BRV: Honda’s Big Bet

Interiors are similar to the Mobilio with same seating arrangements and trim, but there is an all-new dashboard, which is a big relief. This is the same dashboard as the new updated Amaze, made along the lines of the City and Jazz dashboards. The design is quite good with multiple layers adding to its complexity and the whole black look is welcome. There is a new finish above the glove box area which looks like perforated aluminium, but overall quality of plastics isn’t very premium. The seats have good leather and contrast stitching, and while they have good lumbar support, thigh support could have been better. The middle row is comfortable with good legroom and headroom but lacks the width to seat three abreast. The rear most row is good in terms of space, but regular adults will have to sit knees up.  Equipment levels are where Honda could have paid more attention to. While there is the usual automatic climate control, keyless entry and folding outside mirrors, there is no touchscreen or reverse camera or rear parking aids. The audio system is a basic one and not something that belongs on a car that costs this much. There is no cruise control or ESP on offer and at best, you get ABS and two airbags.

Powering the BRV are two familiar 1500cc engine options – a very tractable diesel and a refined petrol, the latter of which, is available in both manual and automatic variants. The diesel will be the preferred choice of those who travel long distances and it is the familiar 1.5 litre 100 bhp and 200 N-m i-dtec unit. Mated to a 6-speed manual, it is a very drivable unit that pulls from idle revs. There is very little turbo lag and gearshifts take little to no effort. It isn’t very refined, but if that’s your priority, the 115 bhp petrol engine is perfect for you. The BRV gets a six speed manual transmission, which we believe, will soon be made available in the City too. This slick unit with its light clutch and good low end performance makes the petrol BRV good around town. For those who want the ultimate in city ease, there is an automatic variant on offer. This CVT box with seven stepped ratios comes with paddle shifters too and is very good at city speeds. It is only when you demand faster acceleration that it raises the engine revs too much and makes the car feel strained.

Continue