PIMS 2016: Honda launches 7-seater BR-V crossover

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has launched the 2017 BR-V at the 6th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS); expanding its local model lineup. It is a 7-seater crossover which sits between the Mobilio and the HR-V.

The BR-V stands for “Bold Runabout Vehicle,” a concept that influenced the design process of the car. In a nutshell, Honda’s new 7-seater crossover could further help its sales performance because Filipinos are fond to travel in groups.

Up front, the BR-V has a bold and aggressive design as seen on the large bumper, blacked-out projector headlights, wide grille, and skid garnish. Turning at the side, the vehicle is characterized by sharp lines as well as prominent wheel arches. It is also fitted with roof rails and chrome door handles.

The rear, on the other hand, is equipped with wraparound LED taillights, a muscular bumper, and roof-mounted spoiler. The BR-V is finished off with a set of 16-inch alloy wheels.

Of note, the BR-V has a 201 mm ground clearance. It measures 4,456 mm long, 1,735mm wide, and 1,665 mm tall along with a wheelbase of 2,662 mm. To put things in perspective, the BR-V is bigger in terms of size as compared to the Mobilio. On the other hand, the HR-V is wider that the BR-V.

Inside, it features 3-row seating configuration (2+3+2), the typical seat layout of 7-seater cars. The BR-V also has a 7-inch touchscreen, rear air conditioning system, and Push Start button for the top-of-the-line variant.

Safety-wise, the BR-V comes with a number of safety features such as driver and front passenger airbags; Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD); Hill Start Assist (HAS); speed sensing auto door locks, among others.  

The 2017 BR-V is powered by a 1.5L i-VTEC engine that delivers 120 hp and 145 Nm of torque. It is then mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Locally, HCPI offers 2 BR-V variants: the 1.5 S CVT and the 1.5 V Navi CVT (top variant). HCPI is now accepting reservations for the BR-V but has yet to confirm its official pricing. As of this writing, the indicative price of the 2017 BR-V are as follows: 1.5 S CVT (P1,000,000); 1.5 V Navi CVT (P1,150,000).

For more information about Honda and its vehicles, visit the AutoDeal Car Guide.