Honda BR-V
Honda BR-V Review
Summary
The crossover SUV and SUV market in the country is growing steadily and Honda is the latest manufacturer in the country to hop on to the SUV bandwagon. Based on the Mobilio, the BR-V is only the second SUV ever offered by Honda to its Indian customers.
Further to this, read Honda BR-V Road Test details by our expert.
Exterior
The BR-V stands for Bold Runabout Vehicle and is developed by Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co. Ltd. (HRAP), in Thailand, for the Asian markets. Based on the Mobilio or stretched Brio platform, it stands tall with a high ground clearance and wider front and rear tracks. Cosmetically, the BR-V shouts out its sporty looks with the fascia sporting a wide chrome grille, projector headlamps, a large air dam, round fog lamps and chiselled bumpers. The aggressive presence is further increased by the large alloy wheels and high roof rails. The rear sports wrap-around tail lamps that extend under the wind screen and the registration plate is placed at a lower level similar to the Creta. The black body cladding all over also adds to the sporty character.
Interior
The BR-V gets a seven-seat arrangement and three-row configuration and Honda claims class-leading levels of space with this vehicle. The interior is all-black and the dashboard gets silver accents to add a dash of premium. It gets automatic climate control with separate blower for rear passengers and steering mounted audio controls. The three-pod instrument cluster gets the rev-counter at the left, the speedometer at the centre and a multi-function display embedded in the right-most dial. The centre console gets a 2-DIN audio system with AUX, USB and Bluetooth inputs but misses out on the much expected touch-screen.
Engine Transmission
The Honda BR-V is powered by the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, i-VTEC mill with the availability of a six-speed manual and a CVT transmission. The 118bhp petrol engine develops 145Nm of torque. There will also be the tried and tested 1.5-litre diesel mill from the Mobilio, which comes mated to only the six-speed manual gearbox and develops 99bhp of power and 200Nm of torque.
Performance & Handling
The straight-line stability again is commendable and the BR-V feels confident and completely home handling the fast sweeping corners too.
Braking System
The BR-V gets disc brakes up front and drum brakes in the rear complemented by ABS and EBD.
Mileage
The 1498 cc Diesel – powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 19 kmpl in city and 21 kmpl on highways, while the Petrol variant offers a mileage of 13 kmpl on urban roads and 15 kmpl on freeways, respectively.
Safety Features
The BR-V gets dual front airbags from the V trim and ABS and EBD from the S trim.
Verdict
Competition
The Honda BR-V will go up against the Hyundai Creta and the Renault Duster in the Indian market along with Nissan Terrano.
Pros
- Seven Seats
- Fuel Economy
Cons
- Features
- Off-road ability