The first-generation WR-V was launched in Brazil on 15 March 2017 and India on 16 March. It was the first model developed by Honda Research & Development Center of Brazil in collaboration with Honda Research & Development Center of Japan, while keeping the requirements and preferences of the young Brazilian and other asian customers in mind. According to Honda, the WR-V "is endowed with a sporty, stylish and aggressive design language".
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 ground clearance was measured at 188 mm (7.4 in).
The model received a facelift in 2020, first launched in India and then in South America.
In 2022, sales ended in Brazil. Production continued for export.
The First-generation WR-V was available in both petrol and diesel engine (select countries only) options that were shared with the Jazz. 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. In Brazil, it was powered by a larger 1.5-litre L15A7 i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine that was also shared with the Fit.
The Second-generation WR-V was launched in Indonesia on 2 November 2022. It was initially previewed by the SUV RS concept car showcased at the 28th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on 11 November 2021. Its camouflaged production form was later showcased at the 29th iteration of the show on 11 August 2022.
The model shared the outer headlight assembly, bonnet and front lower side door panels with the second-generation Amaze. Its dashboard is also nearly identical to the Amaze and the second-generation BR-V
