The new 2020 Honda BR-V facelift was recently introduced in Malaysia. Bookings for the model was opened back in March.

It competes against the Perodua Aruz/Toyota Rush duo. To a further extent, it also competes against the Toyota Avanza, Proton Exora, and Perodua Alza.

How much is the 2020 Honda BR-V?

The new 2020 Honda BR-V’s prices start from RM 89,900 for the 1.5 E variant, while the 1.5 V is priced from RM 96,900.

This marks an increase of RM 8,911 for the 1.5 E, and RM 9,199 for the 1.5 V.

What are the pros and cons of the 2020 Honda BR-V?

Compared to most of its rivals, the Honda BR-V offers the best ride and handling.

This is achieved by the BR-V’s sedan/hatchback underpinnings, which gives it an advantage over the Perodua Aruz, which is essentially a re-bodied Toyota Avanza – not exactly what comes to mind when comfort or handling is mentioned.

Although the Aruz/Rush gets a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension setup (BR-V gets a torsion beam rear axle), the Aruz/Rush does not offer a better ride as it utilizes a ladder frame construction. The ladder frame construction is fine for carrying a full load of 7 passengers on some of Indonesia’s challenging rural roads, but less so on our smoother road surfaces.

While the Proton Exora is able to match the Honda BR-V's ride comfort, its turbocharged engine is far thirstier than the BR-V.

Furthermore, the BR-V’s wide track and long wheelbase also means that ride comfort is actually better than the Honda City.

That said, although the BR-V's third-row seats are among the best in the segment, it lacks support for the lower thigh. But for people around 1.6 meters tall, this is less of an issue. For comparison, the Aruz/Rush third-row seats are only good for shorter children.

The downside of the Honda BR-V is the lack of side and curtain airbags, something which the Perodua Aruz/Toyota Rush offer across the range.

What are the alternatives?