Is a Honda subcompact crossover crossover the HR-V or Honda? It’s the BR-V.
Americans and Europeans associate Honda with subcompact crossovers and the HR-V. However, in certain Asian countries, the BR–V also fits in the B-segment. Its name stands for Bold Runabout Vehicle. The model is entering its second generation. The model is less complex and thus more affordable than the well-known HRV, but it does offer three rows of seating.
Honda doesn’t say whether the platform has changed for this second generation. However, we know that the original Mobilio minivan was built on the Brio small hatchback. This entry-level car is below the jazz/Fit. It’s not the most attractive subcompact crossover, especially at the rear, but it has a lot to offer in the grand scheme.
The Honda Sensing suite includes adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation brake, adaptive cruise control and road departure mitigation. This makes it safer than ever before. The standard model comes with six airbags and blind-spot monitoring.
The 1.5-liter iVTEC gasoline engine produces 120 horsepower at 6,600 rpm, and 107 lbft (145 Nm), of torque starting at 4,300 rpm. Honda claims that the CVT is more efficient and new. It channels power to the front wheels. The HR-V does not meet Euro 4 standards. They were implemented in the European Union in 2005.
The BR-V was launched six years ago. It has sold more than 255,000 units. 30 percent of these were delivered in Indonesia, where the new crossover was announced this week. This is also the country where it will be made. The crossover is scheduled to be available locally in January 2022. It will likely start at $18,000, depending on current exchange rates.
The BR-V and HR-V aren’t the only subcompact crossovers Honda makes available. South America and India also have the WR-V, which is a third-generation Fit/Jazz with high-riding capabilities. The confusion is further exacerbated by the fact that the Dongfeng Honda joint venture is selling the HRV in China as the XR–V, while the HR-V in Japan is known as Vezel. We missed any?