Honda BR-V Malaysia Autoshow Preview

Kuala Lumpur: Just when you thought it was safe to buy a crossover, Honda Malaysia held a surprise public preview of its BR-V model at the Malaysia Autoshow 2016 this month.

The model was shown to the Malaysian press in Indonesia last year, when journalists also got to drive it, but this is BR-V’s first appearance in Malaysia.

What is it?

For the uninitiated, it’s a seven-seater which Honda Malaysia had suited up in ‘Taffeta White’. It gives the BR-V an air of class.

The vital stats are 4,455 mm in length, 1,735 mm width and 1,650 mm height. That’s sizeable, and the roomy-feeling interior reflects this, thanks also to a wheelbase of 2,660 mm. You’d expect a reverse camera and sensors with these figures, and you get them.

We like the BR-V’s styling, which is cut from the same cloth as the well-proportioned and interesting new Civic models.

Much thought seems to have been given to achieving a good road presence for the BR-V, and to lighten its bulk. This is done with the use of angled creases which seem to capture the spirit of Japanese robot animation.

Honda’s treatment of the BR-V’s handsome, chunky front is an unqualified success and overall, it looks better than both the less distinctive CR-V and HR-V, to our eyes, at least.

 

Insider comforts

The refreshing trapezoid motif of the exterior design is continued as you open the door, in the dashboard and the controls, generally.

But it’s the seven seats that are the highlight of the BR-V’s cabin; each comes with its own three-point safety belt, so you can pretend you’re flying business.

 

Perhaps mindful of those who never manage to get choice seats, Honda claims the BR-V’s third row legroom is the best in its class. Backseat passengers get personalised air conditioning too, though not split controls.

Honda has given equal thought to optimising the placement and origami-ability all seats so they can be used for different cabin configurations to match your needs.

The second row has 60:40 split-fold, and the third, 50:50. They tumble and tuck away easily to create up to 539 litres of boot space (223 litres with all seats up, claimed to be largest in its segment.)

Peace of Mind

You can relax into your comfy seats (leather on the preview model). The BR-V has been given a five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating for variants fitted with electronic stability control. (14.79 points out of a possible 16 points in adult occupant protection with a 72% compliance in terms of child occupant protection.)

What drives it?

Being a crossover, the BR-V is a front-wheel drive vehicle with a CVT transmission. However, if you’re concerned about climate change and unpredictable floods in the city, it has a ground clearance of over 200 mm.

It’s fitted with a Honda 1.5L i-VTEC engine that develops 118hp, claimed to be the highest power output in its class segment, and has 145 Nm of torque. This won’t pull tree stumps out of the earth, but will make for useful overall performance and a soothing drive.

Is it affordable?

No pricing information yet, but feel heartened that the BR-V is meant to slot in below the CR-V and HR-V models.

Can I still catch the preview?

Yes, if you hurry to the Malaysia Autoshow 2016 by this Sunday, Nov 13. But if you’re busy, Honda is taking the BR-V on a nationwide roadshow after this. Here’s the provisional schedule.

• Nov 20: AEON Mall, Shah Alam, Selangor.
• Nov 26: Aman Central Mall, Alor Setar, Kedah.
• Nov 27: Queensbay Mall, Penang.
• Dec 2: AEON Mall, Kota Bahru, Kelantan.
• Dec 3: Giant Kuala Terengganu Mall, Terengganu.
• Dec 4: East Coast Mall, Kuantan, Pahang.
• Dec 10: Tesco Extra Tebrau City, Johor Bahru.
• Dec 11: AEON Bandaraya Melaka Shopping Centre, Malacca.
• Dec 17: 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
• Dec 18: Tesco Extra Ipoh Garden, Perak.
• Dec 23: Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
• Dec 24: Imago Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

*Dates and locations are subject to change. Check the Honda Malaysia Facebook page