Honda has launched its BR-V 7-seater compact family car to the South African market and,at firstglance,the newcomer looks likely to become a popular model for the Japanese brand.

Honda has been hard at work trying tobring something fresh and particularly competitive to market amid the tough trading conditions that have made the new car industry virtually grind to a halt. Simply put:there's not enough disposable income going around and people are not willing to get further into debt. However, there's always a need for affordable motoring andHonda,well aware of these trying times, has launched the BR-V in South Africa. Trends have shown that the market is favouring a smallcrossover that offers practicality and reasonable spec and the BR-V ticks both those boxes with ease.

Honda South Africa did not hide the fact that the BR-V is aimedsquarely at prospective customers in the Ford EcoSport/Renault Duster/Suzuki Vitara market and while this segment is extremely competitive, the Honda has one major advantage – it has 7seats, whereas most its rivalsespecially major competitors, can only accommodate 5 occupants. And, unlikemost 7-seaters, which offer pitiful legroom for the third row, the BR-V is acceptable for adults, but admittedly it is a tight squeeze for taller folk. Fold the third row of seats down and you gain access to what Honda calls "class-leading space". The seats are easy to operate and the second row tumbles forward to provide decent access to the third row.

A photo posted by Cars.co.za (@carssouthafrica) on Oct 13, 2016 at 2:27am PDT

The Honda BR-V is made in India and rides on the same platform as the Mobilio and Brio. Interestingly Honda South Africa has discontinued the Mobilio, because the market favoursSUVs over MPVs. We could be rude and say the BR-V is essentially a raised-up Mobilio with some styling changes. This is not an insult, as the Mobilio was a surprisingly capable people mover. The BR-V boasts some impressive ground clearance at 210 mm, but there's no offroad 4×4 capability. Instead, you'll find it competent on gravel roads and that extra clearance will keep rocks away from the vehicle's vulnerable underbelly.

The range comprises 5models, 3 specification levels and 2transmission options. The same engine powers the entire line-up: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated motor that produces peak outputs of 88 kW and 145 Nm. There is a choice between a 6-speed manual gearbox and a continuously variable (automatic) transmission and on launch, we drove the top-spec manual derivative.

Light on its… feet

We found that the BR-Vhad a fair ride quality and the vehicle feels light and nimble in general driving conditions. The gearbox,clutch and steeringfelt easy to use, which is great. This will change, of course, when you start loading the Honda up with passengers and this is where we reach our first niggle.

While the rev-happy engine copes well with a pair of passengers on board, there's a lack of in-gear punch for overtaking. You'll need to drop a gear or two and rev the engine to get the best out of it. Once the motor reaches a certain point ofthe rev range, it sounds terribly strained. Being a Honda motor, it'll probably be reliable and quite frugal. The BR-V is claimed toconsume6.3 L/100 km, we found the vehicle's consumption hovering around 7.5 L/100 km.

Summary

Over and above its 7-seat configuration, the BR-V is very well priced. The range starts off at R238 900 and there's no other vehicle in the crossover segment that can match the Honda for interior space. Sure, the Renault Duster has more technology and creature comforts, but it's not as practical, the Toyota Avanza is also practical, but cannot match the Honda attractive packaging. The flagship 1.5 Elegance CVT is priced at R288 300, making it a verywell-priced offering under R300 000. We think this new offering from Honda will prove popular thanks to its super pricing, decent features and excellent practicality. The safety features are a little shy and comprise just two airbags, which we find odd for a seven-seat vehicle.

For detailed specifications of the Honda BR-V, click here

Honda BR-V – Price in South Africa

1.5 Trend ManualR238 900

1.5 Comfort ManualR252 900

1.5 Comfort CVTR268 300

1.5 Elegance ManualR272 900

1.5 Elegance CVTR288 300

Pricing includes a 5-year/200 000 km warranty and 3-year Roadside Assistance. Comfort and Elegance models benefit from a 2-year/30 000 km service plan with services set at 15000 km.

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