Image gallery: Honda BR-V first drive review
The Honda BR-V is the talk of the town with its upcoming launch on May 5. It is the first vehicle from Honda in the compact SUV segment, and will face competition from the Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster and even the Maruti-Suzuki S-Cross crossover (read our spec comparison here). The Honda BR-V will be offered with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. There is a 1.5-litre diesel with a 6-speed manual and a 1.5-litre petrol that can be optioned with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT. We expect it to be offered in eight variants – two with the CVT, four diesels and four petrols.
While we wait for the Honda BR-V to hit the showrooms, here's a thorough look at the SUV from our first drive review.
The BR-V isn't your typical butch looking SUV but it looks striking nonetheless
The long profile betrays the fact that the BR-V seats seven passengers
Side profile reminds of the Amaze but uses plenty of design elements to keep it interesting. We particularly like the Honda inspired pinched rear window
The CR-V inspired face is the best looking angle on the BR-V
1.5-litre diesel engine is a familiar unit but features a more linear power delivery. Still quite noisy though
Smart looking wrap-around tail lamps are linked by a reflective strip
Handsome 16-inch wheels are wrapped with Michelin Primacy tyres
Headlights feature LED DRLs and a projector low beam
Handsome dash features the same design as the recently facelifted Amaze
Steering wheel has audio control buttons. No cruise control on the BR-V
Keyless entry and push button start are a couple of appreciable features
Over 220-litres of bootspace with the last row up
A massive 691-litres of space with the last row tumbled forward
Decent knee and headroom in the middle row. Not as much as a City but the bench slides and the backrest reclines too
Even the last row offers realistic head and knee room
No touchscreen audio unit. Sound quality is about average
Roof mounted aircon for rear passengers is a thoughtful feature
The Honda BR-V has good highway manners and is very stable at a steady 120kmph
Also from OVERDRIVE on the Honda BR-V:
2016 Honda BR-V first drive review (India)
Spec comparo: Honda BR-V vs Hyundai Creta vs Renault Duster vs Maruti Suzuki S-Cross
Honda BR-V to be launched in India on May 5, 2016