India bound: Honda BR-V Official Sketches Released

Honda says this 7-seater BR-V crossover will be powered by a 1.5-liter petrol, but Indian version will get the 1.5-liter i-DTEC diesel, expect it to make its Indian debut at the 2016 Auto Expo!  

Honda has released the official sketches of their upcoming crossover SUV for the Asian market. The Japanese automaker is calling it BR-V, good move on the lines of the popular CR-V and recently launched HR-V! According to the company, BR-V stands for Bold Runabout Vehicle. It will make its world premiere at the 2015 Gaikindo Indonesian International Auto Show (20 - 30 August 2015). Indian debut can be expected at the next year’s auto show.

Talking about the design, the crossover features a bold stance, Honda says that, ‘the new BR-V features tough and solid exterior design with high ground clearance, big and stylish alloy wheels and sleek roof rails.’ Although the company didn’t say anything about its platform, but it is most likely to be based on Brio platform, just like the Mobilio and Amaze. But it’s a relief that it does not resemble anything close to the rest of the three cars mentioned above, save for the two crease lines which runs along the body reminds of the Mobilio and the Amaze.

The vehicle will compete in the compact SUV segment, majorly with Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano and the upcoming Hyundai Creta. However, the BR-V has a major USP, as Honda says, it ‘offers a comfortable and spacious cabin with seven seats in a 3-row configuration,’ it a seven seater!

The BR-V is developed by Honda’s Asia Pacific R&D (HRAP) in Thailand for the Asian market. This is the 3rd model developed by HRAP. Mechanically, it will get the 1.5-liter i-VTEC ‘which provides sporty performance and great fuel efficiency.’ It will be mated to a two ‘advanced transmissions’. Moreover, for the Indian market it will also get the 1.5-liter i-DTEC.