Honda puts on a BR-V new face

When Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI) introduced a new subcategory of SUVs (or shall we call it a “SUV-category”) in September 2016 during the 6th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) with its first affordable subcompact 7-seater SUV called the BR-V, the local distributor of the Japanese auto giant waited with bated breath how Filipino motorists would receive this new offering.

Two years later, it seems that HCPI has heaved a sigh of satisfied relief, as its president and general manager Noriyuki Takakura confirmed that the BR-V, the Bold Runabout Vehicle, has turned in not just big sales numbers but critical acclaim, as well.

In yesterday’s launch of the new BR-V at the City of Dreams in Parañaque City, Takakura spilled out the figures.

“To date, it has sold a total of more than 14,500 units. It has also received numerous awards, such as the 2017 People’s Choice Award for the Subcompact SUV of the Year, and 2017 Best Compact Crossover for Two Wheel-Drive. The BR-V has had a good reception in the Philippine market as the first affordable 7-seater SUV, and Honda’s second best-selling model. Last year, as part of our commitment to help grow the Philippine automotive industry, and as support to all our associates, we have decided to produce the BR-V here in the Philippines. This also means the BR-V will always be available to our customers with no waiting time,” said Takakura.

The new BR-V comes in with refreshed exterior and interior designs. With Honda Cars Makati Inc. president Jenara Rosanna Ong, and the YGC Group’s House of Investments Inc president Medel T. Nera in attendance, Takakura also announced that HCPI aims to bring the new BR-V to more households in the Philippines, as “part of Honda’s mission of delivering exceptional
customer satisfaction”.

The new Honda BR-V revolves around the grand concept of “enhanced SUV image”, showcasing a masculine and premium look with its sleeker design and advanced features.

Up front, the new BR-V presents a new chrome front grille paired with a new front bumper for both 1.5 S CVT and 1.5 V CVT variants. Included in the updates is its new LED daytime running lights for the 1.5 V CVT variant, while maintaining its halogen headlights and fog lights for both variants.

Newly designed 16” alloy wheels also contribute to the long, wide stance for a more commanding road presence. For a more convenient driving experience, the power folding door mirrors with integrated side turn signals is still available for the 1.5 V CVT. At the back, a redesigned rear bumper exudes a stronger character. Both variants still get the roof rail, while the 1.5 V CVT also gets a new shark fin antenna.

The new Honda BR-V’s interior’s updates include the 7-inch capacitive touchscreen display audio (for the 1.5 S CVT variant), and the 7-inch capacitive touchscreen display audio with Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto (for the 1.5 V CVT). Both variants are now equipped with a reverse camera.

The new BR-V maintains a spacious and comfortable cabin that provides ample legroom and head clearance. The refreshed interior is completed with the dark steel grade.

The Honda BR-V is powered by the 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine that provides 120Ps of power at 6,600rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 4,600rpm. The engine is mated to Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers a smooth, refined and fuel-efficient driving performance. The 1.5 V CVT comes with smart entry with push start system for convenience and paddle shifters for an engaging driving experience. Honda’s eco assist system, which consists of the ECON mode and eco-coaching ambient light, is also available to help encourage drivers to drive efficiently.

The new BR-V aims to provide peace of mind on the road with Honda’s G-force Control (G-CON) collision safety body that dissipates G-forces in the event of a crash, and disperses it away from the vehicle’s occupants on impact. Moreover, standard on both variants are driver and front passenger SRS airbags; anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) that prevents wheel lock during sudden braking; hill start assist (HSA) that averts backward roll when the vehicle moves from a static position on an incline; vehicle stability assist (VSA) that restricts sideway skidding during cornering; and speed sensing auto door lock that activates when the vehicle accelerates. Additionally, catering to the needs of Filipino families, the new BR-V comes with ISOFIX anchors to securely latch a child seat, making the new BR-V worthy of its 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating in the Adult Occupancy Protection (AOP) category.
Healthy numbers despite challenges

Takakura told the audience how the automotive industry has continued to face challenges since 2018, which has included the imposition of excise taxes, unfavorable foreign currencies, and inflation.

“Nevertheless, despite these challenges, we have remained positive, and continue to serve our customers with joy with our Honda top quality products that enhance their lives. We are proud to share with you that from January to May 2019, HCPI has sold a total of 8,660 units. This is composed of 5,030 units in the passenger car segment and 3,630 units from the commercial vehicle segment,” said Takakura.

Takakura boasts of the boost in sales of the re-introduced Brio. “We launched the 2019 all-new Honda Brio last April 23. We are proud to inform you that the all-new Brio has sold a total of 610 units since its launch date. This translates to a 1,257-percent increase (in sales), versus that of its predecessor year on year,” said Takakura.

The new BR-V is now available at all 38 Honda dealerships nationwide and will come in six colors: Platinum White Pearl (for 1.5 V CVT only), Passion Red Pearl (1.5 V CVT only), Taffeta White (1.5 S CVT only), Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Premium Amber Metallic (now also available for 1.5 S CVT), and Platinum White Pearl (for an additional P20,000).

The suggested retail prices are P1.155 million (1.5 V CVT) and P1.035 million (1.5 S CVT). Log on to www.hondaphil.com for more information.