The all-new Honda BR-V- launched

The stylish yet practical Full 7-Seater Crossover, the All-New BR-V has been launched. The Honda BR-V (also known as Bold Runabout Vehicle) has been specially developed by Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. (HRAP) for the Asia and Oceania market and is the first HRAP model to be introduced in Malaysia.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Noriaki Abe, Chief Operating Officer, Regional Operations   (Asia and Oceania) of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and President and CEO, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said, “ASEAN is a fast growing and diverse market despite the slow growth recorded last year. We believe that the huge population and continuous spending power will contribute to further growth of automobile market in the region. Actually, Honda sales recorded huge surge in this region in the past five years, from approximately 240,000 units to over 400,000 units, which is almost 70% increase.”

“The All-New BR-V we launched today was developed exclusively for the Asia and Oceania region, and especially for customers who need bigger space. We foresee that the demand for SUV and utility vehicles would grow, reflecting the needs of customers in this region. We believe the All-New BR-V will satisfy customers’ needs for vehicles that can fit 7 people comfortably, and also offer brisk driving on various road conditions here in Malaysia,” added Mr. Abe.

 

Design

Looking like a mini CR-V, the BR-V has a solid SUV exterior gives off a tough and active appearance while the solid wing front face design provides a sleek outlook. A set of 16” Dual Tone Alloy Wheels, a Roof Rail and Daytime Running Lights (DRL) completes that rugged look and feel of a SUV. Reverse camera and sensors are also available in this Full 7-Seater for customers’ convenience.

 

Performance, Ride and Handling

 

The All-New BR-V is powered by a 1.5L i-VTEC engine capable of producing 120PS @ 6,600rpm and max torque of 145Nm @ 4,600rpm. It is coupled with Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) gearbox which was developed under Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology to improve fuel economy and deliver better driving performance.

The All-New BR-V also received an enhanced Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) improvement which includes Bulkhead (BHD) to muffle the sound measure; insulators for back roof lining, hood and doors and improved steering vibration.

What’s also particularly great with the BR-V is the 201mm ground clearance which is the highest in its class (heck, it’s even higher than the CR-V’s 170mm clearance and this means you’ll be able to drive over low road curbs without worrying about the bottom scraping the ground.

 

 Cabin Convenience

Perhaps the similarity with the CR-V’s exterior has people expecting CR-V standards of quality within. Let’s just say  the stylish interior is more than what you would expect from a vehicle costing less than RM100,000. Cabin layout is modern and beautifully crafted but expect hard plastics on the dashboard and inner door covers. The padding on the seats are thin but does not compromise on passenger comfort while fit and finish is generally good.

The more expensive V variant takes it a step higher by providing  B-segment premium features such as 6.1” Display Audio and Auto Air Conditioning, Push Start Button and Smart Entry, leather trims, and leather steering wheels with switch audio control.

People who buy the BR-V usually have one goal; to get a vehicle able to move as many as 7 people without spending as much for a Honda Odyssey. And moving people (and cargo is what the BR-V does well. It features multi-configuration seats where 2^nd row seats adjusts with an easy One Touch Tilt & Tumble in a 60:40 configuration while 3^rd row seats comes in a 50:50 Tilt & Tumble. There are 11 cup holders for a big family on the go without compromising on the space and an overhead rear air conditioning vent ensures everyone stays frosty in our warm climate.

 

Particularly interesting with the All-New BR-V is it’s biggest trunk space which offers 223 litres with all seats up. This is significant because unlike other 7-seaters, you can still put two luggage with the 3rd row up. You’ll find 539 litres when 3^rd row seats are folded.

 

Safety

Safety features was one of the main considerations in the development of the All-New BR-V as it is always Honda’s No. 1 priority. The All-New BR-V was awarded the 5-Star ASEAN NCAP and is equipped with Dual Front SRS Airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and ISO Fix.

 

Specifications

Honda Malaysia is offering the All-New BR-V in 2 variants, the E and V variants.

E-variant

Exterior

• Halogen headlight
• LED Daytime Running Lights
• Side mirrors with turning lights
• Roof rails
• Body color outer door handle
• Pole antenna

Interior

• Mechanical tailgate lock
• Shiny dark metallic instrument panel
• Manual air conditioning
• Rear A/C ventilation
• Fabric upholstery
• Urethane steering
• Urethane gear knob
• 11 Cup holder
• 12V Power outlet
• Standard audio system with Bluetooh , USB Port, AUX jack, Hands-Free telephone
• 4 speaker system

 

V-variant

In addition to the E-variant spec unless specified otherwise

• Front fog lights
• Chrome outer handle instead of body color
• Bumper lower garnish
• Chrome side protection
• Electrical tailgate lock instead of mechanical
• Steering wheel switch audio control
• Water print matt instrument panel instead of shiny dark metallic
• Auto air conditioning instead of manual
• Combi leather upholstery instead of fabric
• Leather steering and gear knob instead of urethane
• Leather door lining armrest
• Assistant seatback pocket
• Assistant vanity mirror
• 6.1″ Display audio with additional HDMI port function
• Rearview camera

 

Ownership

The E variant is priced at an affordable RM85,800 (On-The-Road with Insurance) while the V variant is priced at RM92,800 (On-The-Road with Insurance). Honda Malaysia offers 5 years warranty with unlimited mileage at 10,000km service intervals at any of its 88 Honda dealers nationwide.

The All-New BR-V is available in five colours namely Dark Ruby Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Taffeta White and a brand new colour, Golden Brown Metallic.

The All-New BR-V also comes with three versatile accessories packages to further enhance the exclusivity and the practicality of the car. The Utility Package priced at RM1,280 includes Door Visor, Cargo Tray, Trunk Organisers, Sun Shade and Door Protector Film. The Urban Package includes Tailgate Spoiler, Running Board and Side Step Garnish and is priced at RM2,945. The Modulo Package is priced at RM3,750 and the offerings are front and rear Lower Garnish as well as side under and Tailgate Spoilers.

Honda positions the All-New BR-V, Honda Malaysia as a vehicle for first time owners, alongside the City and Jazz. The goal is to have an affordable SUV, sedan and hatchback from which customers will then upgrade as their families/career grow. Considering how Honda Malaysia became the best selling non-national car in 2016. A feat that’s spectacular considering they don’t sell commercial vehicles whereas Toyota declares the Hiace and Hilux as part of its sales – and still come in behind Honda.

I’d say consumers has given a clear vote on which company (and the vehicles they sell) has got their confidence. The BR-V would do well this year and it’s chief rivals, the Toyota Avanza/Rush and Nissan Grand Livina better watch out.

For more information on the All-New BR-V or to book a test drive, customers can visit any Honda dealers nearby or call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log onto www.honda.com.my.