THE Honda BR-V is shorter, narrower and lower than its more upscale CR-V stable-mate. But the former’s three-row seating, as opposed to the latter’s conventional two-row setup, means the BR-V can fit seven. Credit here goes to clever packaging; the BR-V has a wheelbase that stretches 14 centimeters more compared to that under the CR-V. This made room for the extra pair of seats.
+ “Handy” best describes the BR-V. In certain instances its capacity to shuttle a septet would mean negating the need to take a second car. And, even with its third-row seats up, a reasonable amount of cargo can fit aft of the rearmost seats. This spot is not that difficult to get in or out of, too, thanks to middle-row seats that can slide forward or backward, if not tumble out of the way altogether.
Expectedly, cargo space increases when any or both of the rear rows are folded down.
Of course, the more common pickup truck-based SUVs share this ability, and will easily trump the BR-V’s because of their larger dimensions. But here lies another of the BR-V’s key strengths — compactness. On the daily grind across traffic, or when slotting through narrow streets, or when parking between tight spots, the BR-V’s size makes tackling these chores easier. Plus, the car’s lower stance allows for better sightlines all around.
Sitting closer to the pavement also means the BR-V feels more like a sedan to drive. Taking sweeping bends at moderate speeds does not unsettle the car all that much; it may lean to one side, but not pronouncedly so. Honda has struck a nice balance between giving the BR-V some road-holding dynamics and allowing it ground clearance that’s better than what average sedans have. So the BR-V can remain composed on pavement, yet it can also traverse relatively bad surfaces and clear obstacles underneath it in a way its identical twin Mobilio MPV cannot.
– As a model intended for emerging markets — not across the globe in the way the CR-V, and Honda’s other models like the City, Jazz and Civic, are — the BR-V keeps its price low at the expense of refinement. The car’s cabin, while fitted with the usual touch screen panel, smart entry and other niceties, is defined by materials and instruments that appear lower-grade when stacked against those from the global models. There are also more suspension and tire noises that enter the cabin.
Some budget items make it to the car’s tech specs sheet, too. Sticking out are the single-cam engine, rear drum brakes, 16-inch wheels and — get this — a PRNDSL gear shift.
= In a market brimming with choices, the BR-V offers a Goldilocks’ just-right median. — Brian M. Afuang
Bluffer’s Box
Honda BR-V 1.5 S Modulo Price: P1.044 million
Engine: 1.5-liter, inline-four, gasoline; 118hp @ 6,600rpm, 145Nm @ 4,600rpm
Transmission: CVT
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Wheels/Tires: 16 inches, 195/60
Key features: 7.0-inch multimedia screen; multi-information display; controls for rear air-conditioning; hill-start assist; speed-sensing door locks
Rear may not look big, but it can fit two people.
