There are ample of cars having 3 rows such as Honda BRV, Renault Lodgy, Mahindra Scorpio, Mahindra XUV 500, Tata Hexa, Tata Safari Storme, Toyota Innova Crysta etc. As you're eyeing on Honda BRV, it is a 7-seater compact SUV and which is priced between Rs. 9.22 - 13.39 lakh (ex-showroom Price, Delhi). This puts it around the same range as the Duster and Creta and will make it tempting for buyers with large families. We just wish it came with more kit to drive the deal home. It is available in two tuning- 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines which produce 119PS/145Nm and 100PS/200Nm respectively. Both the engines are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. However, the petrol engine gets a CVT option as well. It has claimed mileage of 15.4 kmpl for the petrol and 21.9kmpl for the diesel. On the other hand, the CVT variant of the petrol-powered BR-V has a mileage of 16kmpl. Safety & Features: Honda BR-V is equipped with keyless entry, push-button start, automatic climate control and an integrated music system with steering-mounted controls. On the safety front, it gets dual airbags, ABS, EBD, rear parking sensor with a camera and an electronic engine immobiliser. Pros: - Leather upholstery on the top-spec variant adds a premium touch to the cabin. - An extra row of seats. Can accommodate the in-laws for the occasional weekend trip. - Petrol motor is very refined. Optional CVT automatic available as well. - The diesel engine is amongst the most fuel-efficient engines of the lot. The ARAI-rated mileage stands at 21.9km/l. Cons: - No diesel automatic variant on offer. The Creta and the Duster offer the same. - Build quality isn't the best. Sheet metal seems thin and the quality of interior plastics is a let-down as well. - Woefully under-equipped in comparison to rivals such as the Creta and the Duster. No touchscreen audio system, reverse camera or parking sensors. ZW Verdict: The only advantage the BR-V offers over its rivals is the 7 seats. Apart from it, BR-V lacks in terms of features in comparison to its rivals. With the BR-V, Honda has done just about enough to keep up with the competition, but little to beat it. It has seven seats, offers a compliant ride, and has engines that have proven themselves in other cars from the Japanese automaker’s stable. In a market that has buyers who are hungry for features, loading the BR-V to the gills should have been a no-brainer. Hyundai did it with the Creta and the results are here for us to see. The two deal makers for the BR-V will be the fact that it has seven seats and Honda’s hassle-free ownership experience. Honda had an opportunity to more than one up the slow-selling Mobilio, but may have played it too safe in a highly-competitive market. Do take a test drive in order to judge your riding comfort. Click on the link to find out your nearest dealership and to know about the availability and to take a test drive: https://bit.ly/2rJrRu2
