2020 Honda BR-V: First impression

Known as one of the most powerful yet affordable seven-seater MPV, the Honda BR-V is a mainstay in the spotlight within the segment. Honda introduced this striking car in Malaysia in early 2017, and soon it became one of the best-selling cars for the brand. The automaker was on the way to bring its new avatar for a while and has also opened the order books in early March. And now, the Japanese carmaker has finally launched the latest iteration of its popular MPV in showrooms across Malaysia. 

2020 Honda BR-V is available in two variants - base trim E and top-spec V. It is built on the company’s stretched Brio underpinnings, which has also been used in several Honda cars. It features a three-row seating configuration that can accommodate seven occupants. Here we bring you the first impression of the new Honda BR-V and throw light on the evolved model.

Exterior design

On the exterior, the MPV received some subtle visual changes. The bolder restyled grille houses two slats and a redesigned bumper, which sports an aggressive look. The lower bumper has received new garnishes to compliment the styling. At the rear end, the MPV gets new fog lamp housings, tweaked bumper, and vertical reflectors instead of horizontal ones. 

On the sides, the new BR-V features sporty 16-inch alloy wheels covered in 195/60 profile tyres, while the rest of the elements are the same. The dimensions of 2020 BR-V remain unchanged with 4,456 mm in length, 1,735 mm in width, 1,666 mm in height, and 2,662 mm wheelbase.

Honda has added a new choice in the list of BR-V color options, i.e., Marine Purple Pearl. It becomes the first Honda model in the county to get this option. The other options include Modern Steel Metallic and Lunar Silver Metallic, Passion Red Pearl, and White Orchid Pearl, while Dark Ruby Red Pearl and Taffeta White have been dropped.

Interior comfort and features

Inside the cabin, the new BR-V portrays a plusher feel, thanks to premium leather upholstery with contrasting red finishing. It possesses a spacious cabin, which provides generous legroom, headroom, shoulder, and knee room to the occupants. The seven-seater crossover has lots of storage places all around the car. The cargo volume measures as 233-litres, which can be expandable to 539-litres.

The standard specifications include tweeter speakers, cabin filter, automatic air-conditioning, cargo lighting, keyless entry, multifunction steering wheel, rear ac vents, and push-start button. While the range-topping V trim comes with a brand new 7-inch Display Audio system that replaced the 6.1-inch unit. The MPV retains the existing 60:40 one-touch tilt and tumble function for the second and third-row seats.

Engine specifications

The mechanical setup of the new Honda BR-V remains unchanged. It is powered by the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC engine, churning out 120 PS of power at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 4,600 rpm. The power is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Honda has tuned the engine and gearbox for maximum fuel efficiency, claimed to return up to 15 kmpl on a combined cycle. The MPV can accelerate from standstill to 100 kmph in 12.5 seconds, while it can clock a top speed of 175 kmph.

Safety

Unlike the expectations, refreshed BR-V houses the same safety appointments. It includes SRS airbags (for driver and front passenger), anti-lock-braking system (ABS), hill-start assist (HSA), vehicle stability assist (VSA), crash sensors, child safety locks, ISOFIX points on rear seats, and reverse camera. The MPV has a G‑Con + ace body frame, which minimizes injury to occupants by absorbing impact during a collision.

Price

2020 Honda BR-V price for the base trim E starts at RM 89,900, while the range-topping V costs RM 96,900. The price tag of both the models is higher than the outgoing iterations; BR-V E costs RM 8,911 more, whereas the price of the top model increased by RM 9,199.

With the new dose of updates, the Honda BR-V can impress the customers looking for a vehicle for daily commutes, family outings, or even a business. The MPV seems to be ideal for all the needs. So, if you want to be behind the wheel of new BR-V, head out to your nearest Honda dealer and have a test drive.

Also read: Honda BR-V – Top alternatives