The BR-V crossover prototype was unveiled at the show held at the Indonesia Convention Centre in Tangerang, located just outside the bustling city of Jakarta.
The crossover utility vehicle combines the looks of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with the spaciousness of a Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV).
The new car was unveiled in ceremonial fashion as the BR-V, draped in a gold-coloured cloth, was revealed by the chief operating officer for Regional Operation (Asia and Oceania) of Honda Motor Co. Ltd, Noriaki Abe, together with president director of PT Honda Prospect Motor, Tomoki Uchida, and president commissioner of PT Honda Prospect Motor, Kusnadi Budiman.
“Honda started business in Indonesia in 1971, and the importance of this country for Honda’s auto business has been increasing year by year. With the all-new 7-seat BR-V and the rest of the Honda line-up, we will continue to offer exciting products and the joy of driving to our customers in Indonesia,” said Abe.
The BR-V has a 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The power output is 120hp@6,600rpm and the maximum torque is 145Nm at 4,600rpm.
Some of the key features of the new BR-V include a high ground clearance, roof rails, LED connected tail light design and 16in aluminum wheels.
Inside, it boasts a spacious and comfortable cabin with rear air cond vents between the first and second row seats to expand airflow to all areas.
Safety-wise it features dual and front airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), vehicle stability assist (VSA) and hill start assist (HSA).
Indonesians can already book the BR-V at the auto show and the car is due to be launched in Indonesia by early 2016 with a price range of Rp. 230 to 265 million.
Abe also said the BR-V will make its way to other Asian countries and Malaysia may be on that list but a source revealed that the time frame is undecided at the moment.
Honda had a huge presence at the auto show taking up a space of 2,625 sq m displaying 36 cars, mostly all from its current line-up.
There were special edition models too like the Honda CR-V 2.4L Prestige Special Edition with Fender Audio and the HR-V 1.8 E CVT Special Edition with JBL Audio as well as the CR-Z Special Edition which comes with new aero kits, armrest console, leather seats and a seven-inch monitor audio.
Honda also displayed a replica of the McLaren-Honda MP4-30 Formula 1 car, which celebrates Honda's return to the F1 race this year.
Key Features of BR-V
The Exterior
High ground clearance
Big roof rails for all grades
LED connected tail light design in C-character
New 16 inch aluminum wheels
The Interior
Class-leading spacious and comfortable cabin with additional knee room and head room
Advanced features such as Multi-Information Display
Rear air conditioner between the first and second row seats to expand air flow to all areas
Engine and Transmission
4-Cylinder 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine
120 horsepower @ 6,600 rpm and maximum torque of 145 Nm @ 4,600 rpm.
New 6-speed Manual Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) under Honda’s “Earth Dreams Technology”
Safety
Dual and Front SRS airbag
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Front 3-Point Load Limiters with Pretensioner ELR Seat Belt and ISOFIX
