A bigger and better SUV

With over 23,000 units sold locally since its Philippine introduction in 2016, the Honda BR-V has quickly become a favorite among starting families and become one of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc’s (HCPI) best-selling models. The seven-seater crossover proved to be the most powerful in its class, offering a premium look, sleek design, and advanced features. After six years in the market, last September, the all-new BR-V was previewed at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show and whet the appetites of car buyers. They wouldn’t have to wait long as, just yesterday, HCPI officially launched the all-new BR-V.

SUV design, MPV comfort

The all-new Honda BR-V boasts of a dynamic body shape. For the front fascia, all variants come with a matte black grille, while exclusive on the range-topping VX CVT SENSING is a gloss black grille. It gets newly designed headlights that house full LEDs with Daytime Running Lights (DRL). For optimized driver visibility on the road, LED fog lights are available on the VX CVT SENSING, V CVT, and S CVT variants. The auto on-off lighting function is standard on the top-of-the-line variant.

One of the main highlights of this all-new model is its higher ground clearance, giving it a more aggressive SUV stance. It’s complemented by new 17-inch aluminum wheels available for all CVT grades, while the S MT comes with a set of 16-inch rims. Behind, the BR-V gets newly designed LED taillights.

All BR-V variants feature power adjustable door mirrors. Meanwhile, the VX CVT SENSING and the V CVT variants come with power folding door mirrors with Integrated LED side turn signal lights.

Spacious interior

Inside, the BR-V continues to focus on offering the best mix of SUV value and MPV usability. It makes use of high-quality materials in its interior, giving it that SUV feel. For usability, it offers a spacious cabin. It has been significantly improved for both second and third-row occupants, plus, its flat folding seats allow flexible cargo loading.

Families will enjoy the BR-V’s seven-inch touchscreen display audio, paired with a six-speaker sound system for VX CVT Honda SENSING and V CVT, while a four-speaker sound system, on the other hand, is available for the S CVT and S MT variants. The infotainment system supports various functions, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB connection.

Loading is easy with a flexible interior that features a 60:40 split second row with one-touch tumble. The third row seats feature a 50:50 split with Dive Down Mechanism. This helps the car serve a wide range of needs.

Once packed and ready, the car is started with a one-push start system for the VX CVT SENSING, VX CVT, and S CVT. Smart Entry, on the other hand, is available for VX CVT SENSING and V CVT. Both the S CVT and S MT variants feature keyless entry.

The driver gets steering wheel-mounted audio controls and rear air ventilation. On top of those features, the BR-V also has Remote Engine Start, which allows the driver to start the vehicle through the key fob, allowing it to partially cool the cabin before entering the BR-V.

Leather upholstery is exclusive to the VX CVT SENSING and V CVT variants, while the S CVT and S MT are treated with high-grade fabric.

Efficient engine and transmission

Powering the all-new BR-V is a new 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine with a maximum power of 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque. It provides powerful and confident driving performance in various road conditions. The improved engine is also supported by a new CVT transmission, resulting in better fuel efficiency and response.

Just recently, the all-new BR-V achieved impressive fuel economy ratings of 24.71 kilometers per liter for the 1.5 V CVT, followed by the top-of-the-line 1.5 VX CVT SENSING registering 23.49 kilometers per liter, while the 1.5 S CVT achieved 22.62 kilometers per literbased on the recently concluded fuel economy run conducted in partnership with the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP). The test ran for 128 kilometers of highway driving, with 60-80 kph at 1,500-2,000 rpm, air-conditioning at 24°C temperature, and no. 1 fan speed.

Advanced safety

In pursuit of Honda’s global goal of realizing zero traffic collision fatalities by 2050, the BR-V’s top grade now comes with Honda SENSING, offering a series of advanced safety technologies that provide comprehensive protection for everyone sharing the road by giving warnings and automatically taking action to reduce the risk of accidents.

The following Honda SENSING safety features include: Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN); Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS); Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS); Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW); and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Auto-High Beam (AHB).

Furthermore, the BR-V comes standard with Speed Sensing Auto Door Locks, Dual and Side Airbags, Reverse Camera with Guidelines, Driver and Front Passenger Seat Belt Reminder, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist, Security Alarm, Immobilizer, Emergency Stop Signal, and ISO Fix Child Seat Anchor.

Not surprisingly, with all these safety features, the all-new BR-V has been awarded a 5-star rating in the latest ASEAN NCAP testing (New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia).

Variants and pricing

The all-new Honda BR-V will be available in four variants with the following prices. It starts at P1,090,000 for the BR-V 1.5 S MT; P1,150,000 for the BR-V 1.5 S CVT; P1,295,000 for the BR-V 1.5 V CVT; and P1,390,000 for the BR-V 1.5 VX CVT SENSING.

The all-new BR-V is now available at any of the 37 Honda Cars dealerships nationwide or head on to HCPI’s Virtual Showroom at www.hondaphil.com to know more about the All-New Honda BR-V.