Honda BRV

Features: The word crossover defines the BR-V perfectly. The sleek front comes with a large chrome grille and a well styled bumper that gets a silver skid plate. The headlights are well detailed and get a slash daytime running light, a projector headlamp and a separate module for the halogen high beam. Plus, the large 16-inch wheels that come with a polished finished on the top-of-the-line V variant look rather good. The side profile, however, is quite reminiscent of the Mobilio which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but isn’t a plus point either. The rear tail lamps look rather good and the red strip running between them is a unique design feature. The cabin of the BR-V is genuinely spacious when it comes to comparing it with other cars of its category. All variants get black interiors with the top-of-the-line variants getting a full leather pack which includes seats, side rests and a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knobs. The middle row gets a 60-40 split and a one-touch folding setup which makes the last row easily accessible. Headspace in the middle row is also good and the large window makes the cabin feel very airy. However, there just isn’t enough room to fit three large adults in the middle row and it feels pretty much as spacious as the likes of your average compact sedan or hatchback in terms of overall shoulder space. The third row is 50:50 split and can accommodate two adults in relative comfort, provided the journey is short. In terms of cabin layout, the design is simple and the horizontal layout works rather well. Also, you get climate control in all variants above the E grade. But the touchscreen infotainment system is reserved for the VX variant only and even then doesn’t come with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay connectivity. There’s no automatic headlamps or automatic wipers or cruise control on offer either.

Engine: The BR-V comes with a choice of two engines - both are 1.5-litre units that get a 6-speed manual gearbox (with the petrol also getting a CVT gearbox and paddle shifters). The diesel is a turbocharged 4-cylinder unit makes 100PS of peak power and 200Nm of peak torque. The petrol is also a 4-cylinder i-VTEC unit that makes 119PS of peak power and 145Nm of peak torque.

Rivals: Maruti Suzuki S-Cross: Maruti's premium crossover suffers from the fact that it does not look like an SUV. It is a premium offering with a good amount of standard equipment, good space for five people and their luggage and a frugal 1.3-litre diesel motor. Renault Duster: The car that started it all, the Renault Duster is the only modern crossover in the segment to feature an AWD system. Its butch design, adequate space, CVT transmission (petrol), AMT (diesel) and all-weather ability make it score a lot of brownie points in the segment. Interior quality and limited service network make it less appealing though. Nissan Terrano: The Duster's better-looking cousin (for some), the Terrano suffers seems too overpriced for its own good. It does get a diesel AMT variant though, which is a good option for those looking for a convenient urban SUV. Mahindra Scorpio: The Mahindra Scorpio, despite being a 'proper' ladder-frame SUV, is also priced in the same range as the Hyundai Creta. While it may use an old-school philosophy, it is a thoroughly modern SUV. Tata Safari Storme: The oldest nameplate in this segment, the Safari Storme feels that way too even though it wears a slightly new skin. The Safari still has its road presence, ride quality and interior space to boast about, but its appeal is now limited to those who seem reluctant to let go of the past. Hyundai Creta: There’s not much wrong with the Creta. It’s spacious, is built well inside out and drives well too. It’s got an appeal very few of its competitors can match.

Variants: The BR-V is available in a total of 9 variants - 5 petrol and 4 diesel. The petrol variants are priced between Rs 9.22 lakh and 12.48 lakh while the diesel starts at Rs 10.16 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 13.39 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi). In terms of standard equipment, the BR-V is rather well equipped except for the base E variant. Projector headlamps, tilt steering, reclineable middle row, dual front airbags and ABS (not available on E petrol) are standard across the range. Features like rear parking sensors, sliding middle row, climate control, three row AC and electrically adjustable ORVMs are available on variants that sit above the E. The rear parking camera and the Digipad touchscreen infotainment system, however, are only reserved for the top VX variant.