Honda BR-V

The 2017 Honda BR-V was a breath of fresh air in the 7-seater car market. Back when it was launched, the Honda BR-V was marketed to offer 7 seats in the form of an SUV and drives like a "car" rather than an MPV. Back then, the Honda BR-V's biggest competitor was the Toyota Avanza but as the years went by, the Honda BR-V found itself facing competition from the Toyota Rush and the Perodua Aruz as well.

Honda BR-V – why it’s so much more comfortable than the Perodua Aruz?

Design 

There is no mistaking the Honda BR-V's looks as anything but an SUV though with a slightly longer side profile. Honda prefers the term "crossover" for the Honda BR-V as the company claims that the Honda BR-V was built from the platform up to accommodate 7 with ease.

Dimensions

The Honda BR-V measures in at 1,735 x 1,666 x 2,662 mm in terms of width, height, wheelbase. But the length of the Honda BR-V differs slightly between the variants with the E measuring at 4,453 mm and the V measuring in at 4,456 m

Lighting

All variants of the Honda BR-V utilise halogen headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights, while only the V gets front fog lamps.

Wheels

The Honda BR-V rolls on 16-inch wheels.

Centre Console

Honda proudly markets 11 cupholders in the Honda BR-V, and these holders are of different sizes to accommodate all sizes of cups and bottles. Using the Japanese space-saving technique has allowed Honda to not only create enough space for all occupants but allow them to squeeze out every inch for a useable cubby space.

Dashboard 

Most of the dashboard is made with good quality hard plastic. Unlike the Honda City, the Honda BR-V does not feel too industrial. The sea of black is relieved by strips of chrome to give it a modern feel.

Space

Honda did not disappoint with the Honda BR-V in terms of spaciousness. All 3 rows are afforded plenty of legroom and headroom thanks to the car's higher height.

Boot

Honda doesn't skimp on space even when accommodating the third row. There is still 223-litre worth of luggage capacity with the third row up and 539-litres on tap with the third-row seats neatly stowed away.

Safety Features

Like the Honda City and Honda Jazz, the B-segment SUV also comes equipped with Vehicle Stability Assist and Traction Control, though the Honda BR-V only has 2 airbags for safety cushion.

Comfort Features

Only the range-topping V gets leather upholstery, steering wheel and gear knob. The V variant also comes with the ever-useful rear-view camera and electric tailgate as well. Both variants come with rear air-cond vents.

Infotainment

The base E variant gets only standard audio while the Honda BR-V V gets a 6.1-inch touchscreen. Both variants are connectable via Bluetooth and USB while HDMI is reserved only for the top-spec.

Engine

The Honda BR-V shares the same heart as its fellow B-segment siblings; a 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC dispenses 120 PS and 145 Nm.

Transmission

The Honda BR-V's 1.5-litre engine is attached to Honda's efficient CVT.

Chassis

The steering system in the Honda BR-V uses Electric Power Steering with a turning radius of 5.6 m.

Drivetrain 

Though it is essentially an SUV, the Honda BR-V is front-wheel drive only.

Engine Performance

The Honda BR-V's engine might have the same power output as the other B-segment cars that it shares with, but compared to the smaller cars, the Honda BR-V has a more sedated and calm performance rather than sprightly.

Transmission Performance

The Honda BR-V makes good use of Honda's famed CVT. Thanks to the Honda BR-V's larger cabin, the loud churn of the CVT is easily channelled out so it is less intrusive leaving only the smooth feeling of the CVT.

Steering and Handling

Though a larger car, the Honda BR-V's steering is surprisingly light. This makes manoeuvring around a tight parking lot a breeze and doesn't leave you tired while cruising on the highway. While it's light, it doesn't disconnect you from the road to give you an artificial feel.

Sound Proofing

The Honda BR-V doesn't have the quietest interior, there are parts in the interior that rattles and wind from the outside seep into the car easily.

Passenger Comfort 

Being a high riding car, the Honda BR-V can get a little uncomfortable because of the excessive body roll. The suspension is set on the firm side though it still absorbs enough portholes to give a less crashy ride.

Honda claims the Honda BR-V returns 15.5 km/ litre thanks to the Earthdream engine.

Instead of utilitarian, the Honda BR-V is more a lifestyle people mover. It certainly has a more comfortable ride than even all its closest rivals and is easier to handle, it also has practicality than its closest rival, the Perodua Aruz, lacks and more space to boot.