Honda BRV - Better luck next time !!
When we had covered the Honda BR-V in our Future cars(Read Here) segment we had recommended that you wait for the launch of this car if you had already not bought the Creta and were considering buying a car in this segment. But now, we are not so sure!! Let’s see why..
Looks
Honda was again on a roll in India after the launch of a successful Diesel engine. The concept was previewed in mid-2015 and a compact SUV from Honda had everyone’s hopes up. But a defining point is that the compact SUV rage has been on in India since a long time now and being a late entrant makes you vulnerable to comparsion to all the cars launched before you. After all, you have had the chance to learn from the mistakes made by other carmakers and hence, when you launch a car late, expectations are way up in the sky.
|
Dimensions |
BR-V |
|
Length |
4455 mm |
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Width |
1735 mm |
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Height |
1666 mm |
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Wheelbase |
2662 mm |
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Ground Clearance |
210 mm |
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BootSpace |
223 litres |
The exteriors of the BRV have been based on the ‘Active Solid Motion’ philosophy. The name does not convey much and likewise with the design. With eye-catching designs such as the Vitara Brezza and the Creta available in the market, something ground breaking is expected from Honda. And they have failed dismally. The overall looks of the car are very much average Joe.
Being a 7-seater, the car is the longest in the segment. The side profile looks very similar to the Mobilio. A distinguishing feature is the connected tail lamps in the rear which give a sporty look. The roof rails also give it a more SUV like feel, rather than a MPV like feel like the Mobilio. The front grille is distinctive Honda – nothing new!! Wheel arches are much smaller than expected in an SUV.
The interior design is based on the ‘Premium and Active’ Design Philosophy. Honda has always had a premium branding in India and you expect a luxurious feel when you sit in the car. But, sadly that is not the case. The interiors are very bland. All the variants get an only black interior finish. The center console design looks very dated.
The front and second row seat are contoured and comfort is really good. The second row has sat sliders so as to adjust the leg room for passengers in the third row. The second row has a central armrest which can be folded to accommodate the third passenger.
Legroom is quite good in the second row and OK in the third row. Two adults can seat for short drives in the third row without any major discomfort.
A surprising thing is the driver seating position. Now, this car has the highest ground clearance in the segment at 210 mm. But, when you sit in the car the feel is much more like that of a sedan rather than an SUV. Now, how has Honda managed this feat is food for thought.(sarcasm!!)
Engine
The car is going to come with 2 engine options. 1.5 litre i-DTEC diesel engine from the Earth Dreams Technology series and the 1.5 litre litre i-VTEC petrol engine. The car is based on the same platform as the Brio, Amaze and Mobilio.
The Diesel engine comes mated with a 6 speed Manual Gearbox , whereas the petrol engine comes with two options – 6 speed MT and CVT. The company claims best in class fuel economy figures for the Diesel engine at 21.9 kmpl, while the mileage for the petrol manual option is 15.4 kmpl.
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Engine |
Petrol |
Diesel |
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Type |
1.5 litre i-VTEC |
1.5 litre i-DTEC |
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Capacity |
1497 cc |
1498 cc |
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Max Power |
119 PS@6600 rpm |
100 PS @3600 rpm |
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Max Torque |
145 NM@4600 rpm |
200 NM @1750 rpm |
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No. of Cylinder |
4 |
|
Transmission |
6 MT/CVT |
6 MT |
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Suspension |
|
|
|
Front |
McPherson Strut Coil Spring |
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Rear |
Torsion Beam Coil Spring |
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Brake |
|
|
|
Front |
Disc |
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Rear |
Drum |
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Turning Radius(m) |
5.3 |
5.5 |
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Steering Type |
Collapsible Electric Power Steering |
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Mileage(kmpl) |
15.4/16 |
21.9 |
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Fuel tank capacity(litres) |
42 |
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Kerb Weight (kgs) |
1199-1306 |
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Seating Capacity |
7 |
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Tyres |
195/60 R16 |
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No. of variants |
5 |
4 |
|
Price(Rs.) |
8.75-11.99 |
9.90-12.90 |
Drive wise, the petrol engine is a smooth operator. NVH levels are quite low and driving is really good in city traffic conditions. Power delivery and pickup is linear. However, the diesel engine is a disappointment. The gearbox is quite jerky and the engine clatter is not something that you would expect in a car in this price bracket.
Comfort
Multimedia features are not as upto the mark as provided by competitors. Safety wise, the car has the usual safety features like Front Dual Airbags, ABS with EBD etc The car also has pre-tensioner seat belts with load limiter. Impact sensing Auto Door Unlock is available on the V and VX variant.
A full leather package is available in the top model VX including leather wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and seat upholstery with silver stiching. Heat absorbing front windshield is available on the VX variant.
Verdict
To be very frank, the BRV looks like a damp squid. With the competition so tough, something better is expected everytime a new launch comes in the market and especially when the carmaker is Honda. Honda has had only one super successful model in India till date- City and the heat is building up on the company to launch new models – and at a faster pace to keep up with the trends.
Price wise, the car is priced like the Duster, Creta being a bit pricier. But then Creta offers the refinement which is missing in this car. Honda seems to have lost the plot between the many design philosophies and it is evident. All we can say is better luck next time !!