Honda BR-V Compact SUV makes its global debut

The Honda BR-V compact SUV prototype finally made its official debut at the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2015on Thursday. Primarily a crossover version of the Mobilio MPV, the Honda BR-V "features the combination of an SUV appearance and handling and great utility and the spacious cabin of an MPV".

The 7-seater Honda BR-V will come powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine, which also does duty on the Honda Fit and City. However, in India, the carmaker may also offer the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel unit that it uses for its diesel cars here. Honda said the BR-V's transmission options will include a new 6-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Considering its close association with the Mobilio, it features a lot of styling cues from the MPV albeit adapted to suit the compact SUV. Its list of exterior features comprises improved ground clearance, 16-inch alloy wheels, black plastic cladding on the wheel arches and side skirts, plastic under-body protection, and roof rails. The carmaker says the BR-V also gets LED tail-lights with graphics.

According to Honda, the BR-V's cabin offers class-leading space with additional knee room and head room. It also gets a multi-information display, and rear air conditioner between the first and second row seats. Safety provisions on the Honda BR-V include dual front airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD), vehicle stability assist (VSA), and hill start assist (HSA) among others.

Specifications

Engine: 1.5-litre i-VTEC

Power: 120bhp

Torque: 145Nm

Transmission: New

6-speed Manual/

Continuously Variable Transmission