The compact SUV segment is growing fast in the country and many other car makers are coming up with their models in the same segment that makes the competition even tougher. Following the same philosophy, Honda’s new offering, the compact SUV BR-V is coming in the country next year as conveyed by Katsushi Inoue, President and CEO Honda Cars India. The upcoming SUV will lock horns with Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano in the segment.
The new BR-V model is based on the Brio platform and was recently displayed at the Giakindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), 2015. Prior to this, the company unveiled its sketches in June 2015. At the show, the automaker announced that the car will lead the Indonesian market first in the year 2016 and thereafter, it will be launched in other countries.
Talking about the exteriors, new BR-V takes an attractive sporty outer profile. On the front, a bold radiator grille with chrome finish and company’s logo placed at the center of the grille looks very decent. The sleek headlight cluster with chrome inserts provides sophisticated looks to the vehicle. The front bumper is body colored and hoses big air intakes for better cooling. At the same time, the bumper is dipped into silver skid plates giving the car quite a bulky look.
Over to the side profile, new BR-V flaunts in similar design that is seen in various MPV models. The car rides on new diamond cut 16-inch alloy wheels lending the vehicle attractive looks. The roof line goes towards the back, making the vehicle more efficient and elegant. Moreover, its ground clearance is about 200 mm. At the rear, the car receives a small antenna on its roof and the LED taillamp section is connected with the strip. On the dimension front, new BR-V measures around 4455 mm in length, 1735 mm in width, 1650 mm in height and a wheelbase of about 2652 mm.
Stepping inside, the cabin is ergonomically designed and it is spacious as well. There is a place for 7 occupants with the third-row seating arrangement. Seats are covered with premium upholstery and are very comfy along with the 50:50 foldable functionality. Steering wheel in the new BR-V is multi-functional with control switches mounted over it while company’s logo is also embedded on it. Other important characteristics of the vehicle are the air conditioning unit, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution, Dual front SRS airbags, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist and ELR seat belts. Apart from this, the Audio Video Navigation system with touchscreen infotainment interface, rear parking sensors and starts/ stop button are some of the other crucial elements of the vehicle.
Under the hood, the new vehicle will share the engine from Amaze and Honda Jazz. They are 1.5 liters i-VTEC 4-cylinder mill that can produce the power output of 120 PS at 6600 rpm and a peak torque of 145 Nm at 4600 rpm. On the other hand, it integrates 1.5 litres i-DTEC 4-cylinder motor that can churn out the power of 100 PS and a peak torque of 200 Nm. The car will come mated to a 6-speed manual transmission while the petrol variant will get CVT automatic along with paddle shifters. This SUV can go from 0-100 kmph in mere 12-17 seconds attaining the top speed of 170-190 kmph. Moreover, the vehicle will be offered in six different color patterns they are Passion Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Silver Metallic, Taffeta White and Misty Green Pearl.
Bookings for the vehicle have already been started in Indonesia while the deliveries for the vehicle will take place in early 2016. In India, the new BR-V is expected to be revealed in upcoming Auto Expo and the price should fall in between INR 8 lac and INR 12 lac.