from RM 76,100 severely undercuts non-national rivals.
- Cavernous 471L Boot & Power Kick-Tailgate (H): Massive cargo room paired with a motorized kick-activated tailgate offers class-leading practical utility.
- Superior Cabin Ergonomics & Rear Air Vents: Telescopic steering wheel adjustment, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and standard rear AC vents provide everyday comfort for all occupants.
⚠️ 2 Things That Need Work
Honda WR-V
- Compromised Safety & Features on Base S: The RM 89,900 entry model is limited to 4 airbags, omits Honda SENSING, and uses a manual handbrake.
- No Rear Passenger Air Vents or Telescopic Steering: Lacking rear air-con blowers and telescopic reach adjustment compromises long-distance family comfort.
Perodua Traz
- Modest Engine Output (106 PS / 138 Nm): The 1.5L naturally aspirated powertrain is tuned for fuel efficiency rather than brisk acceleration, feeling relaxed on highway inclines.
- Fabric Seats Only Across Both Trims: Lacks a factory leatherette seat upholstery option, utilizing fabric upholstery on both X and H variants.
🏁 Buying Conclusion
The Perodua Traz is the undisputed practical and financial champion for Malaysian families. Priced from RM 76,100 to RM 81,100, it undercuts the WR-V by RM 13,800 to RM 26,800 while offering a larger B-segment body (+135 mm longer wheelbase), a massive 471-litre boot, standard 6 airbags, standard Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold, rear air-con vents, telescopic steering, and a powered kick-tailgate on the H trim. For buyers seeking maximum space, modern convenience tech, and low running costs per Ringgit, the Traz is the superior all-round package.
The Honda WR-V remains the choice for drivers who prioritize compact city dimensions, brand equity, and punchier petrol horsepower. Ranging from RM 89,900 to RM 107,900, its 121 PS i-VTEC engine delivers stronger passing power, while its 4,060 mm length and Honda LaneWatch camera make it exceptionally easy to pilot through dense urban congestion. If you want a non-national badge with extra engine punch and ultra-nimble parking dimensions, the WR-V RS is an agile city crossover.
