Introduced at the 2016 São Paulo International Motor Show, the first-generation WR-V was built and specifically sold for the South American and Indian market.

The first-generation WR-V shared many of its parts and features with the Fit/Jazz, including the body shell, doors, dashboard and the instrument panel.

The petrol unit is a 1.2-litre L12B i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that produced 66 kW (89 hp; 90 PS) and 110 N⋅m (81 lbf⋅ft) of torque, paired to a 5-speed manual transmission, while the diesel unit is a turbocharged 1.5-litre N15A1 i-DTEC four-cylinder engine that produced 74 kW (99 hp; 100 PS) and 200 N⋅m (148 lbf⋅ft) of torque, paired to a 6-speed manual transmission.

[3][18][19] It was initially previewed by the SUV RS concept car showcased at the 28th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on 11 November 2021.

[21] Development of the second-generation WR-V was done by Honda R&D Asia Pacific, led by Large Project Leader Poychat Ua-Arayaporn.

[22] The model shared the outer headlight assembly, bonnet and front door panels with the second-generation Amaze.

[27] Honda introduced the WR-V in the Small SUV segment on November 2, 2022,[28] It is intended to be the primary rival to the Toyota Raize.

Imported from Indonesia, it is offered in SV and RS trim levels with CVT and Honda Sensing as standard.

Imported from Indonesia, it is offered in a sole RS trim with CVT and Honda Sensing as standard.