This is the Honda BR-V
Finally, Honda is ready to join the compact SUV bandwagon with this: the BR-V. Unveiled at the ongoing Indonesia International Auto Show, the BR-V is the fourth product that Honda has created on the same platform that also forms the basis for the Brio, Amaze and Mobilio. Which is why its likeness to Honda's newest MPV comes as no surprise.
It will be positioned as a rival to the Renault Duster-Nissan Terrano and the Hyundai Creta, but it actually looks a lot like a Mobilio wearing thick-soled boots. The face and the rear section look different, yes, but from the side, it is a plastic-clad Mobilio that appears to be like an SUV. That belief is strengthened when you read what Honda has to say about what the BR-V really is: "This new generation crossover utility vehicle features the combination of an SUV appearance and handling and great utility and the spacious cabin of an MPV". So, potential Renault Lodgy Stepway buyers may just be tempted to do some cross-shopping.
Anyway, the BR-V's heightened stance means there's more ground clearance on offer, and since it is a Mobilio in SUV clothing, it also has seven seats, which will make it the only offering in its class to have three rows of seating. We do not have official interior images yet, but we can tell you the dash design will be noticeably different from the insides of the Mobilio. Honda claims the BR-V's interior space is "class-leading", and also tells us that the car will come with air-conditioning for rear-seat passengers as well.
For the Indonesian market, Honda will sell the BR-V with the 1.5-litre i-VTEC (found in the City) which develops 117 horses and 145Nm of torque. When it comes to India, the BR-V will be sold with the 1.5 petrol, as well as the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel (99bhp, 200Nm). Sending power to the front wheels is a six-speed manual, and a CVT gearbox is on offer, too. However, for India we think Honda will stick to the existing 5-speeder.
Safety-wise, the BR-V is equipped with dual front airbags, ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist. To compete with a car like the Creta, which is packed to the gills with features, Honda will have to bless the BR-V with sufficient kit. Like it did with the Mobilio, expect a posher 'RS' version to join the ranks some time in the future.
In Indonesia, the BR-V will be priced between Rs 11-12.5 lakh, so you know this one's aiming for the big guns. Expect Honda to first showcase the car at the Delhi Auto Expo in February, and follow it up with a launch in the months that follow.
Courtesy : BBC TopGear.