Q.Auto Expo 2016: Honda unveils BR-V and new Accord

Here is the Honda BR-V walkaround video from Zigwheels. [video=youtube;fyk1-KX4UOE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyk1-KX4UOE[/video]

The BRV looks rather ungainly with its squared front end and the narrow and longish body. Wonder who approved that mix and mash of parts they are calling interiors. It has bits and pieces of the Brio, Jazz, Mobilio, City and even the GenIII City, and it really does not come together at all! Lack of width was always a problem with the Amaze as well as the Mobilio and the BRV should be no different. This is a vehicle that is expected to be priced above the Mobilio and compete with the likes of Duster, Creta and XUV. The diesel engine is also not competent enough in this company. It really has its work cut out as the big H on the nose can only take it so far. Another disappointing new product from Honda.

Honda also unveiled the new Accord at the Auto Expo. This Accord is a series Hybrid, powered by a 2-litre petrol engine in series with an electric motor. The petrol engine alone puts out just 141 bhp, but in combination with the electric motor the total output is 196 bhp, along with 306 Nm of torque. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4154[/ATTACH] The Accord, now the 9th generation Accord, competes with the Toyota Camry and the Skoda Superb. Since Toyota is already running a hybrid in the Camry, the Accord does not want to be left behind as far as its green-quotient goes. The Accord in display features a thick chrome grille (not something I am a fan of) and LED headlamps. It has plenty of goodies on board such as Apple Car Play. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4155[/ATTACH] The rear too gets a bit more chrome embellishment and re-designed tail lamps. The Accord is likely to be priced between Rs. 26 and Rs. 28 lakh. Honda may bring back the 3.5 litre V6 variant as well - but for now it's sticking with the hybrid.

A closer look at what the Honda BR-V is all about. This seven-seat crossover could easily be the most spacious in its segment. Here's a look at the third row of the Honda BR-V. We climbed in and it can comfortably seat two adults, without compromising on legroom. That's something that can't be said for a lot of other crossovers and MPVs including the Toyota Innova (more on that in another thread). [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4137[/ATTACH] Even the middle row in the Honda BR-V, there's plenty of legroom for three passengers. The floor is quite flat, so even the middle passenger would be fairly comfortable. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4143[/ATTACH] The boot is fairly spacious - just like its cousin the Honda Mobilio. The boot can hold about 223 litres of luggage. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4144[/ATTACH] The last row gets a 50:50 split folding arrangement to increase luggage space as needed.

Honda has unveiled the BR-V for the first time in India. We earlier showed you pictures and a walkaround of the BR-V from Japan ([B][URL="http://www.zigwheels.com/forum/topics/car-and-bike-research/upcoming-cars-and-bikes/899-honda-br-v-coming-to-india"]LINK[/URL][/B]), but this is the first time Honda is showing the BR-V in India. The BR-V is likely to be priced above the Honda Mobilio - which is an MPV, while the BR-V is a crossover. It comes with two engine choices - a 1.5 litre petrol and a 1.5 litre diesel. Both these engines are pretty familiar units as they power the Honda City as well. Power figures too are likely to be similar. [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4128[/ATTACH] [B]Key specifications of the Honda BR-V:[/B] [FONT=arial][SIZE=13px]At a glance:[/SIZE][/FONT] [B]Length:[/B][FONT=arial][SIZE=13px] 4456 mm[/SIZE][/FONT] [B]Width:[/B][FONT=arial][SIZE=13px] 1735 mm[/SIZE][/FONT] [B]Height:[/B][FONT=arial][SIZE=13px] 1666 mm[/SIZE][/FONT] [B]Wheelbase: [/B][FONT=arial][SIZE=13px]2660 mm[/SIZE][/FONT] [B]Ground clearance:[/B][FONT=arial][SIZE=13px] 201 mm[/SIZE][/FONT] [B][FONT=arial][SIZE=13px]Engine choices:[/SIZE][/FONT][/B] [FONT=arial][SIZE=13px]Petrol: 1496 cc, 4 cylinder (Power: 119PS @ 6,600 rpm, Torque: 145 Nm @ 4,600 rpm)[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=arial][SIZE=13px]Gearbox: Six-speed manual or CVT[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=arial][SIZE=13px]Diesel: 1.5 litre iDtec, 4 cylinder (100PS / 200 Nm)[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=arial][SIZE=13px]Gearbox: Six-speed manual The front of the BR-V is quite different from the other three cars that share the same platform - that is the Mobilio, Amaze and Brio. The BR-V is the fourth derivative of the same platform. It is a seven-seater crossover, and a pretty spacious one at that. [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=arial][SIZE=13px][ATTACH=CONFIG]n4129[/ATTACH][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=arial][SIZE=13px]A look at the rear of the Honda BR-V. The red clear plastic connecting the tail-lamps is a neat touch reminiscent of some of the earlier Honda designs. The wrap-around tail lamps look smart. [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=arial][SIZE=13px][ATTACH=CONFIG]n4130[/ATTACH][/SIZE][/FONT]