Honda BR-V: 7 Things You Must Know!

The BR-V, Honda’s project for the widely popular compact SUV segment, is due for launch on 5 May. When introduced, the BR-V will compete against the likes of the Renault Duster and the Hyundai Creta. The former recently received a facelift, while the latter rules the segment with tremendous sales numbers. Both these cars are over 4 metres and so is the BR-V. Here’s a list of the must-know things about the BR-V that may help you clear your thoughts about buying the car.

The exteriors

With a muscular front end that gets projector headlamps along with DRLs, the BR-V boasts of an SUV appeal. The high hood placement and the clamshell bonnet lends character to the dominating face that the BR-V has. Whereas, the low set, circular fog lamps finish off the front bumper's tough character. Move to the sides and the diamond cut alloy wheels instantly catch your attention along with the black body cladding that runs all round the BR-V. One of the downsides, there’s is a slight resemblance carried from the Mobilio on the side profile that everyone might not like. Though, the rear is quite a catch with the futuristic tail lamp unit, which comprises of a foot long glass bar connecting the C-shaped lights on either side.

 The interiors

The BR-V is expected to boast of good quality interiors, at least comparable to what the Creta offers. For starters, the all-black layout of the cabin is added with a flare of silver inserts and a few glossy bits on the central console. The dash layout is sportier, which we already know, courtesy the Indian Auto Expo 2016. Moreover, the BR-V (2660 mm) is longer in terms wheelbase as compared to the Mobilio (2652 mm), with which it shares the chassis layout. This will, in turn, release more room on the inside letting the manufacturer fit in larger seats on the front.

Extra seats

As compared to the competition, the BR-V has an extra pair of seats in the last row, which automatically gives it an edge over its five-seater rivals. However, it is quite evident that the last row would only hold children comfortably, since the same seat setup is present in the Mobilio and the third row is cramped for adults. But then again, the extra space will still be quite usable.

Engine and Transmission

The BR-V gets the tried and tested engines, which honda has been using for quite some time in the City. On the diesel front, it gets the 1.5-litre i-DTEC motor which produces 100 bhp of power and 200 Nm of torque, 10 bhp lesser than the Duster and 28 bhp lesser than the Creta. The petrol motor is the 1.5-litre i-VTEC, which produces 119 bhp of power, down by 14 bhp as compared to the Creta petrol. 

Transmission duties will be taken care by a 6-speed manual in the diesel version. While the petrol will get an all new 6-speed manual gearbox along with a CVT automatic option, which will bestow pedal shifters for the first time in this category. With the 6-speed manual, the power will be more efficiently sent to the tarmac as compared to the 5-speed unit found in the City.

The more the better

The ground clearance of the BR-V is 210 mm, which is equivalent to that of the Duster AWD. However, the FWD Duster has 205 mm of ground clearance, whereas the Creta stands at 190 mm only. Coupled to the 195/60R16 tyres, the BR-V will glide over most of the bumpy situations that our roads offer. 

No Touchscreen Infotainment System

No, it doesn’t have it, not even in the top-end trim; so the entertainment part will rely solely on the music system, without any visuals. Yes, it gets the Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, but that is that. This is quite unusual, especially when the manufacturer is offering the same in cars like the Jazz and the City. Also, both the Duster and the Creta are offered with touchscreen infotainment units.

Price

The BR-V has a majority of points in its favour. However, a lot depends on the price it will be offered at. Looking at the premium design and technology attributes of the BR-V and the seven seat backing its stand, Honda could demand premium sum for a pop. The base variant could start around Rs 8.7 lakhs (ex-showroom price). However, It would be interesting to see how the six-speed manual transmission performs. Do watch out for our road test, that'll be here soon!