We now have more details and specifications of the Honda BR-V Prototype, which made its world debut at the 2015 Gaikindo Indonesian International Auto Show (GIIAS) yesterday. There’s also a first view of the dashboard, offered through a presentation slide.
The seven-seater – which is essentially a crossover variation of the Mobilio MPV – measures in at 4,455 mm long, 1,735 mm wide and 1,650 mm tall, with a 2,660 mm-long wheelbase. Other relevant numbers include a 1,500 mm front and rear track, as well as 200+ mm of ground clearance.
It was announced today at GIIAS that the BR-V will be available in three grades when it begins selling in Indonesia next year – it had been earlier announced that production at PT Honda Prospect Motors plant in Karawang will kick off in January 2016.
As also previously mentioned, there’s only a single engine choice for the BR-V, and that’s the 1.5 litre SOHC i-VTEC four-banger as seen on the City sedan and Jazz hatchback, with output numbers being 120 PS at 6,600 pm and 145 Nm at 4,600 rpm.
The baseline version is the 1.5L S, which is only available with a six-speed manual transmission. The midline 1.5L E, meanwhile, gets manual or CVT options, while the high-spec 1.5L Prestige will only come with a CVT.
All the grade variants will ride on 16-inch alloys as standard (dressed with 195/60 series tyres), and general equipment across the range includes projector headlamps, fog lamps, powered side mirrors and double blower air-conditioning. The second-row seats get a one-touch tumble feature, while the third row seats are 50:50 fold-down units.
Standard safety equipment consists of dual airbags, ABS and EBD as well as Isofix mounting points. On the base S, the audio system is made up of a double-DIN head unit, and from the E on a 6.1-inch display audio monitor features.
The E also adds on LED position lamps, audio steering switches and a multi-information display, as well as chrome-finished door handles and side protectors. The Prestige, meanwhile, gets all the E has and adds on VSA, hill-start assist and an aerokit. It also gets a nanoe ioniser.
Six exterior colours will be available for the BR-V in Indonesia, with three new to the colour palette (Misty Green Pearl, Passion Red Pearl and Lunar Silver Metallic). The other three are Crystal Black Pearl, Taffeta White and Modern Steel Metallic.
The BR-V will be priced between 230 to 265 million rupiah (RM68k to RM78k) depending on variant when it goes on sale in the republic next year. What do you think of the specifications? The crossover is due to make its way to Malaysia eventually – do the specs make it a promising prospect?
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments highlight that the Honda BR-V is more accurately classified as a MPV rather than an SUV, with many comparing its size and features to models like Avanza and Mobilio. Some users express disappointment with its engine choices, suggesting a 1.8L option would better suit its size and market expectations. Concerns about the exterior design being outdated and similar to previous models like HR-V and CR-V are prevalent, with some calling the design cheap or unoriginal. Price predictions vary, with many hoping for an affordable range between RM65k-80k to compete with existing budget models. Overall, comments are optimistic about its potential to surpass competitors like Toyota Avanza in the market, viewing the BR-V as a practical and space-efficient family vehicle, contingent on a reasonable price point. Sentiments are generally positive but cautious about design and pricing.