Honda BR-V 1.5 Elegance Test Review

There are many businesses and families that need the option of 7 seats whether it's for regular or only occasional use. The Honda BR-V was launched a few years ago to offer this at the budget end of the market.
Facelifted not long ago, the BR-V has moved upmarket somewhat and now there are new contenders offering lower prices but not necessarily the space, power or specification of this vehicle.
The test car was the top level Elegance version which adds items like leather trim, climate control air-con with roof vents for the rear, infotainment touchscreen with reverse camera and keyless entry and start. There are lower options available with the same engine but minus some of the luxury items. 2 Airbags are standard across the range.
The engine is the familiar Honda 1.5L 4 cylinder petrol engine as also used in the Jazz giving 88kW and 145Nm to the front wheels through a 6 speed manual gearbox. A CVT automatic is also available. The gearbox was a bit of an anomaly to me, almost feeling too quick and sporty for this type of vehicle. The short lever and short throw shifts are fun, but I kept thinking back to the Jazz Sport I tested the week before that's standard with the CVT and wishing this gearbox was fitted to that car instead.
Considering that the fairly modest engine has to move a large body, fuel economy for the test of 7.4 L/ 100km is very acceptable and was achieved with no extra effort and while actually enjoying the performance of the revvy nature of the engine.
One factor of all similar vehicles in this category is that when using 7 seats, you are left with no luggage space. The BR-V actually has more space than many competitors but still has less than 200L in 7 seater mode. As always, in 5 seater mode the luggage space is huge at around 450L.
The Test version is currently priced at R 333 300, with the base Trend version starting the range at R274 400. A 2 year/ 30 000km service plan is included on the upper models.
#Honda
#HondaSA
#HondaSouthAfrica
#HondaZA
#HondaBRV
#HondaMPV
#Honda7Seater
#FamilyVehicle
#7SeaterVehicles
#StaffTransport

[@thecryptonoob9820]

Gotta love people movers!

[@danielngada9939]

Thank you for the review

[@cuddlygolden2933]

Nice one👌