2019 Honda BR-V: Is it a good buy?

Yes, the MPV segment in the Philippines is crowded, just like any other automobile segment in the country. But out of all the brands and their products available under this category, Honda BR-V is perhaps one of the most underrated vehicles that we have. It has been around for quite a while and underwent a series of changes to be what it is today - a well-equipped and promising 7-seater MPV. But it is still overlooked by people. So here we are with a new story, telling you whether the 2019 Honda BR-V is a good buy or not?

The new BR-V isn’t entirely a new vehicle. It is more of a facelift. Honda added a few new features but the silhouette remains the same. Here are some of the prominent changes on the outside of the 2019 BR-V. It still has that thick and outstanding front grille but now it also gets a couple of thinner horizontal chrome slats which kind of fills the otherwise void. The headlights are the same - both in design and shape - but now feature LED daytime running lights that are integrated into the housing. They look super cool and attractive and gives the car a much sportier stance.

Another new feature added to the front end of the 2019 BR-V is the unique fog lamp housing. They look quite premium and enhance the overall front look of the car. Other interesting features include new alloy wheels and the shark fin antenna. This completes the list of exterior changes in the latest BR-V. Now, let’s jump inside.

The biggest and most noticeable change on the inside is definitely the new 7-in touch screen display. It has been missing from the BR-V for years and we’re glad that Honda finally made the right call. It also supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay so that’s another bonus. You can also use it for navigation, calls, music, podcasts, rear camera, etc. The cabin of the 2019 BR-V is mostly the same in terms of space. It can accommodate 7 people comfortably. However, Honda has added a red hue in the entire cabin to freshen up things a bit. The seats are now leather and provide great comfort and support.

The 2019 Honda BR-V specs remain unchanged for the technical bits and pieces. Honda didn’t change anything there. The MPV continues to extract power from the same 1.5-litre which churns out 120 PS of max power at 6,000 rpm and 145 Nm of peak torque at 4,600 rpm, and is mated to a CVT unit. It is one of Honda’s most successful engines and thus, continues to play its part in the new BR-V. For the suspension,

it has MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion beam at the rear. The system provides good handling and decent comfort. The braking comes from large disc brakes which are aided by ABS. Other important safety features include dual front SRS airbags, EBD, Hill Start Assist and Vehicle Stability Assist. It also has ISOFIX child seat mounts on the second and third-row while speed-sensing locks too are standard.

Available in a couple of variants - 1.5 S and 1.5 V - and 6 colour options - Modern Steel Metallic, Taffeta White, Lunar Silver Metallic, Premium Amber Metallic, Passion Red and Platinum White Pearl - the 2019 Honda BR-V price starts at Php 1.04 million and for that, you get a safe package that is going to last you a lifetime. Yes, it misses out on the oomph factor; doesn’t bring the excitement that you might be expecting from it, but that’s not what it is.

The BR-V has a character of its own, a family car, which it serves without questioning. It has got good looks, spacious and comfortable interior to accommodate your entire family, decent safety features, and a reliable engine. And all that makes it a good buy even today.

Also Read:- Honda BR-V and Brio fuel economy test conducted by HCPI