New Honda BR-V is an easy rider

The new BR-V is available in three guises, Trend, Comfort and Elegance and the choice of six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. All five models in the range are equipped with the same front-wheel drive 88kW/145 Nm engine and although the performance figures might not be overly impressive on paper, the BR-V gallops along quite enthusiastically and is lots of fun to drive.

Steady on the road

At the local media introduction I drove it along undulating stretches of Boland countryside and was impressed by its keenness to trot although in fairness we were only two aboard. However, with a full load of passengers it should have no problem in traffic or overtaking even at the power-sapping higher altitudes further north.

Considering its passenger-hauling character the BRV feels confidently steady on the road and even at pace it handles corners in its stride with very little body lean. The steering is nicely weighted and sharp enough for no-fuss parking, even in crowded parking lots. The brakes on some SUVs can tend to be a tad mushy, but the ABS-assisted anchors on the BR-V do a particularly good job of scrubbing off speed.

I did not have an opportunity to drive a CVT model but I piloted the Comfort and Elegance models equipped with the new six-speed manual transmission and I immediately took to conveniently positioned stubby gear lever and the slick short-throw gearbox. Considering that the BR-V would probably do duty as a school run taxi, shopping bag hauler, daily commuter and family holiday transporter the average user would probably opt for the slightly pricier CVT models.

However, the BR-V is also well-suited to outdoors fun and a bit of dirt-tracking, thanks to its 21cm ground clearance and 16-inch wheels (which are bigger than the smaller wheels on the Brio on which it is based and will eventually replace), so the manual transmission would probably appeal more to this segment than the CVT option.

Rugged city slicker

In the looks department the BR-V is a polished combination of ruggedness and city-slick, a bit like a station-wagon on steroids, but handsomely so. It oozes attitude, just like its bigger brothers, the CR-V and the HR-V, which is emphasised by a curving body bulge that runs from the front wheel arch all the way to the rear number plate, its sleek headlights, chrome and/or black trim (varying from Comfort to Elegance specification), rounded roof with luggage rails and the glitzy alloys on the slightly pricier models.

However, where the BR-V makes a particularly good impression is with its spacious living quarters (where even the entry-level Trend derivative offers air-conditioning, front and rear electric windows and remote keyless entry) furnished with comfortable, flexible seats that can fold flat and rolled forward, eye-pleasing chrome and piano black finishes, and a classy four-speaker audio system.

The fully-adjustable steering column and driver’s seat make it easy to find a comfortable driving position and the large windows make for excellent all-round visibility. With seats set up to accommodate seven people the luggage space is quite restricted but with only five on board and the back row seats folded there is more than enough packing space for a family trip.

Attractive price tag

The new BR-V comes on the market with price tags ranging from R238,900 to R288,300, which is well below the cost of the CR-V and HR-V and about R100,000 less than the entry-level CR-V. As a package this new wagon is going to muscle into this highly competitive and growing segment with lots of confidence, backed by its smart looks, excellent ride quality and a price tag that makes it very attractive.

The BR-V is available in four colours: White Orchid, Urban Titanium, Alabaster Silver and my personal favourite, Carnelian Red. The model line-up and prices, which include a five-year/200,000km warranty and three years of AA roadside assistance (and for the Comfort and Elegance models, also a two-year/30,000km service plan) are:

Honda BR-V 1.5 Trend Manual - R238,900
Honda BR-V 1.5 Comfort Manual - R252,900
Honda BR-V 1.5 Comfort CVT - R268,300
Honda BR-V 1.5 Elegance Manual - R272,900
Honda BR-V 1.5 Elegance CVT - R288,300