Honda has launched the BR-V in India. Honda's all-new Hyundai Creta rival comes with three powertrain options but will not have an AWD version.
Here's a quick glance at the BR-V prices
The three powertrain options are:
- 1.5-litre 100hp diesel with manual transmission (21.9kpl)
- 1.5-litre 119hp petrol with manual transmission (15.4kpl)
- 1.5-litre 119hp petrol with CVT transmission (16kpl)
The BR-V will be available in four trim levels. Here’s a list of the equipment offered as standard on each trim:
Honda BR-V E (Petrol: Rs 8.75 lakh, Diesel Rs 9.90 lakh)
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD (Diesel only)
- Projector headlamps
- Roof rails
- 60/40 split seats for the second row
- 50/50 split seats for the third row
- Tilt steering
- Power windows
Honda BR-V S (Petrol: Rs 9.90 lakh, Diesel Rs 10.99 lakh)
- 2 DIN audio player with Bluetooth
- Steering-mounted audio controls
- Sliding second row seats|
- Automatic climate control
- Rear AC vents
- Driver’s seat height adjust
- Rear wiper, washer and defogger
Honda BR-V V (Petrol Rs 10.90 lakh, Diesel Rs 11.85 lakh, Petrol CVT Rs 11.99 lakh)
This trim comes with the addition of:
- Push-button start with keyless entry
- Power-folding wing mirrors
- Multi-info display
- Front fog lamps
- Speed-sensitive door locks
- Second row centre armrest
Honda BR-V VX (Petrol Rs 11.84 lakh, Diesel Rs 12.9 lakh)
The V trim features list gets the inclusion of the following:
- LED daytime running lights
- Front and rear faux skid plates
- Leather seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and armrests
- Auto up/down driver’s window
The mainstay of the BR-V range will be the diesel version that is powered by Honda’s 1.5-litre i-DTEC engine. It continues to make 100hp and 200Nm; same as on the Honda City and Mobilio. The diesel engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. With an ARAI-tested fuel efficiency figure of 21.9kpl, the diesel BR-V boasts class-best fuel-efficiency. Sadly, though, there is no automatic version of this model.
The other engine of choice will be Honda’s 119hp 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine. This engine will be available with both manual and automatic gearbox options. Interestingly, the manual gearbox is a new six-speed unit rather than the five-speed one used in the petrol City and Mobilio. Insiders haven't confirmed if this gearbox will make it to the other Hondas as well, but it’s something that could be introduced in the future. The petrol manual BR-V’s ARAI-tested fuel efficiency is 15.4kpl, while the petrol automatic’s figure, interestingly, is slightly higher at 16kpl. The BR-V automatic that is likely to interest urban buyers uses a continuously variable transmission or CVT. Drivers will have the option to manually operate the gearbox via steering-mounted paddles which is a first-in-class feature.
The BR-V gets dual front airbags standard across range. Also worth noting is anti-lock brakes, which are standard on the diesel BR-V, but are available only on mid-range and higher versions of the BR-V petrol. What might come as a disappointment to many buyers is the fact that there isnt a touchscreen infotainment system on any version of the BR-V.
The BR-V for India comes with seven seats and this gives it an upper hand over rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster, Maruti S-cross and Nissan Terrano that are only five-seaters. Moreover, the middle row can be moved fore and aft too. Honda is also claiming class-best luggage room for the BR-V; folding the third row of seats frees up a massive 691 litres of luggage space. The BR-V’s class-leading 210mm ground clearance is another number that is likely to be of interest to Indian buyers. At 4,453mm long, the BR-V is also the longest of the small SUVs.
Read the complete Honda BR-V launch report here.