By Otsile Kadiege

Since its launch back in 2016 Honda’s BR-V has been a fairly popular subcompact crossover SUV in South Africa. The Japanese automaker is now ready to introduce the second-generation BR-V which now adopts the automaker’s new design philosophy, gets a bunch of new technologies, increased exterior dimensions and a host of safety as well as driver assistance systems.

Exterior design

Most modern Honda vehicles have a slightly aggressive, sporty front end design and the new BR-V is no different.  Up front, the new BR-V gets a prominent radiator grille with horizontal slats and chrome detailing on the upper section of the grille. The grille is flanked by sporty-looking LED headlights and the front bumper is fitted with LED fog lamps on higher spec models.

As standard, the new BR-V is shod with 16-inch (215/60) wheels or 17-inch (215/55) wheels for higher-spec models. It’s fitted with roof rails and has a sharp crease spanning from the front fenders and joining the rear U-shaped LED taillights. The new BR-V measures 4,490 mm long, 1,780 mm wide, 1,685 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,695 mm.

Interior design and tech

Inside, the new BR-V is typical Honda with a three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel, a modish interior design with contrasting accents and leather seats for higher-spec models. Some interior highlights include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, a 4-speaker sound system for the base models and a 7-speaker for higher-spec BR-Vs, a 4.2-inch MID, keyless entry & start and three-row seating for seven passengers.

Safety and driver assistance systems

On the safety side of things the new Honda BR-V is equipped with Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver assistance systems, which is standard on both variants. The suite includes 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) And Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN).

Also included are Honda LaneWatch, an all-seat seatbelt reminder system, a rearview camera and the usual array of passive systems (VSA, ABS, EBD, brake assist, hill start assist, walk away auto lock). One area of difference is the airbag count, with entry-level models receiving four while the higher-spec models get six.

Powertrains

All new Honda BR-V models are still powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired to either a CVT gearbox or a 6-speed manual transmission. The 4-cylinder powertrain now makes 89kW and 145Nm.

Pricing

Pricing for the new Honda BR-V as well as model derivatives are as follows:

BR-V 1.5 Elegance CVT – R459,900

BR-V 1.5 Comfort CVT – R439,900

BR-V 1.5 Comfort 6MT – R409,900

BR-V 1.5 Trend 6MT – R379,900