Prices Specs Variants: 2023 Honda BR-V begins at PHP 1.090M

Honda Cars PH officially launches second generation BR-V

One of Honda's best-selling vehicles in the country is all new. After opening reservations and mentioning some of its newest features, Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI) has officially unveiled the 2023 BR-V.

Available in 4 distinct variants, the next-generation BR-V is bigger, roomier, and more high-tech than its predecessor. In addition, it's now available with Honda Sensing and comes with more standard amenities across the range.

As seen in the Thai and Indonesian launches, the all-new BR-V features a more crossover-like appearance thanks to its new chiseled design. The front fascia appears to borrow inspiration from the all-new Civic thanks to its sleeker LED headlights, more pronounced grille, restyled LED foglights, and sportier-looking bumper. The changes to the side profile may appear subtle but it now has a single character line that runs the entire length of the vehicle – further adding to the BR-V's crossover looks.

But it is perhaps the rear that has received the most drastic redesign. It gets a more minimalist look that is highlighted by a pair of new wraparound LED taillights, a faux skid plate with black body cladding, and a more prominent tailgate spoiler. Lastly, all CVT variants of the BR-V are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/55 series tires while the base model manual rolls on 16-inch steelies with 215/60 series tires.

In terms of size, the new 7-seater measures 4490mm long, 1780mm wide, and 1685mm tall (1.5 S M/T stands 1651mm tall, however). Compared to the outgoing generation, the all-new BR-V is 34mm longer, 45mm wider, and 8mm taller than its predecessor. The wheelbase, on the other hand, has been stretched to 2700mm, an increase of 38mm over the older model. Last but not least, the BR-V has slightly better ground clearance at 207mm which is 6mm more than the measurements from before.

Step inside the BR-V and the 7-seat crossover greet occupants with a more stylish and ergonomic interior. There's a new dashboard that is paired with a redesigned instrument cluster and multi-info display, a new center stack and aircon vents, and an updated digital climate control system.

The V and VX variants get automatic climate control while the S models only come with manual air-conditioning. When it comes to upholstery, leather seats come as standard on the V and VX variants while fabric seats can be found in the S offerings.

Other interior amenities present in the 2023 BR-V are; rear ventilation, rear charging ports, a driver's seat height adjuster, 60:40 split-folding second-row seats, 50:50 split-folding third-row seats, and a push-button start/stop system.

All variants of the BR-V are fitted with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Not only does it come with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, but it also gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay which is a must-have on almost any vehicle today. The S and V models come with a 4-speaker sound system as standard while the top-of-the-line VX benefits from 6 speakers.

Under the hood, the all-new BR-V gets a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder i-VTEC engine. It makes 121 PS at 6600 rpm along with 145 Nm of torque at 4300 rpm and can be mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT. If those figures and displacement look familiar, that's because it's the same engine that drives the HR-V S and the City (including the Hatchback). To give drivers a fun experience behind the wheel, the BR-V comes with paddle shifters albeit exclusive only to the range-topping VX.

When it comes to safety features, all variants come with anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, vehicle stability assist, hill-start assist, speed-sensing door locks, a reverse camera, a security alarm with immobilizer, as well as ISOFIX child seat anchors for the rear seats. All models of the BR-V get dual front and dual side airbags for improved protection, although the VX comes with additional dual front curtain airbags for extra protection.

Other available safety systems include rear parking sensors (V and VX only), remote engine start (S CVT, V, and VX), walk-away auto lock (V and VX), a smart entry system, and Honda Lanewatch (VX only).

For the first time, the BR-V is now available with Honda Sensing, the brand's suite of intelligent driver aids. Exclusive only to the top-of-the-line 1.5 VX, it gives the 7-seater smart features such as adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, collision mitigation braking system, lane-keeping assist system, road departure mitigation, and lane departure warning.

Color choices for the 2023 Honda BR-V include – Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Premium Opal White Silver Pearl (PHP 20,000 extra), and Taffeta White.

Pricing for the all-new Honda BR-V is as follows:

1.5 S M/T - PHP 1,090,000

1.5 S CVT - PHP 1,150,000

1.5 V CVT - PHP 1,295,000

1.5 VX CVT with Honda Sensing - PHP 1,390,000