Driven: 2020 Honda BR-V 1.5 Comfort Manual
Honda is a brand that prides themselves in their safety and reliability. Of course, these days, you do need more than just these two factors, as competitors are constantly finding ways to better their rivals. This past year we managed to spend some time with the newly tweaked Honda BR-V. The BR-V will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Suzuki Ertiga, which means that it did have some living up to do.
Old school gets it right
In terms of engine size, nothing much has changed from the previous model. The BR-V keeps its 1.5-litre petrol engine which produces a power output of 88kW and 145 Nm of torque. On the road, the BR-V does prove to be quite fuel-efficient despite its intimidating size. The thing that stuck out the most from the drive, is Honda's excellent 6-speed manual transmission. Controlling this big seven-seater felt almost effortless, proving that a good old manual transmission is always more than capable of getting the job done. Doing high-way speeds with the BR-V also felt less tumultuous than other SUV's.
Minimal exterior changes
There is no denying that most Honda SUV's look eerily similar to each other at the front. In fact, if it was not for its differentiation in size and rear, confusing the BR-V with another Honda branded SUV may be very easy to do. Looking at the outside, however, finding what makes the 2020 Honda BR-V different from its previous model may be an even harder task to do. The changes made to the BR-V are very subtle, with its only two new benefitting factors being its new LED daytime running lights and its rear park sensors. Looks-wise, it's safe to say that the BR-V does look good, especially given its family-friendly appeal.
Outdated interior
The BR-V's family-orientated appeal is evident in both the exterior and interior design. Its cabin offers an exceptional amount of space, meaning that legroom will never be an issue no matter how tall you are. Although the BR-V seems to excel in areas such as the engine and space, its interior features do however fall short. Stepping inside the BR-V feels quite outdated compared to its competitors. The BR-V comes equipped with basic features such as electric windows, air-con, and an audio system that offers both Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
Verdict
It seems that Honda has no plans to get rid of the BR-V anytime soon, despite rumours swirling around that they were. The Honda BR-V is practical in every sense and makes the perfect family SUV. It's big enough to make any road trip feel comfortable, and if you don't need the third row of seats, then simply just drop them and enjoy a massive boot space.
Pricing
Honda BR-V 1.5 Comfort Manual R321 400
All BR-V models come standard with a five-year/200 000km warranty and three-year AA Roadside Assist. A new four-year/60 000km extended service plan is included in the Comfort models. Service intervals are every 15 000km.
