The BR-V from Honda is a 7-seater MPV and since its global launch in 2015, more than 255 000 units have found homes around the world.
The 2nd generation Honda BR-V has been revealed in Indonesia and the car has been given a big visual update using Honda’s latest styling language. At first glance, the vehicle looks like it’s a bit more premium. The three-row and seven-seat interior setup has been retained and Honda says more technology has been introduced.
A full photo gallery wasn’t available at the time of writing, but Honda is keen to point out some of the new cabin features like the 4.2-inch TFT on the dashboard and the standard 7-inch infotainment screen. There’s a big focus on practicality too with many storage solutions, compartments and the deep pockets behind the front row of seats.
The BR-V is claimed to have 12V power outlets, 8 water bottle holders and sunvisors. Impressively, the BR-V safety game has leveled up with Honda Sensing semi-auto safety tech, remote engine start and walk-away auto locking.
As before, the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine has been carried over, but for the 2022 BR-V, it has been updated to deliver 89 kW and 145 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels via an updated CVT that’s said to be more fuel efficient.
This is where things get interesting. See, Honda South Africa makes a tidy profit selling the BR-V as its found to be a cost-effective 7-seater vehicle and meets local ride-sharing company criteria to operate. These SA-spec vehicles are sourced from Honda India, which announced in 2020 that it was closing.
Honda SA when asked about the SA future of the BR-V, responded with, “Honda Motor Southern Africa has no plans to discontinue the BR-V and is currently securing sufficient stock of the BR-V from India while the alternate factory is being set up for production,” says Dinesh Govender, General Manager of Automobiles at Honda Motor Southern Africa. So, would it be fair to assume that this all-new BR-V will be coming to us from Indonesia? As it stands, the Indonesia market is identical to ours – we both drive on the left in right-hand drive vehicles.
Let’s watch this space and we’ll update this story if we hear more.
Honda India BR-V production ends
Honda’s BR-V Video review