Bookings have commenced for Honda’s upcoming compact SUV, the BR-V, for a token amount of INR 21,000 at dealerships across the country.
The SUV, which was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, will go on sale post its official launch on May 5, 2016.
Based on the same platform as the Brio, Amaze, and the Mobilio, the compact SUV gets a new design. Though it looks like an MPV, Honda insists it is an SUV. The top-spec variant of BR-V will get elements such as projector headlamps, a healthy garnish of chrome on the grille, fog lamps, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
When it comes to the interiors, the SUV gets a typical Honda cabin and sports an all-black interior with dull silver accents thrown in to accentuate the finer details.
In competition to its rivals, the BR-V may come loaded with goodies such as a touchscreen audio system, automatic climate control, steering mounted controls, keyless entry and go and more. However, the BR-V has an extra row of seats. Unlike the Duster and the Creta that are strict five-seaters, the BR-V can seat seven.
The Honda BR-V will sport the same 1.5-litre i-VTEC (petrol) and i-DTEC (diesel) motors found under the hood of the Honda City. The CVT automatic is expected to be mated to the petrol motor. However, unlike the Duster or the Creta that have a diesel automatic in the line-up, the diesel BR-V will sport a 6-speed manual transmission only.
To enhance the safety features, the BR-V comes with dual airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD). The compact SUV has also scored a full 5-star rating in the ASEAN NCAP. The prices are expected to start around Rs. 8 lakhs for the base petrol version and go up to Rs. 13 lakh for the top-spec diesel.
Source : BS Motoring