By Gabriel Pe
Since its debut at the 2016 Philippine International Motor Show, Honda’s mini-SUV, the BR-V has been a huge hit in the Philippine market. Now, the Japanese automaker has upgraded and refreshed the much-loved SUV.
“Today, we aim to bring BR-V to more households in the Philippines. We are proud to announce the introduction of the new BR-V with a refreshed exterior and interior designs,” said Noriyuki Takakura, president and general manager, Honda Cars Philippines Inc.
The new BR-V gets a facelift as Honda added a new chrome grille and a brawnier-looking front bumper than before. It is also fitted with a new rear bumper. Honda also gave the new BR-V a new 16-inch alloy wheel.
The 2019 model comes in two variants, the base S model and the higher-end V model. Both models retain its 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine capable of 118 hp and 145 Nm of torque at 4,600 rpm. The engine is partnered with Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology CVT for smooth and fuel-efficient driving.
The higher-end variant is equipped with LED daytime running lights and a new sharks fin antenna. Inside, it is fitted with a leather interior complete with red accents for that premium racing feel.
While both variants have a 7-inch capacitive touch screen display and audio, only the V model has Apple Car and Android Auto connectivity. Both, however, have a reverse camera with line markers for safety and ease of parking.
Speaking of safety, the new Honda BR-V has Honda’s G-force Control Collision Safety Body which disperses G-force from the vehicle’s occupants in the event of a crash. Those looking to install a camera to capture the moment of an incident to be used for insurance purposes may want to consider something like this Honda CRV dash cam. Both variants also come with Driver and Passenger Airbags, Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist, which restricts sideways skidding when cornering, and Speed Sensing Auto Door Locks. It is also fitted with ISOFIX anchors for child seats.
The latest Honda BR-V’s two variants will have the basic 1.5 S CVT which will retail for more than PHP 1 million and the top-of-the-line 1.5 V CVT for over PHP 1.1 million. It comes in six colors Platinum White Pearl and Passion Red Pearl for the V variant only, Premium Amber metallic, Lunar Silver metallic, Modern steel metallic, and Premium Amber metallic for both variants. The new Honda BR-V hits the market today.
Here’s a look around the latest Honda BR-V:
