The much-awaited Honda BR-V has been unveiled in India at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo today, with Honda likely to launch the compact SUV in mid-2016 in the country. Labelled as an ‘Active Sport Crossover’, the production-ready version of the SUV had first been displayed at the 2015 Thailand Motor Show.
Built on the extended Brio platform, the 7-seater Honda BR-V will compete against some really capable products such as Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano. The Honda BR-V is based on the ‘Active Solid Motion’ design philosophy and it looks more like a jagged up MPV than a proper SUV.
Measuring 4,455mm in length, 1,735mm in width and 1,650mm in height, the car is equipped with angular headlamps with projector units and LED DRLs, aggressive front bumper housing, round fog lamps with chrome bezels, and a prominent U-shaped chrome slat with the Honda badge on the front grille.
Under the hood, the Honda BR-V compact SUV sports a 1.5-litre SOHC, 4-cylinder, 16-valve i-VTEC engine that delivers maximum power of 117bhp and a peak torque of 146Nm. The SUV will also feature a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel unit that powers the City and Mobilio, producing 99bhp of power and 200Nm of torque. Transmission options will include Honda’s signature CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) gearbox along with a 5-speed unit.
The car will also include safety features like dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HAS), etc. As for its interior design, the India-spec model will be a 7-seater. Globally, the BR-V comes with 2 seating configurations – 7 seats in 3 rows with multi-adjustable functions and 5 seats in 2 rows with a large boot space.
The Auto Expo is India most important show dedicated to the country’s automotive and auto component industry. The Auto Expo is made of two major events – the Motors Show and the Components Exhibition. While the motor show is being held starting today at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, the component exhibition will be held at Paragati Maidan starting February 5.