Test Drives

From farmer's utility vehicles to a modern family shuttle, SUVs are now more car-like than ever. With the crossover boom of the mid-90's no longer does one have to sacrifice ride and refinement for loads of space. Just because they're car-like, doesn't mean that they can't handle the rough stuff.

Honda, one of the pioneers of the crossover SUV, invited members of the motoring press to explore the capabilities of their SUV lineup. We were also treated to a first drive of their latest high-riding car, the BR-V which was launched during the 2016 Philippine International Motor Show. We took each Honda crossover for a spin in the hilly roads of Tagaytay Highlands.

Last month, Honda recently introduced their latest crossover, the BR-V and was met with a lot of fanfare during this year's Philippine International Motor Show. Honda has finally lent us the keys to their latest addition in their SUV lineup, along with other crossovers in their stable as we explored each model's capabilities.

Starting off with the BR-V, it is the smallest SUV they have to offer but that doesn't mean it's limited in capacity and capability. For starters, the BR-V gets a raised ride height compared to the car it's based on, the Mobilio. Like the Mobilio, it too seats seven while offering room for all rows of seats, a testament to Honda's packaging layout. Honda made an effort to differentiate it from its lower riding sibling by giving it a distinct look. It gets body cladding to beef up its looks, along with a more aggressive interpretation of Honda's 'Solid Wing Face' front fascia. The rear section is different too with its unique pair of tail lights and a tailgate.

Inside the BR-V, the dash is significantly different from the Mobilio. Gone are the round shapes and in its place is a more upscale, angular dash with cues from the Jazz and City. The seats are different as well, boosting cabin ambiance. As previously mentioned, it seats seven and comes with smart tumble-forward seats in the second and third row.

Like the Mobilio, City and Jazz, the BR-V is powered by a 1.5 liter, i-VTEC engine with Earth Dreams technology. A significant difference in the BR-V's engine is the addition of Dual Overhead Camshafts and it produces 117 PS at 6,000 rpm and 146 Nm of torque. It is then paired with a continuously variable transmission.

To quell doubts if the 1.5 liter engine can pull itself up the steep roads of Tagaytay Highlands, Honda loaded the BR-V with seven passengers. The suspension of the BR-V takes on the extra weight well with little drop in height when fully loaded. On the road, the BR-V can pull itself well but the biggest surprise was its ability to go up the steep hills while maintaining a constant speed. It was a short drive but enough for the BR-V to show its talents.

Sticking on road, it was time to drive the HR-V. Being based on the Honda Jazz, it was a fun car to drive around winding roads. Despite the quick reflexes, the HR-V still rode well, balancing the fine line between sporty and comfortable. Also, the automatic brake hold function was demonstrated on this drive. Whether uphill or downhill at relatively steep angles, the system kept the HR-V in place.

Moving up the range, we then drove the CR-V 2.4 AWD but this test was with a twist. We were to drive the CR-V off-road with mud, ruts and challenging cambers. Despite not having low range, the CR-V proved capable when the going got rough. It took on slick mud with little challenge, moving at decent speeds despite low traction conditions. The CR-V also tackled tough angle breaks to highlight the SUV's suspension articulation and during the course of the run, the AWD system kept us mobile. Despite being the the veteran of the automaker's SUV lineup, the CR-V still has what it takes to keep up with its contemporaries on, and off, the road.

It was soon time to drive the flagship of Honda's crossover range, the Pilot. Like the CR-V, we drove this large SUV in challenging terrain. The Pilot comes with a more advanced AWD system with various modes. Called Intelligent Traction Management, it comes in Normal, Snow, Mud and Sand mode and varies its engine management and traction control management to suit the conditions. Couple that with the Pilot's robust 3.5 liter V6 engine and the Pilot took on the course without breaking a sweat. While few of the owners will be taking these SUVs off-road, it was reassuring to see and experience how well these crossovers fare off the beaten track.

We wrapped up the day and came away impressed with each of Honda's offerings in the SUV market. We later had dinner with Honda Cars Philippines president and general manager Toshio Kuwahara and even previewed the final price of the BR-V.

Toshio Kuwahara
President and General Manager
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.

"I think 2016 has not yet ended, however. Last year, we had a big growth because we launch a set of new cars last year like Mobilio and the HR-V. And we are continuing this good phase and trend for this year as well. Until finally, we are able to launch another new car towards December so, I'm hoping this year would be even better that what we did last year.

BR-V, I believe it will be a top making because Filipinos love SUV and Filipinos love family and they need 7-seater cars. But so far, at this moment, people have to pay like a P1.2, P1.3M at least, 7-seater SUV. But this BR-V, is going to be priced between P1M for the entry-grade and around P1.5M for the top-grade. I believe this will generate and create a new segment, affordable 7-seaters SUV in the market.

We only have two months to go, three months to go for this year and we are now making BR-V go around the dealers and hopefully, we can start customer delivery of BR-V sometimes first week, or second week of December. That's the, you know, the final new model from Honda this year but many new models are coming to the market to us next year so I want everybody to keep in touch with Honda, to check out what's new with Honda."

Sherwin Kuan
Product Planning Head
Honda Cars Philippines

"For the all-new BR-V, it's one the first affordable 7-seater SUVs in the market so, what makes it unique is at an affordable price point, you get a 7-seat capacity and a very versatile interior.

We at Honda, we always want to introduce products that would cater well to our local market so, based on the feedback and demand, there seems to be a place for the all-new BR-V in our market with the people looking for an affordable 7-seater SUV which is not yet available in the market."

Toshio Kuwahara
President and General Manager
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.

"I'd like to invite all the audiences to visit 34 Honda dealerships nationwide. As I said, we are turning around a BR-V at our dealerships and in the middle of December, all dealers would be ready to provide a test drive of the BR-V. So, please always keep in touch with Honda, Honda dealers and check-out BR-V and other SUV models from Honda. Thank you very much."

With all things said and done, Honda continues to expand their reach in the SUV segment by offering capable and talented cars for all walks of life.

As the demand for SUVs continue to rise, Honda responds to this growing need by expanding its lineup even more. Honda is out to prove that they are taking this segment seriously and have made a point in this latest drive, both on and off-road. We can applaud Honda's efforts in the market with a full range of capable SUVs from subcompact to large. Whether it's the BR-V or the Pilot, rest assured that you've bought yourself an excellent package.