After a long wait, Honda has finally entered the bustling compact SUV segment in India with the all new BR-V. It sits below the Honda CR-V and is based on the Brio platform. The Honda BR-V boasts of being the longest car in its class and has a 7 seat layout as its key USP. So how good is the new Honda BR-V?
At first glance, the Honda BR-V looks like a mini CR-V with similar looking headlights which get projector units offered right from the base ‘E’ variant. The front chrome grille looks familiar and the bumpers have chiselled sides that look edgy. Move to the sides and you immediately notice the dropped window line that was seen first in the Mobilio. The car looks stretched when viewed from the sides and a special mention has to be given to the 16-inch alloy wheels which look really sporty. The rear is where things get a bit subjective and will polarise opinions. The design of the taillights is unique with a red element which joins the two units. Chrome has been again used to liven up the rear with a thick strip just above the number plate.
Get into the driver’s seat and you notice a familiar looking steering wheel, instrument cluster and the dash board layout. There is an audio system that offers Bluetooth connectivity, AUX and USB support and an automatic climate control system. The dashboard feels well built like all other Honda cars but a touchscreen infotainment system could have been offered at least as an option as even the cheaper Jazz gets one.
Seat comfort in the first two rows is of the first order with good legroom and excellent headroom, though, due to the narrow cabin seating three in the second row could be a squeeze. The second row gets roof mounted AC vents that cool you down pretty effectively. The third row again has decent legroom for adults and comfort levels are adequate. Boot space with all three rows up is rated to 223 litres which can be further extended to class leading 691 litres by folding down the third row of seats.
The Honda BR-V is powered by 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines that develops 119 PS and 100 PS respectively. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox while only the petrol gets the option of a CVT automatic gearbox which is also offered with paddle shifters.
The 1.5-litre petrol is a gem and has won hearts in the City sedan. Low end responses are noticeably weak but hold on a bit to the accelerator pedal and the motor pulls very strongly. This is one of the few naturally aspirated motors that still puts a wide smile on your face everytime you rev it. The 1.5-litre diesel on the other hand immediately feels much more responsive from low engine speeds. Power build up is extremely linear and it revs to a low 4000 RPM limiter. The 6-speed manual gearbox on both versions feel crisp as ever, with the 6th gear meant for lazy and relaxed cruising out on the highway.
The Honda BR-V has the longest wheelbase in its class at 2,662mm and that helps in overall stability. It feels rock solid in a straight line and pretty confident on the curves too. The steering system has good feel to it and braking performance is excellent.
The Honda BR-V is offered with ABS and two Airbags as standard safety equipment even on the base variants. Surprisingly Honda has not offered rear parking sensors even on the top variants which is a sore omission in a segment where cars offer a rear parking camera. One can opt for them though as an add-on accessory at the dealer end.
The Honda BR-V then comes out with its own pros and cons. It has a brilliant drivetrain package and has a comfortable interior. Its 7-seater layout distinguishes itself from the rest of its direct competitors. At its price range of Rs. 8.75 lakhs to Rs. 12.99 lakhs (ex-showroom, Goa) it could have done with a bit more equipment but it is nothing that you cannot live without. The Honda BR-V is the compact SUV for you if the practicality of 7 seats, comfort and reliability are high on your priorities list.
Petrol Diesel
Power 119 PS @ 6,600 RPM 100 PS @ 3,600 RPM
Torque 145 Nm @4,600 RPM 200 Nm @ 1,750 RPM
Fuel Efficiency 15.4 Kmpl 21.9 Kmpl
Kerb Weight 1,199-1,235 Kgs 1,271-1,306 Kgs
Turning Radius 5.3 metres 5.5 metres
