Honda BR-V to be showcased at 2016 Auto Expo

One of the most lucrative segments in the Indian automotive space is undeniably the one occupied by compact SUVs. Renault got the first mover’s advantage when they launched the Duster a few years back and more recently Hyundai entered this segment with the launch of the Creta. Although a bit late to join the party, Honda will now bring the BR-V to represent it in this class.

On the outside, the Honda BR-V will bring with it a fresh design language to the Honda range. Up front it gets a massive chrome grille flanked by sleek looking headlamps on either side. From the dead front, the BR-V looks like a beefier and more muscular version of the Honda City. In profile, it gets a sharp crease starting from the wheel arch and one that leads into the taillamps to give it a sharp design.

On the inside, the BR-V’s dashboard will look pretty identical to the Mobilio. It will sport the same steering wheel and possibly the same centre console as well. The prototype that we drove in Japan (Read: Honda BR-V Compact SUV First Drive Review) had an all black dashboard with silver surrounds to the air con vents and the centre console. Unlike the Creta and the Duster, the BR-V will come with three rows of seating.

The BR-V will come with a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol as well as a diesel mill. The diesel will come mated to a 6-speed transmission while the petrol unit will get a 5-speed tranny as well as a CVT. While Honda hasn’t revealed the specifications of the BR-V as yet, considering it is based on the same platform as the Amaze and the Mobilio it is safe to assume that the power and torque figures too will remain the same.

Honda will showcase the BR-V at the 2016 Auto Expo in February and is then expected to launch it in India around mid-2016. Expected to be priced around Rs 9-13 lakh, it will compete against the likes of the Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano and the Hyundai Creta.