While Honda has been a formidable player in India for sedan, the SUV portfolio has had a lone member, the CR-V, for the longest time. With the BR-V coming in, Honda has added a compact SUV in its product line-up with an intent of capitalising on the ever-growing SUV demand in the country. Built on the Mobilio platform, the B-RV was first showcased at the Auto Expo 2016.
Except for the badge, the BR-V does not take any cues from its elder sibling, the CR-V. The looks are more in line with the Honda City with a thick chrome slat dominating the front grille. The rectangular double barrel headlamps are decked up high with the grille to give it the SUV stance. The front bumper gets a silver accent bash plate on its lower side and also houses the fog-lamps and a mesh grille. As you move to the sides, the brawn of the front fascia fuses into the flowing creases that remind you of the Mobilio with the signature kink behind the B-pillar. Black cladding skirts the BR-V from all sides adding butch to the crossover SUV. The tail is all new with horizontal tail lamps connected by the reflector strip, rear spoiler and a bash plate.
The BR-V seats seven just like the Mobilio. The third row is accessible and decently comfortable thanks to the adjustable second row seats. The cabin is dressed in black and looks good with its bits and pieces sourced from other Hondas like the City, Brio and the Jazz. The centre console gets a 2-DIN audio system with AUX, USB and Bluetooth inputs but misses out on the much expected touch-screen. It gets automatic climate control with separate blower for rear passengers and steering mounted audio controls. The three-pod instrument cluster gets the rev-counter at the left, the speedometer at the centre and a multi-function display embedded in the right-most dial.
The engine options being offered are the 1.5-litre Earth Dreams i-DTEC diesel engine and the proven 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine. The four-cylinder turbo-diesel is expected to rake in most of the numbers and develops 99bhp of power and 200Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six speed manual gearbox. The 1.5-litre i-VTEC is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox as well as a CVT automatic option. The 118bhp petrol engine develops 145Nm of torque. The diesel engine is expected to deliver 21.9kmpl while the petrol will give 15.4kmpl ( ARAI) .
The BR-V competes with the Hyundai Creta, the Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano. It does not get AWD option as in the Duster or in case of the Creta, lacks the touch of premium.
