Production Models

Honda BR-V 2016 Review

Honda BR-V 2016 Review

Honda BR-V 2016 Review

Honda BR-V 2016 Review

Honda BR-V 2016 Review

Honda BR-V 2016 Review

It was a long time coming but Honda has finally entered the B-Segment SUV class. Their entry in this hotly contested segment is the BR-V which made its debut during the 2016 Philippine International Motor Show. The BR-V is Honda's fourth addition to their ever expanding SUV lineup and what a product it is. The public seems to agree too, as it has proved to be a success for the Japanese automaker. So what makes the BR-V such a strong seller?

With a strong SUV lineup, Honda is strengthening their portfolio even more with the all-new BR-V. Packing seven-seat practicality in a small package, the BR-V has been one of Honda's strong sellers since its launch late last year. Let's take a closer look at this Bold Runabout Vehicle.

Starting with the engine, the Honda BR-V shares its motor from the City, Jazz and Mobilio. It is the trusty 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine that produces 120 PS and 145 Nm of torque. Power is transferred to front wheels and shifts via a continuously variable transmission or CVT. To make the most out of its power, the CVT also comes with a seven-speed manual mode.

Being based on the Mobilio, the BR-V retains the suspension set up from its lower riding sibling. At the front, it utilizes MacPherson struts while the rear uses a torsion beam. The key difference between the two is their suspension set up. According to BR-V Project Head Atsushi Arisaka, the suspension has been beefed up to meet the demands of harsh road conditions, as well as accommodate a greater payload for passengers and luggage.

Inside, the BR-V well and truly distinguishes itself from the Mobilio. Its dashboard is lifted from the Honda Jazz, as well as other switches and interior panels. The BR-V also comes with a steering wheel adjuster for height. Along with that, all variants of the BR-V come with automatic climate control, a touchscreen and second-row air-conditioning.

On to its third row, it is stowed through a flip-forward mechanism that requires you to hook it to the rear headrests. To set up the seats, unhook the seat downwards and adjust each backrest to the preferred position. As for space, it was more than enough for seven with a surprising amount of leg and headroom left for everyone, a testament to its packaging.

Moving to the exterior, it gets distinct sheetmetal from the Mobilio. At the front, we see slim, wraparound headlights and Honda's signature "Solid Wing Face" fascia. All variants also come with a pair of fog lights, along with mirror-mounted turn signals for extra visibility. A pair of roof rails also boosts the SUV's practicality. At the rear, it has C-shaped tail lights that are connected by a reflective strip. It gives the BR-V a tougher appearance, albeit in a smaller package.

The Honda BR-V is available in four variants. The range starts with the 1.5 S CVT and moves up to the 1.5 S Modulo CVT. Higher equipment levels can be seen in the 1.5 V Navi CVT and topping the range is the 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo. Prices range from Php 989,000 to Php 1,185,000, presenting an interesting value proposition given the amount of standard equipment across the lineup.