Japanese automaker Honda has showcased the BR-V in India. The SUV is going to compete in a very fast-paced segment with some tough rivals to crack.
Honda has finally unveiled the much awaited BR-V SUV here at the 2016 Auto Expo. The vehicle was showcased last year and we even drove it for a short while in Japan. The BR-V has typical Honda styling and the front fascia has a large and imposing grille while the bumper looks very striking with all its styling elements. The car looks butch from certain angles but it is the side profile which reminds one of the Mobilio MPV.
The interiors of the BR-V are much better than the Mobilio. The vehicle gets the same dashboard that is used in the Jazz and City while the steering wheel is lifted straight from the Brio and Amaze. The BR-V is a 7-seater SUV and the rear has a lot of space. The rear windows are also big thus giving the passengers a better view and lending a very airy feel to the cabin. Honda’s designers have optimised the second and third rows for better space and comfort.
Powering the BR-V is a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that churns out 118 HP of power at 6000 RPM and 145 Nm of torque from 4600 RPM. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and also a CVT gearbox which has been tuned for better performance and fuel economy. The BR-V also gets an oil-burner which is again a 1.5-litre i-DTEC unit that also powers the City, Amaze, Jazz and Mobilio. The diesel engine comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The BR-V measures 4456 mm in length, 1735 mm in width and 1666 mm in height. The SUV has a ground clearance of 201 mm. The BR-V competes with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Terrano and Renault Duster. While pricing is a key factor to determining a vehicle’s success or failure, Honda has an added advantage of better snob value, good after-sales service and an excellent resale value. It will be launched in the coming financial year.
