2022 Honda BR-V: second-generation seven-seat compact SUV launched in Indonesia
Back in May, Honda previewed something it called the N7X Concept in Indonesia. Given the way it looked and where the Japanese carmaker chose to debut the never-before-seen concept, it didn't take much for pretty much everyone to deduce that the seven-seat SUV was a sign of things to come from the second-generation BR-V.
Fast forward to the present and these suspicions have been validated, with the all-new BR-V making its world premiere in our Asean neighbour, looking like a faithful reproduction of the concept and a thoroughly improved product in every aspect if compared against the outgoing model that's still sold here in Malaysia - the new one certainly looks more refined, don't you think?
Although the BR-V started out as a more rugged and utilitarian version of the seven-seat Mobilio, which was engineered for developing automotive markets like India and Southeast Asia, the second-generation model packs features that Honda would do well to include in its more sophisticated products; things like Honda Sensing, remote engine start, Honda LaneWatch camera, walk-away auto lock, full LED lighting and 17-inch alloys, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity.
The Honda Sensing suite is particularly generous given the BR-V's segmentation. It includes semi-autnomous features such as AEB, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam and lead car departure notification that might come in handy for those with the tendency of zoning out when stationary during traffic jams.
Under the hood is a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine that's likely similar to the one powering the Honda City. It makes 121PS at 6,600rpm and 145Nm at 4,300rpm, all delivered to the front wheels via a supposedly new CVT.
In case you're wondering why Indonesia was selected for the all-new BR-V's big reveal, the island nation accounts for 30 percent of all BR-V sales worldwide, with about 255,000 units sold in the country to date. That's more cars than leading Malaysian carmaker Perodua sells in a year.
When do you think it'll get here?
