First DRIVE 2017 Honda BR-V 1.5 V NAVI

On paper, Honda BR-V looks like Frankenstein products: Mobilio parts, parts CR-V, Jazz section. It was not supposed to make sense, but in reality it is not. Honda perfectly know that the small crossover segment is growing fast and they think that the best way to capitalize on the popularity of combining with another strong segment in the industry: MPV 7-seater. The end result is a 7-seater crossover that does not really push the boundaries of imagination, but still failed to meet expectations.

At a glance, you can tell that the BR-V owes its appearance to Mobilio with high greenhouse and "lightning kink" in the back door, both into design cues from Honda's 7-seater MPV. And although the designers have done quite a bit, visually enhance the appearance of the BR-V (new nose definitely helps), the overall proportion (such as rear overhang) more MPV than an SUV. criticism that aside, BR-V did not manage to tick all the necessary SUV design cues: black cladding wheels, flared arches, front and rear skid plates, and functional roof rails. Even clip redesigned front and rear have been doing their job for the tough appearance compared with Mobilio.

Shuffles BR-V reveals even more interesting cues worth mentioning. First, although running on the same platform, BR-V is slightly longer in all dimensions than the Mobilio. In fact, even the wheelbase has been extended by eight millimeters. Second, the 16-inch two-tone wheels have a 5-lug pattern compared with Mobilio 'one 4-lug. It may be a small thing, but peeps aftermarket will love the fact that BR-V will be matched with a wider choice of rims. Finally, BR-V has a ground clearance the most among all Honda products are offered in the Philippines with 201 millimeters.

While the exterior appearance BR-V remains questionable, there is no doubt that Honda had weaved their magic once again when it comes to interior packaging. Opening the door need only push a button and the step-height is perfect, it does not require much effort to slide into the driver's seat. Inside, it has three rows of seats that all people, including those in the last row, will find convenient. It also mighty flexible also with folding the second row has a 60/40 split, falling, sliding and reclining mechanism while folding the third row has a 50/50 split and a falling one. Honda is also proud of the low loading heights that make putting in heavy and bulky items easier.

The cabins are all-black look pretty hard at first, but modern and functional throughout. Plastics are generally difficult, but it is good quality and all the fixtures felt solid. It does not look like there is a cohesive flow to the dashboard BR-V, but at least it was easy to understand and operate, and that's what counts. Front and center for the driver is a familiar control layout consists of an instrument cluster torn from current City and steering wheels torn from the eighth generation Civic. Ransacked the Honda parts bin may not sound exciting, but why reinvent the (steering) wheel? Three-spoke tiller itself well to understand while the gauge cluster is a lesson in simplicity. Interestingly, not have the coaching ambient light is found in the City or Jazz-it has the "Eco" indicator lights up whenever it is driven economically.

The front seats look slim, but they offer sufficient support for all but the biggest drivers framed. Also unlike Mobilio, adjustable headrests now, even though the seat height remains fixed. In addition, a steering wheel adjustable for height only and not for the range. That said, the driving position is generated is still comfortable and one that you will pretty much expected crossover or SUV: high, with a commanding view of the road ahead.

A short treatment courses during the course of this preview does not exceed more than five kilometers, making it difficult to assess the benefits BR-V pure. That said, it is clear that the diesel motor is more suitable for transporting six adults zigzag up and down the road from Tagaytay Highlands. However, only one engine, a 1.5-liter gasoline engine is more than up to the task, despite the need to squeeze to get a good pace going. Together with Mobilio, a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine produces 120 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque: numbers were pretty good, you just have to take him past the 3,000 rpm to get some good ductility. Once it hits the sweet spot though, it's got a good blow and felt fine. And compared with the CVT this Mobilio, BR-V seems to whisk faster rate makes the whole exercise feels snappier. Although not tested during this drive, the range-topping variant also has the added benefit paddle shifters.

In terms of travel, BR-V is quite good. Even more striking than the Mobilio, it does not absorb bumps well and will not make a fuss about the holes and broken asphalt. It has a tendency to shake when going through the striped, but it was not a deal breaker. Big trade off with higher ride height is that it loses some precision when cornering. Indeed this is the entry-level crossover, not a sports car, it's something that is noticeable even to the novice reporters. Enter a corner a bit faster than it should and you will be greeted with understeer. It did not feel planted and secure at all times, but it requires large amounts of steering correction just to get it out. Moreover, there is no feedback from the wheel itself.

The all-new Honda BR-V may not fire the imagination of fans when it comes to design or driving dynamics, but this should not deter potential buyers. Cynics aside, BR-V heed the call to be packed with good, well-equipped (leather seats, navigation, push-button start / stop on the variant of the range-topping), and safe (dual airbags, ABS and vehicle stability assist with hill start assist is standard on both variants of the family SUV). For some, it may not offer the same appeal as a medium, large SUVs, but considering its smart packaging (not occupy the same amount of space as a home) and indicative prices (ranging from less than P 1,000,000 and topping out at P 1.150. 000), this is an attractive entry point for Honda's philosophy provide human experience maximum, machine-minimum.

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