Honda BR-V or an SUV?

The BR-V has hit the jackpot for Honda in Malaysia. It sits below the stylish HR-V and is for those who want a spacious and decently styled Honda SUV. Elsewhere, with a similar length and body style, Honda offers the Mobilio MPV but not here in Malaysia. It will be too confusing, that’s why.

However, the question arises whether the BR-V is the best in its segment? Especially for a place which is filled with the likes of the Toyota Sienta as well as MPVs like the Suzuki Ertiga and SUVs like the Rush that are compact and give the BR-V a run for its money. So far close to 12,000 units of BR-V are sold and with a waiting period of two months, the not-so-compact Honda SUV definitely has some secret potion. Let’s find out if you should actually go for an SUV-styled MPV or a traditional SUV.

Why not…

The Honda BR-V is half a decent looker. It doesn’t have the same flair as its elder cousin, say the HR-V but it still looks formidable. Those headlamps merge with the fat chrome grille, headlights with projectors in them, LED DRLs, longish stance from the side, and again a tailpiece connecting glass light. We still can't get out visions of the Mobilio from all the angles. It is like Honda had made two sketches and couldn’t decide which one to finalise and ended up making both of them. This reminds us that a lot of parts also have been shared between the two. This keeps the costs in check and less of a brainstorming for product innovation as well.

The good bits on the BR-V include the spacious seven seats and of course the RM 78,516 sticker price. There is decent enough luggage space too and as we all know by now, Honda is the master with packaging interior space for all its cars.

Remember, ‘Man Maximum, Machine Minimum’ philosophy? The rear seats can tumble and fold down to liberate additional space should there be a requirement.

The top-spec variant is being offered with a 7-inch touchscreen system complete with navigation while the base trim gets dial type controllers. The infotainment system makes use of Miracast to mirror the compatible phone. In terms of features, Honda offers a push-button start with keyless entry, automatic climate control, and rear AC vents.

Why an SUV?

The SUV like the Toyota Rush gives you the elevated driving position, which the BR-V too offers but slightly at a lower height. An SUV’s suspension is tuned to take on the rough, whereas the leaf spring suspension usually found in MPVs is for taking in additional load as well as for durability. This, in turn, gives them more flexibility but then the result is bounciness on the road when relatively unladen. The Honda BR-V is designed like an SUV and hence doesn’t use leaf springs. Its ride quality whether just with a driver or complete crew is always flat. However, the slightly longer wheelbase ensures that it isn’t in the same vein when cornering like a proper SUV. It does require some braking before one turns into the corner. As far as ride quality goes, the BR-V rides a tad stiff.,

Overall, the pros of the Honda BR-V far outweigh its cons. This could be the main reason why so many of them are seen on the road. Also, remember that the Honda BR-V is expected to get a facelift much like the Mobilio has in international markets. This will make it look less like an MPV and more like a traditional SUV albeit a long one.