We’ve caught the preview of the BR-V last year at the 2016 Malaysian Autoshow and even had the chance to get up close with Honda’s latest seven-seater crossover. For those who have been eagerly waiting, Honda has officially launched the Honda BR-V here at KLCC.
The BR-V shares the same platform as the Brio (compact hatchback) and Mobilio (budget MPV), albeit stretched to 4,455 mm long, 1,735 mm wide and 1,650 mm tall with a 2,660 mm wheelbase. It’s marginally larger in length and height compared to the HR-V (161 mm wider and 45 mm taller). The BR-V also comes with a 201 mm ground clearance at the undercarriage.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Honda BR-V 1.5E | Honda BR-V 1.5V |
| Engine | 1,497cc; 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC | |
| Transmission | Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) | |
| Max Power | 118 hp @ 6,600 rpm | |
| Max Torque | 145 Nm @ 4,600 rpm | |
| Price | RM85,800 | RM92,800 |
EXTERIOR
In case you are wondering, BR-V is an abbreviation for Bold Runabout Vehicle. Therefore, it is only natural that Honda adopted a more active and muscular design for the crossover. From the front, Honda’s signature Wing Face grille gives the crossover a bold impression. As standard, both variants come with halogen projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, powered wing mirrors with integrated turn signals and C-shaped LED combination tail lamps.
Only the range topping V-spec gets front fog lamps, chrome door handles, keyless entry, bumper lower garnish and chrome side protectors. Both variants ride on 16-inch dual tone alloys wrapped in 195/60 profile Bridgestone Ecopia EP 150 tyres.
INTERIOR
Step inside you are greeted with a familiar but different layout from the Jazz and City. The BR-V is related more closely to the Brio which it is based on. Starting from the entry level E-spec, you get a decent amount of equipment including fabric upholstery, manual air conditioning, rear air-cond vents, urethane steering wheel and gear knob and a standard audio system with Bluetooth, USB, Hands-Free call function, auxiliary jack as well as four-speakers.
Step up to the top tier V-spec and you get all the bells and whistles including leather upholstery, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio switch control, push start, automatic climate control, 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with HDMI port and reverse camera, leather door lining armrest, rear seat pocket and vanity mirror.
The rear seats feature a one touch fold and tumble (60:40 split for second row; 50:50 split for third row) mechanism for ease of access. Besides that, the second row seats come with sliding function. Thanks to Honda’s clever packaging, the BR-V boasts 11 cup holders and a 223 litre boot space with all the seats up. Fold the third row seats down, the car is capable of swallowing 539 litres of cargo.
PERFORMANCE
Powering this crossover is the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder SOHC with i-VTEC mated to a continuous variable transmission (CVT) gearbox pushing out 118 hp and 145 Nm of torque. Drive is exclusively sent to the front wheels. The BR-V also comes with an Eco Indicator.
SAFETY
Thankfully, safety features on the BR-V is rather decent. Both variants get dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), hill-start assist and ISOFIX mounting points. Thanks to that, both variants are awarded with ASEAN NCAP 5-Star Adult Occupant Protection and 4-Star Child Occupant Protection.
WHAT ELSE?
The BR-V can be had in five different exterior shades – Taffeta White, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Dark Ruby Red Pearl and Golden Brown Metallic. A range of Honda genuine accessories are available for purchase – Modulo Package (RM3,750), Urban Package (RM2,945), Utility Package (RM1,280), window tints and security package. Every purchase of the BR-V comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and a six free labour service package.
IMAGE GALLERY
Honda BR-V Grade V
Honda BR-V Grade E
