TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG – HONDA Motor Southern Africa has added a third, all-new model to its highly-regarded range of sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
The BR-V joins the long-established CR-V and the highly popular HR-V, introduced in South Africa last year.
While instantly recognisable as a member of the Honda family, the new BR-V features bold, distinctive styling and a sporty, agile appearance, linked to the raised stance and rugged appeal expected of a SUV.
Front and rear bumper garnishes, roof rails and 16-inch wheels are key visual elements, while the striking front grille, with its bold, chrome-embellished cross-bar, prominent Honda logo and streamlined headlights, endow the BR-V with a distinctive personality that is unmistakably Honda.
Inside, the cabin’s roomy dimensions allow the introduction of a third seating row, boosting the BR-V’s occupant seating capacity to seven. Access to all seating positions is easy and convenient, thanks to split seat rows that can be tumbled forward at the pull of a lever.
The fold and tumble convenience of the middle and rear seating rows also provides exceptional versatility, allowing BR-V owners to configure the vehicle in different ways, depending on the seating capacity and luggage space required.
The interior is comprehensively equipped, and utilise premium materials and finishes for a smart, upmarket ambience. Even the entry-level Trend derivative offers air-conditioning, front and rear electric windows and remote keyless entry. A four-speaker audio system with USB connectivity is also standard, and mobile phones can be linked to the system via Bluetooth.
Active and passive safety are also addressed via ABS anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags and inertia reel seat belts for all but the second-row centre seating position (which gets a lap belt).
All derivatives of the new Honda BR-V are powered by the same, efficient 1,5-litre four-cylinder engine. The SOHC unit uses Honda’s i-VTEC variable valve technology to produce 88 kW of maximum power at 6 600 r/min, together with a torque peak of 145 Nm at 4 600 r/min.
BR-V buyers get to choose between a six-speed manual gearbox and Honda’s refined Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). In the case of the latter, paddle shifts are provided for manual shifting between the CVT’s virtual ratios.
The new BR-V is available in four colours: White Orchid, Urban Titanium, Alabaster Silver and Carnelian Red.
The model line-up and pricing is as follows:
Honda BR-V 1.5 Trend Manual R238 900
Honda BR-V 1.5 Comfort Manual R252 900
Honda BR-V 1.5 Comfort CVT R268 300
Honda BR-V 1.5 Elegance Manual R272 900
Honda BR-V 1.5 Elegance CVT R288 300
The price includes the standard Honda five-year/200 000 km warranty and three years of AA Roadside Assistance. Comfort and Elegance models benefit from a two-year/30 000 km service plan. Services are at 15 000 km intervals.
– Guardian
