Honda BR-V compact SUV to be launched in India in first quarter of FY 2016: Report

The vehicle will be on display at the 2016 Auto Expo in February.

Honda had unveiled the BR-V prototype at the 2015 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) in August.

The compact SUV is also important to India since the car is expected to be launched in the country soon. A MotorOctane report indicates the BR-V is slated to be launched in the first quarter of FY 2016. Honda does not want to spend more time in introducing the compact SUV and will try to launch it as soon as possible, before competition gets tougher.

The slow sale of the Mobile MPV has also played a role in influencing the company's decision to launch the BR-V as early as possible. The Japanese manufacturer managed to sell only 899 units of Mobilio in August 2015.

The BR-V comes with signature thick single chrome slat grille that we have seen in the Honda City. The prominent grill is flanked by projector headlamps. The fog lamps have got chrome housing. The wide air dam is covered with honeycomb finish. A skid plate at the bottom of the front bumper and side cladding throws light on the off-road pedigree of the vehicle.

The BR-V measures 4,455mm in length, 1,735 mm in width and and 1,650 mm in height with a 2660 mm long wheelbase. The vehicle also boasts of segment-leading 200mm of ground clearance.

Honda claims a class-leading spacious and comfortable cabin with additional knee room and head room. A multi-information display and air conditioner between the first and second row seats will be featured in the interior. The steering wheel will be identical to the other Brio family offerings like Amaze and Mobilio.

BR-V is powered by a four-cylinder, 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that develops 120bhp at 6,600rpm and 145Nm at 4600rpm. This is the same engine that also does duty in the Honda City. The engine will be mated to a new 6-speed manual transmission while a CVT automatic transmission is also on offer. When the car makes it to India, a diesel engine option can also be expected.

On the safety front, the vehicle will feature dual and front SRS airbag, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake distribution (EBD), vehicle stability assist (VSA), and hill start assist (HSA).