Honda BR-V Prototype
officially made a world debut at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show
(GIIAS) 2015. Like all crossovers, this one too has an SUV appearance and
handling and great utility. It also has a spacious cabin of an MPV. Powered by
a 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine with either a new 6-speed manual transmission or a
continuously variable transmission (CVT), it enhances both driving performance
and fuel economy. The much-awaited Honda BR-V is scheduled to be marketed first
in Indonesia in early 2016, followed by other countries.
According to unconfirmed news,
this crossover is likely to find its way into India’s growing crossover /
compact SUV segment. Already the likes of Suzuki S-Cross and Hyundai Creta have
been launched in this space. The BR-V will be competing with not just these
vehicles but even other compact SUVs / crossovers from the stables of Mahindra
& Mahindra, Hyundai, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles India, Volkswagen, etc.
Honda BR-V will be marketed in
Indonesia with a price range from Rp. 230 (Rs 10.82 lakh) to 265 million, and
the booking will start from GIIAS onward. The production of Honda BR-V will
start at HPM’s Karawang factory in
January 2016.
The key external features of
the BR-V include high ground clearance, gig roof rails for all grades, LED
connected tail light design in C-character and new 16 inch aluminum wheels. The
interior features include spacious and comfortable cabin with additional knee
room and head room, advanced features such as Multi-Information Display and
rear air conditioner between the first and second row seats to expand air flow
to all areas. The 4-Cylinder 1.5-litre
i-VTEC engine produces 120bhp@ 6,600 rpm and maximum torque of 145Nm @ 4,600
rpm. The engine is mated to a new 6-speed Manual Transmission. The car comes
with Dual and Front SRS airbag, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic
Brake Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist
(HSA) and Front 3-Point Load Limiters with Pretensioner ELR Seat Belt and
ISOFIX
The world premiere of the
Honda BR-V Prototype was presented by Noriaki Abe, Chief Operating Officer for
Regional Operation (Asia and Oceania) of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. at Honda Booth,
together with Kusnade Budiman, President Comissioner of PT Honda Prospect Motor
(HPM), and Tomoki Uchida, President
Director of PT Honda Prospect Motor.
“Honda started business in
Indonesia in 1971, and the importance of this country for Honda’s auto business
has been increasing year by year.”, Abe
mentioned in his remarks. “With the all-new 7-seat BR-V and the rest of the
Honda line-up, we will continue to offer exciting products and the joy of
driving to our customers in Indonesia,” he added.
Meanwhile, Uchida said, “Honda
BR-V was developed to fulfill the needs of Indonesian customers. We believe
Honda BR-V will be greatly received by customers in Indonesia and become the
main attraction in this year’s motor show.”