Summarize

Honda BR-V

A fit for purpose people mover

They called Red Indian fighters ‘braves’ in the old days – that was an apt word all considered. 

Not sure if there’s any reference in Honda’s brave-like acronym, but we found this (Oriental) Indian-built flagship version of its people-carrier cum family taxi a brave effort. It’s been a sales success for sure — its quite surprising how many of them you see on the road.

That’s probably for good reason in this new uber world of ours – BR-V fills a lot more needs than it does wants — and quite well too. It’s spacious, stylish enough especially this range topper, which they have made a little effort on.

It also stands apart and won’t standing out like a sore thumb among those school parking lot sleepers. Although even I tend to confuse it with the quite similar Suzuki.

BR-V gets on pretty well too — you won’t feel like you're getting in the way on the freeway and its figures are quite acceptable. But it has its compromises. 

A tinny finish and road noise as if the windows are all wound down even when they are up are below par and will certainly go against its family aspirations. But for an uber or taxi operator chasing bang per trip and an acceptable ride for the customers of which you can pile a good few with space to spare, there’s not much better. 

Of course BR-V also operates in a competitive market niche, but it’s plenty good enough to stand its own, especially if its making you money moving folk about. In that case its more than just fit for purpose... – Michele Lupini

Images: Giordano Lupini

ROAD TEST: Honda BR-V 1.5 Elegance
Engine: 88kW 145Nm 1475cc petrol I4   
Drive: 6-speed manual FWD
TESTED:
0-100km/h:     11.25 sec 
0-160km/h      15.38 sec               
0-400m: 17.6 sec @ 129km/h
80-120km/h: 7.71sec 
120-160km/h 15.11 sec  
CLAIMED:
VMax:               170km/h                                  
Fuel 6.3 l/100km
CO2:          151g/km         
Warranty/Service: 5y 200K/4y 60Kkm 
Price:          R353K        
RATED:          5