At long last, Honda’s seven-seater crossover has landed in our shores after going on sale in Indonesia and Thailand. Unveiled at the 2016 Malaysian Autoshow happening at the Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC), the BR-V will be available for public viewing from 10 to 13 November 2016.
Based on Honda’s budget MPV (the Mobilio), the BR-V is a crossover variation of the Mobilio. Dimensions wise, the BR-V is larger than the crowd favourite HR-V, measuring at 4.45 meters in length, 1.73 meters in width and 1.65 meters in height with a 2,660mm wheelbase.
EXTERIOR
With the BR-V being a crossover and not a full blown MPV, the styling is naturally more muscly, suggesting a more adventurous and active nature. The generous ground clearance of 210 mm definitely supports that statement. At the front, the BR-V wears Honda’s signature Solid Wing Face grille and projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights that are reminiscent of the CR-V. A pair of halogen fog lamps with chrome housings and a chrome plating at the lower lip completes the front fascia of the BR-V. The small utility vehicle also comes with roof rails, chrome door handles and keyless entry.
At the rear the BR-V comes with a unique pair of C-shaped LED combination rear tail lights that are connected by a lighting bar that runs across the rear tailgate. The tailgate latch is positioned down low for ease of access. Lastly, the BR-V rides on 16-inch dual tone alloys wrapped in 195/60 profile Bridgestone Ecopia EP 150 tyres.
INTERIOR
The front seats were heavily covered up, therefore we have to wait till the official launch before we can tell you what will be featured in our version of the BR-V. However, if the Thailand models are of any indication, the BR-V would have similar interior layout like the Jazz and City. The Thai-spec BR-V comes with a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera, keyless start, illuminated instrument cluster and automatic climate control. We can confirm that our local-spec will at least come with keyless start and a reverse camera.
Fortunately, the rear seats were open to the public to give us a glimpse of what’s to come. The seats are finished in leather so expect the BR-V to feature full leather seats (also dependent on trim level). Roof mounted rear air-vents with fan controls are also available for the rear passengers. The second row seats come with a 60:40 split while the third row are of 50:50 split configuration.
Boot space is rated at 223 litres with all the seats up, but can be expanded to 539 litres with the third row tucked away.
PERFORMANCE
Powering the seven-seater crossover is the familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated SOHC i-VTEC that produces 120 hp and 145 Nm of torque. It’s also the same engine found in the Honda City and Jazz. Drive is sent to the front-wheels via a continuous variable transmission (CVT).
WHAT ELSE
No other details were revealed during the preview of the BR-V except that it will be assembled locally. If you are as excited as we are for the launch of the all-new BR-V, stay tuned to AutoBuzz.my for more updates to come!
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