By Otsile Kadiege

Honda has taken the wraps off the all-new, second generation BR-V. The compact 7-seater SUV is based on the N7X (New 7-Seater excitement) Concept which was revealed a few months ago. The all-new BR-V boasts a new design, new technologies and of course a host of safety features. 

Exterior design

The new BR-V looks strikingly similar to the N7X Concept. Up front, the new BR-V gets a grille with horizontal slats an a “Solid Wing Face” sitting atop the grille and extending into the L-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs) and slim headlight clusters which house LEDs. 

Although we don’t have information on the dimensions, the BR-V sits noticeably higher than the model it replaces. The new BR-V gets contrasting wheel arches and a sharp crease extending from the headlights to its trapezoidal tail lights with a design inspired by the new Honda Fit. 

Interior design and technology

The dashboard design looks similar to that of the Japanese automaker’s Amaze compact sedan. It features a 7-inch touchscreen with an infotainment system featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

New features inside the BR-V include remote engine start, walk-away auto lock, a passenger-side illuminated vanity mirror, front and second-row armrests and first-, second- and third-row power sockets. 

Safety features and driver assistance systems 

As standard the new Honda BR-V gets 6 airbags and stability control. Available for the first time in a BR-V is the automaker’s Honda Sensing technology. These advanced safety technologies include Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN), Collision Mitigation Brake SystemTM (CMBSTM), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Auto-High Beam.

Powertrains

Powering the all-new Honda BR-V is a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine making 89 kW at 6,600 rpm and a maximum torque of 145 N.m at 4,300 rpm. The engine is paired to a new CVT transmission. 

Honda South Africa is yet to announce local availability.