There’s no denying that Filipinos love Sport Utility Vehicles. Simply look around you while on the road and you’ll see a bevy of them. One of these is Honda Cars Philippines Inc.’s very own BR-V, which recently got a refresh.
Launched at the City of Dreams in Paranaque earlier this week, the Bold Runabout Vehicle gets touches like a revised front grille to match the equally new front bumper. There is also an updated set of Daytime Running Lights, as well as redesigned 16-inch alloy rims. The changes continue to the back with a new set of taillamps, rear bumper, and a shark’s fin antenna for the 1.5V CVT variant.
Step inside this 7-seat SUV and you’ll be greeted by a new 7-inch Capacitive Touchscreen. The head unit on the top-spec 1.5V CVT adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for added convenience and safer driving while still keeping in touch on the move. There is also a reverse camera for both variants, while the V spec gets red accent stitching on the leather seats and red stickers on the steering wheel and shift knob.
This being a family vehicle, it’s nice to know that dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchors, speed-sensing doorlocks, and G-CON body structure all come standard. All this is backed by a 5-star crash safety rating by the New Car Assessment Program for its Adult Occupancy Protection category.
The BR-V is still powered by Honda’s hardworking yet frugal 1.5-liter I-VTEC fur-pot that dishes out a class-leading 120hp and 145Nm of torque. Mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission, it gives adequate punch with efficient performance at the fuel pump. It also comes with added goodies like Smart Key with Push Strat, and Paddle Shifters for the 1.5V CVT model.
The 2019 Honda BR-V is now available at all Honda Cars Philiines showrooms with a suggested retail price of P1,035,000 for the 1.5S CVT and P1,155,000 for the 1.5V CVT.
Photos: Randolph De Leon
