Honda BR-V S

The Honda BR-V is a compact SUV that stands out for its seven-seater capacity, a rare feature in its segment. Powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine, it produces 119 PS of peak power and 145 Nm of peak torque. The BR-V is available in both manual and CVT transmission options, though the CVT is more convenient for city driving despite its rubber band effect. The vehicle boasts good ground clearance and a comfortable ride, making it suitable for both urban and light off-road use. The interior is spacious, with flexible seating that can accommodate adults and children comfortably, although the third row is best suited for short trips. Despite some feature omissions, the BR-Vs reliability, practicality, and versatile interior make it a compelling choice for families and those needing a multi-purpose vehicle.

The Honda BR-V is a practical and reliable option for those seeking a compact SUV with a seven-seater configuration. My experience with the BR-V has been mixed, but it certainly excels in key areas. It offers ample space, good ground clearance, and a comfortable ride, making it ideal for family trips and weekend getaways. However, it lacks in features, particularly in the higher variants, with no touchscreen infotainment, driver armrest, or rear-view camera. The CVT gearbox, while convenient in city driving, suffers from a noticeable rubber band effect, which can be frustrating on highways. Despite these shortcomings, the BR-Vs reliability, thanks to its Honda heritage, and its versatile interior make it a solid choice for those prioritizing practicality and comfort.

The Honda BR-V S comes equipped with a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine, producing 121 hp and 145 Nm of torque, paired with either a CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission. This setup provides slightly better acceleration and responsiveness compared to its competitors. I think this engine choice is a great balance between power and fuel efficiency.

The Honda BR-V S has received a new color option for 2024, introducing the Sand Khaki Pearl, which was first seen in the Japanese market HR-V. This color is available exclusively on the top-spec VX CVT Honda Sensing variant, but it might soon be available on other trims as well. The pricing remains unchanged.

In terms of safety features, the Honda BR-V S, although not the top variant, still benefits from standard features like speed-sensing door locks, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and vehicle stability assist. However, advanced safety features like Honda Sensing are reserved for the higher VX model. I believe these standard features make the BR-V S a safe choice for families.

The Honda BR-V S boasts a stylish exterior with LED headlights and taillights, along with LED daytime running lights. The S model, however, comes with 16-inch steel wheels and hub caps instead of alloy wheels. The design updates give the BR-V a more SUV-like appearance. I think the LED lights really enhance the vehicles look.

The interior of the Honda BR-V S is designed for comfort and versatility, featuring a spacious cabin with seating for seven and adaptable cargo space. It includes convenient features like seatback pockets and a 2nd-row center armrest. I believe the interior space is one of the BR-Vs strongest selling points.

The Honda BR-V was launched in India with a starting price of around Rs. 8.91 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). On-road prices, however, can vary depending on the state and local taxes, but you can expect to pay around Rs. 10-12 lakh for the base model and upwards of Rs. 14 lakh for the top variant. Given its features and the segment it competes in, the BR-V is reasonably priced, especially considering its unique selling point of being a seven-seater compact SUV. However, the lack of advanced features in higher variants might make some buyers feel its not fully justified, especially when compared to some of its competitors.

When it comes to mileage, the Honda BR-Vs 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine delivers a mixed bag. In city conditions, especially with the CVT gearbox, the fuel efficiency can be as low as 8.2 kmpl. However, on highways, it can achieve a more respectable 11.2 kmpl. This makes it a bit of a compromise for those who spend a lot of time in urban traffic but still need a vehicle for occasional long drives. Overall, its not the most fuel-efficient option, but its manageable, especially if youre willing to use the Sport mode and paddle shifters to optimize performance.