Seven things we know about Honda’s new seven-seater so far…
We’ve just done nearly 300km of driving in the upcoming Honda BR-V from Bangkok to Ratchaburi and back. Here’s what we’ve learned so far:
1. Thailand is actually its home ground
Although the BR-V’s badge is very much Japanese, it is actually an Asean-centric model developed by Honda R&D Asian Pacific in Bangkok. Among the countries that the BR-V has been launched in are Thailand, Indonesia and India – the latter often clustered as a similar emerging market where cars like the BR-V are expected to draw volumetric appeal. And we’re next!
2. It has bold acronyms
The Honda BR-V’s name actually stands for “Bold Runabout Vehicle”, which sounds like a more aggressive sales pitch than the CR-V’s “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle”. Somewhat surprising given that the former is roughly two sizes smaller.
3. It shares a platform with the Honda Brio
We say two sizes because the platform that underpins the BR-V comes from the Honda Brio, a compact car whose blueprints have also spawned the Brio Amaze (sedan) and Mobilio MPV. Although it seats seven, Honda still calls the BR-V a crossover, therefore giving it a place in the family tree that slots below the HR-V and CR-V.
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4. That doesn’t mean its short on space
Despite being only 5mm longer than the Honda City, the BR-V still manages to pack three rows of seats with 223 litres of boot volume to spare – a segment-leading figure by Honda’s claims. The third row can be folded to the front for an extra 316 litres to carry large cargo with, but it’s equally adept at carrying people when not in its full-tumble position. We slotted in comfortably in the last row, where manual reclining is an added bonus for a car of this segment. Definitely a lot more practical and accommodating than the common ‘5+2s’.
5. Its powertrain is sourced from a higher drawer
To cope with the extra passenger count, the BR-V has followed in the footsteps of the seven-seat Mobilio by forgoing the Brio’s 1.2- and 1.3-litre engines in favour of the 1.5-litre i-VTEC unit that propels the Honda City and Jazz instead. This power plant produces 120hp and 145Nm, and is mated to a familiar Earth Dreams CVT. We didn’t get a chance to drive the car with a full load, but the BR-V certainly felt quite responsive with two on board – its modest output more than sufficient to attain and maintain a cruise at highway limits comfortably.
6. There’s still room for improvement…
Our main complaints about the BR-V during our drive in Thailand are about its suspension and sound insulation. The ride leans towards the firm side, with plenty of vibrations from road irregularities sneaking into the cabin. To be fair to the car, this could be in preparation for heavier loads. There’s also fair bit of noise coming from the road as well. These niggles aren’t overly intrusive or unbearable, but the BR-V’s NVH properties just fall short of the standards set by its bigger siblings.
7. … which should be addressed in the Malaysian-spec
While the suspension will stay largely the same – MacPherson struts at the front and torsion beam in the rear – Honda Malaysia plans to up the BR-V’s NVH game with added dampening in the doors, hood, roof lining, dashboard… anywhere that can be further padded, really. Build quality of the Malacca-assembled BR-V is also supposed to be better, with top-end features like DRLs, touchscreen head unit and reverse camera expected to be in the mix for the Malaysian market. Rumours have it that the BR-V will be officially launched here early next year, so we’ll have to wait and see if these promises are fulfilled. Because it certainly packs plenty of it for the time being.
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