It’s been years since the all-new Honda BR-V made a splash in the local market. It was leap forward compared to its predecessor in terms of, well, everything. It rode better, drove better, had more space, and simply put, evolved in the right way.
Of course, the variant that hogged the limelight is the top-spec VX. After all, it comes equipped with Honda’s advanced driver assist system, Honda Sensing. It brought in tech and safety from cars far more expensive, bringing this great feature to the subcompact MPV market.
But, tech aside, how is the BR-V when it’s stripped off its headline technology? To answer that, we gave the one variant that isn’t talked about often enough, the entry level S. After all, a good base model is always a solid foundation for the rest of the model range. It’s also not often that a manufacturer has the most basic version lying around in its test fleet.
Yes, the BR-V isn’t exactly the newest MPV-crossover in the block, but it’s always worth revisiting it. Besides, it’s Honda’s best-selling model in the land.
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Styling
It’s a familiar sight by now, but if you stop and soak in the details, the BR-V remains one of the more good-looking offerings in its segment. Rather than going for a van-like shape, Honda opted a ‘raised wagon’ look. The result is an MPV that looks more like a mini SUV. Well, that’s what Honda was aiming for and they insist on calling it an SUV as such.
It’s a neat and inoffensive blend of form and function in terms of its exterior. That’s particularly evident at the rear with its wide tailgate with a low opening. It’s a simple thing but it makes loading items in and out much easier. Those roof rails aren’t just for aesthetics, it’s actually load bearing.
Interior
We’ll get one thing out of the way first. There’s hard plastic everywhere. That’s not totally a bad thing though as it’s par for the course in its class. Hop in the Veloz, Xpander, or Stargazer, and you’ll be greeted by the same material. The difference is, the BR-V’s plastics feels a little more solid than most of its competitors. Sure, it doesn’t feel rich, but you know it’ll last.
Design-wise, it’s pleasing to the eye. It’s far better looking than the old model and it’s great to see that it doesn’t share the same theme as other Honda vehicles. Despite being a base model, there are touches of silver trim to liven up the cabin. Oh, and joy of joys there’s finally a seat height adjuster. If only the redesign also included telescopic steering wheel adjustment. It’s a tilt-only affair in the BR-V, regardless of variant.
But the more important thing here is space. In the BR-V, it’s, well, just right. Yes, Honda is known for making the most out of a small platform, but it can only be stretched so much. It rides on the same platform as the Honda Amaze in central Asian markets, meaning it’s a stretched chassis of a smaller vehicle than the City.
It’s still good enough for most, mind you. Although a bit of the second-row is sacrificed to make the third-row useable. The second-row does slide forwards and back, but it’s not quite the stretch out room you’d expect in a Honda. For daily use, however, it’s alright.
The same goes for cargo space. Grocery runs and loading it with baby needs prove little challenge to the BR-V. Baby strollers, pasalubongs, and other things can easily be swallowed up by the cargo bay.
Engine performance
Like in all subcompact Hondas, the BR-V uses the (very) familiar 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine. Power is unchanged from other models, so it still makes 119hp and 145Nm of torque. A six-speed manual is available, but what’s fitted here is a continuously variable transmission.
It’s not a case of ‘you’ve driven one, you’ve driven it all’ when it comes to the powertrain. Despite being the same engine, the BR-V delivers power differently from the City and HR-V. Perhaps it’s due to its smaller dimensions, but the BR-V feels more sprightly off the line. Obviously, it’s not a rocket, but it pulls strong if compared among its peers.
Curiously, this particular car felt more livelier than the top-spec VX tester we had in the past. Perhaps it’s the higher miles in it, but this S test unit does a better job at carrying four people and cargo than the last BR-V we drove.
The engine is quite vocal and buzzy, though, but that’s down to its relatively thin sound deadening. Perhaps a few more layers around the engine firewall might solve that. On the flip side, fuel economy is great with it doing 9.4km/L around the city and effortlessly rings up 13.2km/L in light traffic.
Ride and handling
While it’s not meant to be a corner carver like the Type R, the BR-Vs chassis feels dynamic enough for what it is. Steering is light, that’s a given, but it weights up nicely if decide to be enthusiastic around the bends. Driven sensibly, the BR-V has good roadholding and displays signs of a competent chassis.
As for ride, it’s best described as supple. It’s not pillowy soft, but it’s not crashy, either. It soaks up the bumps well enough to keep a level ride, although you do feel the road imperfections from time to time. But where the BR-V excels is in body control. Take a speed bump diagonally and it does a great job of resisting lateral motions and keeps unnecessary movement at bay.
Extra features
Yes, it’s a base model, but it has everything the modern car shopper expects from a brand-new car these days. There’s steering wheel audio controls, aling with multiple USB ports for either charging or data. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so you don’t have to deal with the rather outdated looking display audio screen.
In terms of safety equipment, the S loses out on the excellent Honda Sensing advanced driver assist system. It also doesn’t benefit from cruise control. Still, at least there’s side airbags even in this base model, along with stability control and hill-start assist.
Verdict
At P1,150,000, the Honda BR-V S is more expensive than other base variants from competitors. However, the BR-V has more equipment compared to its other base model peers. The others may be cheaper on paper, but the BR-V’s standard equipment list makes it worth the extra for some folks. If anything, the base BR-V is more in line with the mid-spec variants of its rivals. Even in its most basic form, this small seven-seater is a compelling product.
Of course, there are things we’d like to see improved in the BR-V. The lack of a telescopic steering wheel is a strange omission, for starters. It also needs improvements in the sound insulation department to make it feel a touch more refined. Yes, it’s better than the old one, but it’s still pretty loud in there. And while Honda did its best to scoop out every square millimeter of space inside, it’s still not the most commodious.
Still, the BR-V S ticks all the right boxes for those looking for a small MPV-Crossover. There’s decent ground clearance, it’s easy to drive, and its chassis tuning is hard to beat. The cargo area might not be the biggest, but it’s still a hugely practical car to have thanks to its shape. Performance isn’t half bad, either, and it’s easy on gas.
Honda loyalists will absolutely swear by it, but what USP does it have over its rivals? One can say it’s the driving dynamics and the good equipment levels for the price. But you can also throw in its solid-feeling cabin (for its class) and its SUV-like looks. It helps that the BR-V got a five-star safety rating from ASEAN NCAP and the highest rated among all its competitors.
It’s safe to say that the base model BR-V is still a good buy even after nearly two years since its launch. It might not be the most spacious, but it’ll impress you in other ways, whether you’re a Honda fan or not.
Specs: 2024 Honda BR-V S CVT
Price:P1,150,000
Engine:1.5-liter inline-4 I-VTEC
Power:119hp
Torque:145Nm
Transmission:CVT
Layout:front wheel-drive
Seating:7
Score:8/10
See Also
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View other articles about:
- Honda
- car review
- Honda Cars Philippines
- subcompact crossover
- subcompact MPV
- Honda BR-V
- drive
