First Look: Honda BR - V

There is little doubt that one of the fastest growing segments in the Indian automotive sector is the compact SUV sector, so much so that it is truly eating into the market share of the entry-level sedans and premium hatchbacks. To make life even glummer for the aforesaid segments, there will soon be a new rival on the block.

Meet the BR-V, the latest addition to the compact SUV market by Honda. The car was first shown at the 2015 Indonesian Auto Show and it will first go on sale in Indonesia, tailed by other Asian countries.

 

The BR-V is obviously a Honda with its prominent front grille housing a bold Honda logo and classy projector headlight clusters. For the premium look, it also has round fog lamps with chrome bezels.

The interior is also usual Honda: modern and well appointed. A large touchscreen infotainment system, steering mounted controls and white accents for the air vents are visible. You can also be sure that despite being under 4 metres long, it will be very spacious on the inside.

The rear of the car is very well designed with chrome accompaniments, a tailgate spoiler, appealing tail lamp clusters and a rear wash/wipe system. A rear faux skid plate is also seen here, flanked by the reflector panels.

The Honda BR-V will be loaded with features such as stylish 16 inch alloys and a separate AC unit for the middle and 3rd row passengers. Features such as ABS with EBD, hill start assist, multiple airbags and so on will be provided to enable this vehicle to take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Mahindra Scorpio and the Ford EcoSport.

BR-V buyers can choose between a 1.5 litre, 118 bhp petrol engine and a 1.5 litre, 99 bhp diesel motor. Depending on the engine, a CVT automatic gearbox and 6 speed manual transmission will be offered. In India, localised manufacturing of the BR-V will commence next year.