Honda BR-V
Honda BR-Vhondacarindia.com/mediacenter

Honda Cars India is inching closer to the launch of its new SUV BR-V, with the latest reports marking the launch date as May 5. Ahead of the launch, the Japanese manufacturer had launched a digital teaser campaign titled, #WhereNextWithBRV April 6. The SUV was unveiled in India at the Auto Expo 2016 in February.

To be pitted against the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Terrano, Maruti Suzuki S-cross and Renault Duster SUV when launched, the BR-V has an upper hand over the rivals for being a seven-seater, reports Autocar India. Honda claims the SUV has a class-leading space inside the cabin with additional knee room and head room.

The BRV is based on the same platform that also underpins the Brio hatchback, the Amaze sedan and the Mobilio MPV of Honda. The SUV comes with thick single chrome slat grille, which is now the signature design of Honda cars. The prominent grille is flanked by projector headlamps with LED strip light. The fog lamps have got chrome housing. The BR-V also features roof rails, and electrically folding ORVM with turn indicators.

The BR-V showcased at the Auto Expo 2016 was powered by a four-cylinder, 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that develops 120bhp at 6,600rpm and 145Nm at 4,600rpm, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. A new continuously variable transmission (CVT) is also available. For India, BR-V will also be offered in 1.5-litre i-DTEC engine, which is employed in most diesel cars offered by Honda in the country.

Honda BR-V is expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 7-13 lakh. The company has already started production of the SUV at its Tapukara facility in Rajasthan.