Honda BR-V to take on Hyundai Creta

Honda recently released sketches of its BR-V (Bold Runabout Vehicle) compact SUV, headed to India. Expected to roll into showrooms in 2016, the BR-V is built on the same platform as the Brio, Amaze and the Mobilio. As we’ve said in the past, it will come with seven seats, possibly larger wheels and tyres.  But going by the sketches, it looks like it will get an all-new more SUV-like nose, and unlike the other cars on the same platform, the BR-V looks a lot more angular and rugged.

The BR-V’s face is dominated by a high-mounted Honda chrome bar, a CR-V-like two-part grille and a lower bumper that features plenty of slashes and cuts around the fog lights. There’s also the prominent scuff plate under the chin and at the rear which adds to the aggressive look. Honda has clearly laid emphasis on giving it SUV-like design cues, and it includes the butch cladding that runs around the entire car, the rising beltline, the pronounced wheel arch flares and the roof rails. The tail-lamps and the rear hatch bear a resemblance to that of the Mobilio, and this is true of the shoulder line with the kink in it as well. The BR-V has the same 2,652mm wheelbase as the Mobilio MPV, but the engines on offer could be uprated. The 1.5 i-VTEC petrol currently puts out 117bhp, and the 1.5 i-DTEC diesel puts out 98.6bhp. There’s likely to be an automatic version as well.

The BR-V could finally get Honda’s updated interiors, which should appeal to many car buyers in India. Since three rows for seating are also confirmed, one can expect the seats to be similar to those of the Mobilio.

The BR-V has been developed for the Asian markets by Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co. Ltd (HRAP) in Thailand, and is expected to slot in between the Mobilio and HR-V. In India though, since the HR-V is not on sale, the BR-V will significantly undercut the CR-V, to take on rival compact SUVs like the Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano and the Hyundai Creta. Expect it to make an appearance at Honda’s stand at the Delhi Auto Expo next year.