Following its appearance at the 2015 Thailand Motor Expo, Honda Automobile (Thailand) has now launched the new BR-V, a new active sport crossover vehicle in the sub-compact segment. This is the first SUV in this class providing, in three rows, seven seats and a spacious cabin. BR-V stands for Bold Runabout Vehicle. The BR-V is derived on the same platform as the second generation of Honda Mobilio based on the small eldest sibling Honda Brio and sharing mechanical components, including power plants. Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Chief Operating Officer of Honda Automobile (Thailand), revealed, “At present, customers are increasingly interested in SUVs.
Honda has been coping with SUV demands in the upper segment with Honda CR-V, and in 2014, we launched Honda HR-V to capture the demands in mid-range segment of this market with excellent feedback. To continue on the success of these two SUVs and fully respond to the demands of all customer segments, especially the largest group of customers in sub-compact category, we are introducing the new Honda BR-V as the new addition that will redefine values in this class of SUV.
It will also complement Honda’s SUV lineup for complete coverage of the SUV market.” A sporty exterior with a solid silhouette, dynamic character lines and high ground clearance enables the BR-V to challenge all roads in SUV style. The interior stands out with spacious, comfortable cabin and multi-utility space that will meet all functionality needs of the users. Its power train is nicely balanced for great driving performance and excellent fuel efficiency.
The BR-V is equipped with advanced functions, convenience features and a complete range of high-standard safety systems for peace of mind. The headlights and chrome front grille gives a wide appearance to express Honda’s front face identity. Outstanding projector headlights with LED position lamps and the LED tail lights in C-character design with continuous lines for a wide appearance also reflect body toughness. Sporty roof rails are standard equipment in all grade level. The new 16-inch alloy wheels are designed to emphasize a sporty image. The SV model has seven seats in three rows. The backrest of the second row can be adjusted in two reclining positions. It can be moved forward and backward for easy entrance and exit of third-row passengers.
The third row offers a generous legroom and comes as a 50:50 split folding type that can be folded down in two forward motions to increase cargo space at the rear. A rear air-conditioner is also provided to expand air flow to all areas. The SV model is priced at 820,000 baht. The V model features five seats in two rows. It addresses multi-function with large trunk space. The second row comes as a 60:40 split folding type with one-motion folddown function. It also has a cargo floor board and utility box under the second row seats. The V model is priced at 750,000 baht.
The BR-V is powered by a 16-valve, 4-cylinder 1.5-liter SOHC i VTEC engine with maximum output of 117 hp at 6,600 rpm and maximum torque of 146 Nm at 4,700 rpm and the new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) delivers a powerful driving performance, smooth transition and excellent fuel efficiency. This engine is also compatible with E85 fuel. The Mac-Pherson strut front suspension combines with H-shaped torsion beam rear suspension to deliver driving performance and precise, agile handling. In a series of pre-launch activities, Honda BR-V made its first preview at the Motor Expo late last year, followed by a “BR-V Brave Journey”. The company has put together a collection of photos from the journey to 36 provinces nationwide and presented them as a guide book to introduce tourism attractions visited during the journey.
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