BOASTING over 23,000 units sold in the Philippines since its introduction in 2016, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) officially launched the all-new BR-V to pay tribute to its strong market reception, becoming one of HCPI’s best-selling models. According to HCPI, the latest-generation seven-seater compact SUV has received a positive market response for its fresh look with exuding SUV appeal and bigger dimensions during its preview at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show last September 2022.
SUV form, MPV function
Now donning a fresh exterior design, the all-new BR-V finally embraced its proper SUV form. The new look flaunts compelling character body lines all over. The front end’s matte black grille now comes standard, except for the range-topping VX CVT Honda SENSING variant’s gloss black finish. Another upgrade is the newly designed full-LED headlights and Daytime Running Lights. Also available are LED fog lights available on the VX CVT with Honda SENSING, V CVT, and S CVT variants. The auto on-off lighting function is exclusive to the top-of-the-line variant.
One of the main highlights of this latest version is the higher ground clearance to complement the new SUV form. Matching that are the new 17-inch aluminum wheels, available to all CVT grades, while the S MT variant comes with a set of 16-inch rims. Going over the rear, the BR-V is treated with newly designed LED taillights that elegantly illuminate the night. These new rollers match well with the matte black body claddings.
There are more inside
Several notable enhancements are the taller headroom, increased legroom, and lateral space for both second and third-row occupants. Moreover, the flat-folding seats provide flexible cargo loading. Honda claims that the all-new BR-V continues to focus on its three (3) core values, particularly in terms of SUV and MPV values. A 60:40 split second row with One-Touch Tumble and a 50:50 split third row with Dive Down Mechanism serve a wide range of needs.
The newly-designed dash panel highlights a seven-inch touchscreen display audio, paired with a six-speaker system (VX CVT with Honda SENSING and V CVT) and a four-speaker system (S CVT and S MT). The infotainment system supports various functions, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB connection. Leather upholstery is exclusive to the VX CVT Honda SENSING and V CVT variants, while the S CVT and S MT are treated with high-grade fabric. Also noteworthy is the added seat height adjuster feature for the driver. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls and rear air ventilation are standard across all variants.
Other convenience features include Remote Engine Start and One Push Start System (VX CVT with Honda SENSING, VX CVT, and S CVT). Smart entry, meantime, is available for both VX CVT with Honda SENSING and V CVT, while the S CVT and S MT variants feature keyless entry. Moreover, there are Power Adjustable Door Mirrors (all variants), while both the VX CVT with Honda SENSING and the V CVT variants come with Power Folding Door Mirrors with Integrated LED Side Turn Signal Lights.
New and more efficient engine
Motivation comes from a new 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine capable of generating 119 hp and 145 N-m maximum torque. This new and improved engine is paired with a new CVT transmission, resulting in better fuel efficiency and response.
Efficiency-wise, HCPI claims that the new engine achieved an impressive fuel economy rating of 24.71 kilometers per liter (V CVT), followed by the top-of-the-line 1.5 VX CVT Honda SENSING, registering 23.49 kilometers per liter. On the other hand, the 1.5 S CVT achieved 22.62 kilometers per liter. These figures were based on the recently concluded fuel economy run in partnership with the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP). The test ran for 128 kilometers of highway driving, 60-80 kph speed at 1,500-2,000 engine rpm, with air-con running at 24°C temperature at minimum fan speed.
Sensitized
In pursuit of Honda’s global goal of realizing zero traffic collision fatalities by 2050, the all-new BR-V’s top grade now comes with Honda SENSING. It offers a series of advanced safety technologies that provide comprehensive protection via timely warnings and automatically take action to reduce the risk of accidents. The latest model has been awarded a 5-star rating in the latest ASEAN NCAP testing (New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia).
The 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). Standard features are 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.
Pricing, colors, and genuine accessories
The top-spec 1.5 VX CVT with Honda SENSING retails at P1.39 million, while the 1.5 V CVT is at P1.295 million. As for the S grades, the CVT variant retails at P1.15 million, while the manual version is at P1.09 million.
Available body colors are Premium Opal White Silver Pearl (new color, additional P25,000, VX CVT, and V CVT), Meteoroid Grey Metallic (new color; all variants), Crystal Black Pearl (V CVT and S CVT), Lunar Silver Metallic (all variants), Taffeta White (S CVT and S MT)
For accessory upgrades, exhaust pipe finisher, tailgate garnish, front fender garnish, door mirror garnish, side step garnish, door visor, cargo tray, rear seat back protector, and door handle protector are all available.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino
