Honda BR-V - Key points as a buyer you should know

Honda BR-V belongs to a premium economy segment in the Philippines which is a unique option with focus on utility and comfort.  Honda was up for the task with the Mobilio a few years back which was introduced to suit needs of many Filipinos and other enthusiasts across the globe. With its legendary build quality and other dynamics, it certainly looked to drive away the miseries of a seven-seater car owner who had to spend a small fortune for satisfying his needs.

However, upscaling the CUV, Honda brought to light the all-new BR-V. Sharing the platform with the Mobilio, the BR-V offered swankier exterior appeal in addition to boasting a set of high-tech features. Next up, we look at its top three highlights for a better proof of its rationality.

1) Under-the-hood capabilities

Like the Mobilio, the BR-V also draws from a 1.5-litre i-VTEC SOHC engine that’s capable of delivering 119.6 PS of max power at 6,600 rpm and not so punchy torque of 145 Nm at 4,600 rpm, coupled to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). While the torque delivery is not something for which the BR-V is known for, it cruises quite nicely at low hundreds.

What sets it apart is the option to switch gears manually, which wasn’t the liberty with the Mobilio. Also, the paddle shifters for the CVT in the BR-V are a welcome addition.

2) Ride and handling

In this department, the BR-V certainly steals the show. It offers impressive ride quality no matter if you are sitting behind that wheel or find yourself a place in the third row. Honda’s quality has always been top-notch and thankfully, the BR-V is not an exception. It remains planted on the tarmac. While its steering response is fantastic, the firm suspension takes control of the bumps and road undulations in an accurate manner.

Hence, zipping around the turns and maneuvering it through traffic-ridden streets isn’t a concern at all. Although the suspension assembly isn’t unique and comes with standard front struts and beam axle at the rear, it’s the effort done to tune it for urban conditions. And boy, the team at Honda has done a fairly good job in achieving the desired results.

3) Practicality and convenience

In addition to getting a visually-attractive and minimalistic cabin, the BR-V masters the practicality front. Being a seven-seater CUV, it has to break all shackles and that's exactly what has been done. There is tremendous room to fit people (seven at max) and cargo. The second-row bench gets a raised height that offers passengers a better outside view while the third row is apt for short-heighted people or kids. The practicality takes a leap with its split and folding capabilities. You can split fold the second row in numerous ways, tumble down the third row completely or split it to suit your needs. The presence of pockets and niches to carry things on the move make it up for a comforting ride. While features like dual airbags and ABS offer you a sense of safety, the other set of auto climate control, a 7-inch touchscreen audio system with navigation, rear air conditioning system add to the convenience and entertainment of the accommodators.

Concluding here, the BR-V seems to be a viable option considering the fact that it has it all - from style to practicality, from being a family mover to being a workhorse. Last but not the least, it carries a reasonable price tag that judiciously justifies to the buyers of this class.