► Seven-seater SUV previewed in sketches
► To be offered in Asian markets only
► Makes its motor show debut in August
Honda has released sketches of an upcoming seven-seater crossover called the BR-V. If you like the look of it, don’t get too excited – it’s a model that’s been created for Asian markets only, at least for the time being.
Jointly developed by Honda’s R&D divisions in Thailand and Indonesia, the BR-V’s name stands for, ahem, ‘Bold Runabout Vehicle.’
Is the Honda BR-V related to the CR-V or HR-V?
No, indications are that it’s likely to share elements of its platform with the Honda Brio, a five-door hatchback manufactured in India, Thailand and Indonesia.
The BR-V will arrange seven seats in three rows. At present the CR-V, the largest car in Honda’s UK range, is available with five seats only on these shores. It’s about to be joined by the smaller HR-V compact crossover.
Despite the model’s Eastern market focus, the well-resolved styling previewed in the two sketches would no doubt play well in Europe, with broad horizontal light graphics front and rear. Described by Honda as a ‘crossover utility vehicle’, it features the usual soft-roader design tricks of black plastic cladding along the sills and chunky roof rails to make it look taller, coupled with big wheels in bolstered arches. The sketches also suggest generous ground clearance, though the production car’s hatchback roots will likely mean it sits rather lower in reality.
What’s powering the Honda BR-V?
It might be a big car but it has a comparatively little engine under the bonnet: a 1.5-litre petrol unit. Power output is as yet uncomfirmed but existing 1.5-litre Honda engines sold in the region generate around 120bhp. No word yet on whether there’ll be a four-wheel drive option.
The Honda BR-V will be displayed for the first time at the 2015 Indonesia international motor show in August.