The Honda BR-V is Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI)’s entry to the competitive sporty-looking MPV market. Although it has the characteristics of a crossover with its bold and beefy exterior, it still is technically an MPV. However, its major advantage against the competitors in crossover class is the number of occupants it can accommodate – seven to be exact. Its recent update also elevated the BR-V’s appeal to the discerning Filipino car buyers.
In terms of technology, the BR-V is equipped with features that are not only convenient to the driver, but also to its passengers. Under the hood of the BR-V lies a 1.5L i-VTEC gasoline engine with Honda Earth Dreams Technology's continuously variable transmission (CVT). It can put out a maximum power of 118 hp and 145 Nm of torque, which makes it the most powerful in its class.
Launch
The Honda BR-V entered the Philippine automotive market in September 2016, showcased by the brand at the Philippine International Motor Show. It’s the first of its class – the bold-looking MPVs that aims to appeal as an SUV as it invokes the practicality of MPVs.
In 2019, Honda Cars Philippines refreshed the BR-V with small updates mainly with its exterior and interior design. It was also given Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The Honda BR-V is technically an MPV but it’s built like a crossover with its monocoque body construction. It has five doors, including the hatch, but it can seat seven. The engine is situated in from powering the front wheels. Underneath the BR-V’s hood is a 1.5L naturally-aspirated gasoline engine that produces 118 hp and 145 Nm torque, connected to Honda’s Earth Dreams CVT. This engine is shared with the Honda Jazz and Mobilio.
All variants of the Honda BR-V have McPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam axle at the rear. Front brakes are ventilated discs while those at the back are drums.
Driving Performance
The Honda BR-V is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that’s connected to Honda’s Earth Dreams CVT. It produces 118 hp and 145 Nm torque. The engine and transmission combo behaves quite the same as before – sufficient output for the most part except for the apparent rubber band effect when trying to change speeds.
The BR-V handles like it supposed to – sharp corners are manageable at speeds, with understandable moments of understeer. Body roll is present when tackling winding roads because of the ride height but compared to before, it’s much better and more livable.
Technology Features
The Honda BR-V isn’t filled with features as with other Hondas in order to stay within an affordable price tag. It has been improved, however, as the facelifted BR-V gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its top-spec variant. Basic convenience features are also present in the BR-V, such as power-adjustable mirrors, power up/down windows, and powered central locking.
Exterior
The Honda BR-V has the appeal of an SUV but the practicality of an MPV. As such, it features a beefy exterior design and a massive 201mm ground clearance. It sits on 16-inch alloy wheels to further boost its height. For its refreshed version, the BR-V gets a bigger grille with an additional slat for distinction.
The Honda BR-V is available in Premium Amber Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Taffeta White. New colors for the 2019 BR-V are Passion Red Pearl and Platinum White Pearl.
Interior
The BR-V is a 7-seater, able to accommodate passengers up to the last row. Its second row can slide into position to give more flexibility for the occupants at the back. The materials used inside the BR-V are mainly fabric, polyurethane, and plastics, while the top V variants gets red leather accents and stitches. Air conditioning is taken care of by a manual climate control while the rear occupants can use a separate A/C console with separate controls.
Pros & Cons
What you’ll love in the BR-V is its styling that crosses between an MPV and an SUV. It also has the ability to seat seven people, but the last row isn’t the most comfortable to sit in. The top-spec BR-V infotainment system is also a huge plus.
On the flip side, the BR-V can feel a bit underpowered when fully-loaded. The CVT will need some time to get used to, as well.
2. Resulting computations are based on indicative rates and for estimation purposes only. These do not constitute an approval nor offer by BDO.
3. Actual computations based on prevailing rates will be provided by your Account Officer upon loan application.
4. Maximum Loanable Amount is based on the following:
- For Brand New Cars, amount assumes 80% of your vehicle purchase price.
- For Pre-Owned Cars, amount follows the appraised value or vehicle purchase price, whichever is lower.
5. The result shown in the calculator is representative of payments made one month in advance (OMA). Alternative rates will apply to payments made in arrears.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
1. All amounts quoted are in Philippine Peso.
2. Resulting computations are based on indicative rates and for estimation purposes only. These do not constitute an approval nor offer by Security Bank.
3. Actual computations based on prevailing rates will be provided by your Account Officer upon loan application.
4. Maximum Loanable Amount is based on the following:
- For Brand New Cars, amount assumes 80% of your vehicle purchase price.
- For Pre-Owned Cars, amount follows the appraised value or vehicle purchase price, whichever is lower.
5. The result shown in the calculator is representative of payments made one month in advance (OMA). Alternative rates will apply to payments made in arrears.
6. Security Bank Corporation is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (+632 708-7087 | consumeraffairs@bsp.gov.ph).
Honda BR-V Specifications
Key specifications & features of the Honda BR-V. View engine specs, dimensions, safety and technology features in our full variant pages.
Body Type
Crossover
No. of seats
7
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Transmission
CVT
Max Output (HP)
120 HP @ 6,600 rpm
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Wheel Size
16 in
Airbags
2
ISOFIX
Available
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Available
Connectivity
Bluetooth, USB, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
*Depending on variant
The Honda BR-V comes in the following colors: Premium Amber Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Passion Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic and Taffeta White
The BR-V has the following for its safety features: dual airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, and ISOFIX child seat tethers. Stability control and hill start assist are standard across the lineup.
Tested in 2015, the BR-V got 5 stars in its ASEAN NCAP rating for its adult occupancy protection. It did, however, get 4 stars in child occupancy protection.
