Honda BR-V 1.5 S 2017 Review: Bigger & better choice for modern Pinoys

Seven-seat SUVs always get fans excited by their versatility, not to mention a sporty and sleek appearance that a 7-seat MPV cannot afford. The BR-V, or more specifically, the Honda BR-V 1.5 S 2017 is one of the typical examples.

Showcased two years ago at the 2015 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show in Indonesia, but it was not until last year that the brand-new Honda BR-V first hit our country on the occasion of 2016 Philippine International Motor Show. In defiance of sitting below its big brother HR-V in the lineup, the baby BR-V does not seem to be inferior to other fierce rivals in the same compact SUV segment.

For over one year, the Honda BR-V (Bold Runabout Vehicle) has performed as properly as the way its name implies and gradually captured the hearts of Pinoy drivers. Frankly speaking, there are completely no 7-seater at its price tag can snatch the title away from the BR-V.

Honda BR-V 2017

Today, let’s get to know all about the entry-level variant of the Honda BR-V via the following Honda BR-V Philippines review by Philkotse.com.

Seven-seat SUVs always get fans excited by their versatility, not to mention a sporty and sleek appearance that a 7-seat MPV cannot afford. The BR-V, or more specifically, the Honda BR-V 1.5 S 2017 is one of the typical examples.

Showcased two years ago at the 2015 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show in Indonesia, but it was not until last year that the brand-new Honda BR-V first hit our country on the occasion of 2016 Philippine International Motor Show. In defiance of sitting below its big brother HR-V in the lineup, the baby BR-V does not seem to be inferior to other fierce rivals in the same compact SUV segment.

For over one year, the Honda BR-V (Bold Runabout Vehicle) has performed as properly as the way its name implies and gradually captured the hearts of Pinoy drivers. Frankly speaking, there are completely no 7-seater at its price tag can snatch the title away from the BR-V.

Honda BR-V 2017

Today, let’s get to know all about the entry-level variant of the Honda BR-V via the following Honda BR-V Philippines review by Philkotse.com.

The BR-V 2017 rides on the same platform as the Honda Mobilio MPV, which is formerly based on a revised architecture from the Amaze and the Brio. Coming into structures from its brothers, but the youngest BR-V, in contrast, is the biggest model in all aspects. Even, it is billed as the SUV version of the Mobilio. Point by point, our baby SUV measures 4,453 mm in length, 1,735 mm in width and 1,665 mm in height, disregarding an impress ground clearance of 201 mm (12 mm higher than the Mobilio sibling).

Going into details, the front fascia is surprisingly different from abovementioned vehicles, making the 2017 Honda BR-V exterior more rectangular and heftier. Accordingly, the chrome front grille, new fog lamps and projector-type halogen headlights come all as standard.

The Honda BR-V 2017 front fascia is surprisingly different from other Hondas

Along the sides, familiar upswept character lines again remind us of the Mobilio yet the 1.5 S variant looks sleeker with chrome door garnish, door mirrors with side turn signal and silver roof rails as well as chunky bi-tone alloy wheels.

At the rear, a power tailgate and connected taillights make the BR-V active even more. In spite of this, the silhouette of an iconic Honda SUV can still be spotted.

A power tailgate and connected taillights make the Honda BR-V exterior active even more

All things considered, the exterior styling has demonstrated the sporty and toughness nature of the 2017 BR-V successfully.

To be classified as the entry-level model doesn’t show any signs of marginalization. This is especially true for the 2017 Honda BR-V interior.

The Honda BR-V interior is elegant, modern, clever, practical and very pleasant

Not only does the inside look elegant and modern, it is likewise clever, practical and very pleasant. Fully set up with a heightened level of equipment, the BR-V is currently much more convenient to both driver and passengers. 

By the way, don’t forget the current Honda BR-V is a 7-seater. Thus, space is consequently decent. The second- and third-row seats, however, is fairly tight to cater three adults off and on. To compensate for that, a 523L cargo capacity with all rows down is formed.

The Honda BR-V 2017 has a 523L cargo capacity 

Powered windows, electrically adjustable steering wheel, push start, dual automatic air-conditioning, remote functions and countless cup holders all promise to bring you and your family happy road trips.

It is fully set up with a heightened level of equipment

The BR-V is currently much more convenient

Automatic air-conditioning

Apart from those qualities, the base 1.5 S also boasts its high-tech characteristics, including standard 2-DIN touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Bluetooth, USB connectivity

Driving the 7-seater BR-V 2017 is the same 1,497 cc 1.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC gasoline engine as the City, Mobilio and Jazz hatchback, delivering 120 hp at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 4,600 rpm. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a 7-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Driving the 7-seater Honda BR-V is the 1,497 cc 1.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC gasoline engine 

In the face of owning a small engine, the Honda BR-V fuel efficiency will certainly make you satisfied. For in-town driving, the car gives decent fuel consumption of 7.6 km/L. Meanwhile, on the highways, a fully-loaded BR-V could achieve 10.2 km/L at an average speed of 85 km/h.

It is said that the BR-V 1.5 S is more suitable for urban driving rather than off-road challenges. Smooth transmission, good ride quality and comfortable seating position are probably sufficient for you to enjoy daily commutes. Yet, it doesn’t mean the car is not a brave rider. To cite an example, try driving solo and you will find climbing up a hill or a mountain pass is not as hard as you’ve imagined.

Safety-wise, the BR-V 1.5 S must have gone beyond your expectation. Standard safety and security features for the base include:

• Driver's Airbag
• Front Passenger's Airbag
• Anti-lock Brakes System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution
• Electronic Brake Distribution
• Immobilizer
• Security Alarm
• Stability Control
• Electronic Door Locks
• Speed Sensing Door Locks
• ISOFIX

For the most part, the entry-grade 7-seater Honda BR-V 1.5 S is truly a versatile package that you can’t miss today. At a bargain price of ₱998,000, it is strongly believed that the day the BR-V dominates the bustling streets in the Philippines would come soon.

If you want more added features and equipment, the high-end models will fully meet your needs, albeit a bit pricier. You could look through the brand-new Honda BR-V 2017 price in the Philippines below:

>>> View more Honda BR-V for sale in the Philippines

In final, through this comprehensive Honda BR-V review Philippines on Philkotse.com has presented today, hopefully you are now more informed about this great compact SUV. Also, if you think the BR-V is worth buying, rush to the nearest dealer now before a sudden increase in the price. With such upscale features, we’re unable to predict what will happen next, to be frank.

>>> Click here to read more expert car reviews