Honda BR-V compact crossover has finally made its world premiere at the ongoing Gaikindo Indonesian International Motor Show 2015 (IIMS). The crossover which is set to be introduced in India sometime next year is the Japanese automaker’s answer to Hyundai Creta and Maruti S-Cross.
The compact crossover SUV features ‘XCiting H Design’ philosophy which was previewed by Vision XS-1 concept at last year’s New Delhi Auto Expo.
Today also marks the global unveil of the Honda BR-V SUV. Honda Indonesia is expecting to generate atleast 1,000 bookings for their new SUV at the show floor itself. Production is set to commence at PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) plant in Karawang, West Java, from early 2016. Deliveries will commence thereafter.
Here’s a detailed first look review on the new Honda BR-V.
Exteriors
Ground Clearance stands at 209 mm.
The front fascia looks like a baby CR-V with peeled back headlamps complete with projector and LED DRL elements, a prominent chrome grille insert, elliptical chorme finished foglight enclosure, honeycomb meshed secondary air dam and a sporty chin. In Honda’s words – “Front view of Honda BR-V reflects the toughness and character of a premium SUV”.
In profile, BR-V’s greenhouse with a kink near the base of B-pillar, and the character lines are carried forward from Mobilio with which it shares its underpinnings. Other noteworthy elements in profile include flared wheel arches, 16 inch alloys, black lower body cladding, door step, under guards, and silver roof rails.
Coming to the rear fascia, the angular LED taillights are connected by means of a red strip a la XR-V Cocnept. A roof-mounted spoiler, chrome headliner for license plate enclosure and a black bumper complete the exterior design.
Interiors
Dashboard design is fresh but is heavily inspired from that of City. Image – AutonetMagz.comThe show car has its interior blacked out, but the spy shots leaked from the show floor confirms that dashboard design and layout have a fresh appeal. The dashboard features dual tone black-beige finish with three spoke steering wheel and a seven inch touchscreen on the centre console for navigation, multimedia and park assist display.
Instrument panel consists of three circular dials with chrome rings on its tip. It also has Multi-Information Display, which shows information such as fuel consumption, tripmeter, the outside temperature, fuel efficiency, and the clock on the display screen larger. The driver can access simply by touching a button.
Steering wheel and seats get leather upholstery for the top end variants. Apart from this, Honda has confirmed that BR-V will have seven seats, in three row format, third row facing towards the front.
Honda says that “interior design is designed to look tough and premium. Interior Honda BR-V presents a spacious cabin in its class and the highest comfort. Interior quality is reflected in every element that gives maximum comfort and luxury, with advanced features such as Multi-Information Display.”
Kneeroom and headroom are more spacious in the second and third row. The third row seat can be split 50/50 types that can be folded quickly and easily, to create a more spacious luggage space. AC vents are offered in the front, and second row. Honda says this is enough to cool the cabin quickly.
Engine and Transmission
Honda BR-V Global UnveilIn Indonesia, Honda BR-V will be powered by a 4-cylinder 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine which generates a maximum power of 120 PS (88kW) at 6,600 rpm and maximum torque of 145 Nm at 4,600 rpm. Two transmission options will be on offer, 6 speed manual and a CVT, which will deliver power to the front wheels. 4×4 option will not be on offer.
For India, Honda is expected to offer BR-V with the same engine and transmission options as seen on board the new City. This will be in the form of a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol generating 118 PS at 6600 rpm and 145 Nm torque at 4600 rpm; and a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel motor generating 100 PS power at 3600 rpm and 200 Nm torque at 1750 rpm. Transmission options will include 5 speed MT and CVT, it remains to be seen if Honda India brings the new 6 speed MT on board the BR-V to India or not.
Specs, Features and Colour Optins
Image – Andra FebrianHonda BR-V is 4455 mm long, 1735 mm wide and has a wheelbase of 2660 mm with ground clearance set at 209 mm.
Safety features for Honda BR-V includes VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist), Hill Start Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Dual and Front SRS airbags, Front 3-Point Load Limiters with Pretensioner ELR Seat Belt and ISOFIX.
Honda BR-V will be available in 6 colours – namely Taffeta White, Modern Steel Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, and three new colours namely Misty Green Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Passion Red Pearl. It is not confirmed that all these six colours will make way to India or not.
Price
Honda BR-V will be launched in India next year.
In Indonesia, Honda BR-V will be priced in the range of 230 million to 250 million IDR, which is approximately Rs 10.91 lakhs to Rs 11.79 lakhs.
The car is estimated to have a price range of INR 8.5 – 12 lakhs (ex-showroom) when it goes on sale in India next year.
