Honda BR-V side view.
By now, most of us in Cebu would have already heard about this seven-seater SUV from Honda called the BR-V.
Cebu Daily News broke the news of its arrival on our streets last October and since then, we’ve seen several units roaming around the metropolis.
But there are still some who are not quite familiar with this newbie. In fact, there are those who ask, “is this the same with the Mobilio?”
The Mobilio is Honda’s entry to the MPV segment. It sits seven too and has styling similarities with the BR-V. It even shares the same engine, a 1.5-liter i-VTEC mill that produces 120 PS (118 HP). So we can’t blame those who ask.
HONDA BR-V/FEB. 5, 2017: Honda BR-V rear view. (CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA)
So what’s the difference? Honda Cars Cebu Inc. lent us the top-of-the line 1.5 V Navi variant to answer that.
At first glance, one would really believe that the BR-V is just the Mobilio, only with more spunk. From the side, the lightning effect on the rear glass makes one believe that it’s an upgraded Mobilio. The size of the vehicle itself is like the Mobilio.
But once you drive it for some time, it’s then that you realize that the BR-V is not a classier MPV but instead an entry-level SUV.
Honda BR-V front side view.
First of all, the BR-V is taller than the Mobilio. It actually has the highest ground clearance (201 millimeters) among Honda vehicles sold in the country. It’s also slightly longer than the Mobilio.
Another difference is its front and rear styling, which is more on the aggressive side. The taller front end gives the BR-V more attitude compared to the lower-stance and tamed design of the Mobilio. Then there’s also the five-lug pattern on the BR-V’s handsome 16-inch alloy wheels. This pattern is usually found on SUVs.
Other details such as the front bumper skid garnish, functional roof rails and the flared wheel arches all point to the BR-V being a compact SUV.
HONDA BR-V/FEB. 5, 2017: Honda BR-V cockpit. (CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA)
So now that we know it’s a SUV, how would it compete in the market?
Some may argue that it is smaller compared to the more famous diesel-ran SUVs but practical-wise, we think it’s a good quality. Against the bigger truck-based, diesel-ran, seven-seater SUVs, the BR-V’s advantage is its compact size that makes it easier to drive, not to mention easier to maintain.
The 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine produces 120 PS (118 HP). (CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA)
Against the car-based crossovers, the fact that it can accommodate seven persons and still consider itself among the elite is a plus. And it even has enough room for luggage even with seven on board.
Bottom line is that the BR-V is a practical choice for those who need a classy people carrier that has SUV qualities and is not that hard to drive around. It’s sort of like a mom-mobile with an attitude, a seven-seater crossover and a sexy SUV all rolled into one.
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