Honda’s just launched the BR-V, a 7 seat compact SUV to rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Renault Duster. The BR-V, which is based on the Brio platform, shares styling similarities with the Mobilio MPV. In fact, the new SUV looks like a more macho version of the Mobilio in many angles. The BR-V is available with petrol and turbo diesel engine options. Ex-showroom Delhi prices start from 8.75 lakh rupees for the petrol, and 9.90 lakh rupees for the diesel.
Petrol: E MT – 8.75 lakhs, S MT – 9.9 lakhs, V MT – 10.9 lakhs, VX MT – 11.84 lakhs and V CVT – 11.99 lakhs.
Diesel: E MT – 9.9 lakhs, S MT – 10.99 lakhs, V MT – 11.95 lakhs and VX MT – 12.9 lakhs
The petrol powered BR-V uses the tried and tested 1.5 liter i-VTEC motor, also found on the city sedan and Mobilio MPV. This engine makes 117 Bhp-145 Nm, and gets a 6 speed manual gearbox. This engine-gearbox has never before been offered in a Honda car before, and the additional cog is meant to counter the extra weight of the SUV. The diesel mill is the 1.5 liter all-aluminium unit that makes 98.6 Bhp-200 Nm. A 6 speed manual gearbox is standard.
A first-in-segment feature is the CVT automatic gearbox option that’s offered on the BR-V petrol. Another such feature is the paddle shifter situated behind the steering wheel. The BR-V is the first SUV in the sub-25 lakh rupee segment to get this feature. Another nifty feature on the SUV are the roof mounted AC vents for the middle row, which make long distance drives more comfortable for the folks at the rear.
In terms of safety features, the BR-V gets twin airbags and ABS standard on all diesel variants while the petrol versions get twin airbags as standard with ABS being made available from the S variant onwards. The SUV is 4,456 mm long, 1,735 mm wide and 1,666 mm tall, while the wheelbase measures 2,660 mm. Ground clearance is a segment best 210 mm. Front wheel drive is standard.
The BR-V will be sold in 9 variants, 4 in diesel-manual (E,S, V and VX), 4 in petrol-manual (E,S, V and VX) and 21in petrol-automatic (V) trims. Here are variant-wise features of the SUV,
The E trim offers,
Front dual SRS Airbags, ABS with EBD (only diesel), projector headlamps, LED tail light guide, chromed front grille and rear garnish, roof rails, body coloured wing mirror and handles, adjustable headrests for all 3 rows, 60:40 split for middle row, 50:50 split for third row, tilt steering, digital AC control, ECO lamp and 4 power windows.
The S trim adds,
Sliding middle row, 2-DIN audio, ABS on petrol variants, Bluetooth connectivity, steering mounted audio controls, Auto AC, rear AC vents, height adjustable driver seat, electrically folding wing mirrors, rear defogger and wash-wipe and wheel covers.
The V trim adds,
Electric folding wing mirrors, push button start, keyless entry, 3D speedometer, chromed door handles, 2nd row arm rest, front fog lamps, front and rear mudguards, security alarm, speed sensitive door locks, impact sensing auto door unlock system and tweeters.
The VX trims adds,
LED position lamps, leather seats, leather wrapped steering, door pads and gear knob, front and rear bumper lower garnish, chrome side protector, heat absorbing windshield and auto-up feature for the driver power window.