Honda BR-V is the first car launched in 2017, which the company is trying to hold onto its growth momentum to make another record year. Now, with a 7-seater crossover designed specially for the emerging market, pricing it from RM83k-90k, this could be an almost sweet spot for families that want a reliable Japanese family car.
Why the BR-V is almost Spot-On but not wholly hitting the consumer with what they want? The biggest mistake Honda's designer did to the BR-V is the seat folding and storing mechanism. The third row seat can only tumble down or up, without the ability to provide a full flat rear cargo area. Because of this, you can't have a long stowage area even though if you tumble up the 2nd row seat. All you get is empty space in between of the 2 rows of chairs. Weird isn't it? A little more design effort that enable the last row seat to fold down to move forward should make the BR-V a real winner.
Two variants is available, mainly on small little features differences, such as the audio system, seat upholstery, rearview camera, push start, auto aircon, fog lights and some others garnish here and there. Safety features such as dual airbags, ABS, EBD, Hill Start Assist and Traction Control are standard on both variants. Bravo for Honda on achieving 5-star ASEAN NCAP for the BR-V. Unlike the Proton Ertiga, which does not have Traction Control, which make it a real outdated vehicle.
Powered by 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine and mated to the Earth Dream CVT gearbox, most would want the assurance it is good enough to move the 1.2-tonne vehicle around efficiently. Do remember that as a family car, the BR-V is not for any speed drag at the traffic light or racing with your cousin in the Toyota Sienta or Avanza.
| BR-V | Sienta | Alza | Avanza | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 2662mm | 2750mm | 2750mm | 2655mm |
| Length | 4453mm | 4235mm | 4205mm | 4140mm |
| Height | 1666mm | 1675mm | 1620mm | 1695mm |
| Width | 1735mm | 1695mm | 1695mm | 1660mm |
Comparing the size, although the BR-V is derived from the tiny Honda Brio, it is indeed largest in its segment, thus providing better legroom and space for the rear passenger. Another big letdown of the BR-V is the hard plastics surrounding the interior, as well as the lightness of the door. You just can't get the confident "tuk" sound from closing and opening of the doors. It feels empty.
Honda has never disappoint on the exterior design, especially calling the BR-V the "Bold Run-About Vehicle". Overall the BR-V looks decently handsome, especially with the integrated roof-rail and wheel-arch moulding.
To make the BR-V affordable, it wear the economical 16" Bridgestone Ecopia tyres. Front disc and rear drum brakes are standard, similar to the Honda City setting. For a people carrier, rear aircon blower has to been standard to cool the rear passengers, and there are a total of 11 cup holders.
For the BR-V, Honda might hit the market just nice, with the right pricing. Nissan Livina is very dated now. The closest competitor is the Toyota Sienta, which is smaller and more expensive. However, the Sienta is always a better car, especially with the sliding door. But the BR-V is larger, that could win it all.
