According to a report, Honda’s upcoming compact SUV – BR-V – will enter production in April 2016 at the company’s Tapukara plant. Initially, Honda aims to produce 36,000 units of the compact SUV on annual basis. Ditching the familiar 1.5-litre i-DTEC EarthDreams diesel engine, the Honda BR-V might get a higher displacement 1.6-litre DTEC diesel unit that will be paired to a new six-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. It’s the same engine that does duty to the global model of the CR-V SUV and Civic sedan. Though, it is still unclear if the Indian model of the BR-V will be offered this engine or not.
A 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine will also be on offer. This engine is capable to produce a maximum power of 120bhp and 145Nm of torque. In terms of dimensions, the BR-V measures 4,455mm in length, 1,735mm in width, 1,650mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,660mm. With a high ground clearance of more than 200mm, the SUV will offer a great performance on all sorts of Indian terrains. It will come with seven-seat layout in 2+3+2 configuration.
As far as features are concerned, the SUV will be equipped with a six-inch touchscreen infotainment system, electrically-operated ORVMs, automatic climate control, third row seats with 50:50 spilt option, ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake-force distribution), dual front airbags, etc.
Upon its launch, the Honda BR-V will take on the likes of Hyundai Creta, Mahindra TUV300, Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano. The SUV is expected to be within the price range of Rs. 8 lakh – Rs. 12 lakh (ex-showroom).
Source - ACP
