Is Honda Cars PH unveiling the all-new BR-V at 2022 PIMS?

MANILA: With the 2022 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) in our midst, some carmakers that will be participating in the auto show are teasing us as to what vehicles they’ll park under the stage lights.

Among these brands is Honda Cars Philippines Inc. who — on top of showcasing its new gadgets and offering deals to prospective buyers — said it will do a “preview of an all-new Honda model that will only be shown during the motor show.”

What could this latest Honda be? Could this vehicle be one of the three vehicles that HCPI hinted they will launch this year? The company made this statement before it launched the 2022 Honda HR-V in the market, and with the RS version of the crossover making a 2022 PIMS appearance, this “all-new Honda” could make the trio of the vehicles that will join the HCPI this year.

We’re averring to the 2022 Honda BR-V that’s already on sale in our Asean neighbors. The second iteration of the subcompact MPV is an important model for the brand. More than 255,000 units of the first-generation BR-V have been sold worldwide, with Indonesia accounting for 30% of the total, according to Honda Indonesia.

It’s also a bestseller here in the Philippines, so it would be wise for the local Honda company to bring in another cash cow with the 2022 Honda BR-V.

Honda's second generation is fashioned more like an SUV than an MPV on stilts with body cladding. The N7X concept provided a peek of the stylistic components.

The 2022 BR-V's longer and chunkier hood is complemented by the vehicle's wider stance, chrome grille, and LED headlights up front. Shoulder lines go along the sides, extending from the headlights to the taillights.

The kink at the rear greenhouse appears to be a throwback to the first generation, while the side profile now appears boxier for the SUV look. Roof rails, body cladding, and end-to-end skid plates are further SUV accessories. The automobile has alloy wheels measuring 17 inches.

The addition of safety measures, including six airbags as standard across all models, is one of the major updates, at least in Indonesia. Honda Sensing, which features Honda LaneWatch, autonomous emergency brakes, adaptive cruise control, lane centering aid, lane keeping assist, and front departure alarm, is also available on the top-trim BR-V model.

Two analog dials are located behind the steering wheel on the new dashboard and instrument console, which also features a 4.2-inch color multi-information display. A seven-inch touchscreen with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility serves as the infotainment system.

Passengers in the BR-V's three rows of seats are given charging sockets. The comfort quotient is taken higher with an armrest for the first two rows, while leather upholstery is exclusive to the BR-V Prestige.

With 121hp from the 1.5-liter mill, Honda Indonesia said the BR-V is the most powerful in its class. The engine also nets 145Nm of torque, and is paired to a CVT and a six-speed manual. It's possible the crossover retains the front-wheel drive setup.

It’s more stylish and safer than before. If HCPI will really bring the 2022 Honda BR-V to PIMS 2022, then it could truly make a statement in the event — and later, the sales charts.

Photos from Honda Indonesia

Also read: WATCH: Honda Cars PH marks 50th year of reliable, sporty Civic