With the introduction of new SUV generations, Honda is expanding its presence in the crossover SUV industry.
The automaker has made its all-new Honda BR-V debut in Thailand in order to compete with vehicles like the Suzuki XL7, Mitsubishi Xpander, Toyota Rush, etc.
Appearance
The new BR-V has a more mature appearance with clean lines, superior proportions, and a circular profile in contrast to the first-generation BR-V, which was a jumble of uneven design components.
The front end has wider front grille, smoother bonnet, and updated headlamps. Although it looks better than the previous generation due to a sleeker design and new wheels, the side profile is identical to other crossover SUVs.
In comparison to the previous generation, the back end is also smoother, featuring a cleaner tailgate and a sharper taillight design. In addition, the 2nd generation BR-V has a larger footprint and is marginally taller than the 1st generation.
Power Output
The 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder, normally aspirated petrol engine with 121 horsepower and 145 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque will continue to power the crossover. It only uses a CVT automatic transmission to transfer power to the front wheels.
Features
The new BR-V will be offered in two variants in Thailand — E (base-variant) and EL (range-topping variant). BR-V E has basic features such as:
- Four airbags
- 16″ alloy wheels
- Automatic LED headlamps
- LED DRLs
- Electrically-adjustable side mirrors
- 4.2″ multi-info instrument cluster display
- Two-tone (black and mocha grey) combination leather upholstery
- Automatic air-conditioning (with rear ceiling vents)
- Keyless entry and start (with Honda Smart Key and remote engine start)
- Seven-inch display audio touchscreen (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay)
- Multi-function leather steering wheel
- Four speaker stereo
- Honda LaneWatch
- All-seat seatbelt reminder system
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
- ABS Brakes with EBD and brake assist
- Hill start assist
- Walk away auto lock
- Rearview camera
The EL variant includes improvements such as:
- Six airbags
- 17″ alloy wheels
- Piano black front grille
- LED front fog lamps
- Auto-folding side mirrors
- Paddle shifters
- All-black combination leather upholstery
- Six-speaker stereo
- Honda Sensing driver assist features such as:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW)
- Auto High-Beam (AHB)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN)
Price
In Thailand, the E and EL variants cost the equivalent of Rs. 5.5 million and Rs. 5.8 million respectively. Given the updates in both variants, the price makes Honda BR-V a strong contender in the compact seven-seater SUV market.
