Honda BR-V Launched at Rs 8.75 lakh

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL) has finally marked its entry in the compact SUV segment with the BR-V. After making its India debut at the 2016 Auto Expo in Delhi earlier this year, the car has been now been launched at a starting price of Rs 8.75 lakh for the base petrol variant; going up to Rs 12.90 lakh for the top-spec diesel model. All prices ex-showroom, New Delhi.

The highlight for the Honda BR-V is the bench seat for the third row passengers, something that is missing from its rivals like the Hyundai Creta as well as the Renault Duster. Also other SUVs like the Mahindra Scorpio and the Tata Safari Storme have jump seats at the back.

In terms of looks, the compact SUV’s silhouette is somewhat identical to the Mobilio. Up front, the BR-V features a bold grille accentuated by a thick chrome strip which is flanked on either side by headlights that are underlined by Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs). The high 210mm ground clearance and the chunky chrome alloy wheels give the BR-V the demanding SUV appeal.

On the inside, the Honda BR-V's dashboard is similar to the recently launched Amaze. The infotainment system and the automatic climate control are a straight lift from its compact sedan sibling. The multi-information display has a speedo, tacho and shows real time and average fuel efficiency. The BR-V's second row comes with a 60:40 split while the third row gets a 50:50 split. 

In terms of features it gets, height adjustable driver seat, rear AC vents, a sliding second row, electrically adjustable ORVMs, rear defoggers and more. In terms of safety, the BR-V will come with front two airbags as standard across the range. ABS is standard in all the diesel variants. 

The BR-V comes with both petrol and diesel engines. The petrol powerplant is the same 1.5-litre 4-cylinder i-VTEC motor that currently does duty in the City and the Mobilio. The engine develops 120PS of power and 145Nm of peak torque. The diesel variant of the BR-V features a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder i-DTEC engine that churns out 100PS of max power and 200Nm of peak torque. Both the variants come with a 6-speed manual transmissions while a CVT option has been offered only for the petrol variant.

While the BR-V will face stiff competition from the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster, Mahindra Scorpio and the Tata Safari Storme, the fact that it is the first genuine 7-seater SUV in its class might just work in its favour. The BR-V has been launched in six colours. Bookings for the BR-V have already begun. Honda will also offer a 3 years/unlimited km warranty.  

All Prices: (ex-showroom Delhi)

Petrol

E – Rs 8.70 lakh

S – Rs 9.90 lakh

V – Rs 10.90 lakh

VX – Rs 11.84 lakh 

V CVT  - Rs 11.99 lakh 

Diesel

E – Rs 9.90 lakh

S – Rs 10.99 lakh

V – Rs 11.85 lakh

VX – Rs 12.90 lakh