Honda, the Japanese carmaker, is planning to bring in the Honda BR-V in the Indian market to cash-in on the rising interest for compact SUVs among new car buyers. Based on the extended Brio platform, on which the Mobilio is also built, the 7-seater Honda BR-V will take head on against the likes of Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano and other compact SUVs in the league. Though there is no official word yet about is launch timing, the Honda BR-V is likely to make its India debut at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo in February.
Built on ‘Active Solid Motion’ design, the vehicle is claimed to look premium and tough. Measuring 4,455mm in length, 1,735mm in width and 1,650mm in height, the BR-V will be bigger than the Hyundai Creta and the Renault Duster. In addition to that, the vehicle will also offer one of the most spacious cabins with a wheelbase of 2,660mm. 16-inch alloy wheels with 201mm ground clearance will further ensure that the car handles all sorts of Indian terrains.
Unveiled at the 2015 GIIAS and IIMS in Indonesia, the Honda BR_V is the third all-new product developed by HRAP (Honda R&D Asia Pacific) in Thailand. In India, the production of the vehicle is expected to commence from April 2016 at the company’s Tapukara plant.
The India-bound Honda BR-V is likely to feature the same engines – a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol and a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel – that also power the City and the Mobilio. While the petrol unit is good for 118bhp and 145Nm, the diesel engine churns out 99bhp and 200Nm. Transmission options on offer could include a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic.
Honda BR-V estimated price – Rs 8 lakh – Rs 12 lakh
Honda BR-V expected launch – Mid 2016
Honda BR-V Engine Options
1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol
1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel
Honda BR-V Dimensions
Length – 4455mm
Width – 1735mm
Height – 1650mm
Wheelbase – 2660mm
Ground clearance – 201mm
