JAKARTA: The Honda BR-V prototype, a cross between an MPV and SUV, made its world debut at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show 2015 (GIIAS), which ran from Aug 20 to 30.
The crossover was specifically designed for the Indonesian market for a simple reason: large MPVs and SUVs are some of the biggest and most popular segments in the country.
Arisaka
Hence, Honda developed the BR-V, a seven-seater which combines the appearance and handling of an SUV with the utility and spaciousness of an MPV.
It is powered by a four-cylinder 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine with either a new six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The new transmission enhance both driving performance and fuel economy. It pushes out 120hp at 6,600rpm and maximum torque of 145Nm at 4,600rpm.
Three variants are on offer: 1.5l S (manual only), 1.5l E (manual or CVT) and 1.5L Prestige (CVT only).
The man responsible for the BR-V, Honda R&D Asia Pacific, Large Project Leader was Atsushi Arisaka who did a presentation of the new car and later, answered questions during a press conference.
Arisaka explained how the car was designed and built around the consumers’ wants and need.
The car had to be “tough” and “sporty” looking yet at the same time exhibit functionality through engine power, cabin space, ride comfort and increased clearance.
The BR-V has a wheelbase of 2,660mm with an overall length of 4,455mm; width of 1,735mm and height at 1,650mm. Its ground clearance is just over 200mm.
To put things in perspective, let’s compare the BR-V to the current CR-V SUV offered in Malaysia.
The CR-V has an overall length of 4,590mm, width at 1,820mm, height at 1,685mm with a wheelbase of 2,620mm and a ground clearance of 170mm.
In comparison, the BR-V is slightly shorter length-wise and narrower but has a longer wheelbase and much higher ground clearance.
The longer wheelbase, as Arisaka rationalised, provides more legroom for second and third row passengers.
The high ground cleaance is suitable for various road conditions and gives the driver more confidence. Though with higher clearance, came stability issues.
“It’s important for the car to be stable. A car with a higher ground clearance naturally has stability issues. With a higher clearance of an SUV, a taller vehicle is prone to imbalance.
“The problem lies with the angle between the centre of gravity and the wheel. By widening the track, it solves this issue,” said Arisaka.
Safety was also a main concern for Arisaka.
The BR-V comes with dual airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) as standard while the top-of-the-line Prestige variant also comes with vehicle stability control and hill-start assist.
While the BR-V has yet to get an Asean NCAP rating, Arisaka was confident of the car’s safety levels.
“I believe the BR-V will achieve the top-level score in safety standards,” said Arisaka.
Now, if you’re wondering about the power of the 1.5l BR-V as a people carrier and considering that the CR-V in Malaysia comes in at 2.0l and 2.4l variants; Arisaka made it very clear when asked about the BR-V’s capability power-wise.
“It has more than enough power,” said Arisaka.
While the BR-V is set to be launched in Indonesia in early 2016, Arisaka hinted at the possibility of the BR-V reaching other markets as well.
“The BR-V was built for the Indonesian market. However, depending on the response, it will be brought to other markets.”
In Indonesia, the BR-V is priced from Rp. 230 to Rp 265 million (RM69,000 to RM80,000) and is available in six colours: Passion Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Misty Green Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic and Taffeta White.
