PIMS 2022: Honda previews next-gen BR-V

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has given the public what they've been waiting for all this time. The next-generation BR-V 7-seater crossover is here, but there's a catch – Honda is only displaying the BR-V for the 8th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), which means we still have to wait a bit more before it goes on sale in dealerships.

First revealed in Indonesia last year, the next-generation BR-V crossover looks a lot closer now to an SUV rather than an MPV with added body cladding. When compared to its predecessor, the new one now sits more upright thanks to the use of horizontal character lines instead of the sloping lines taken from the Mobilio.

The upcoming 7-seater is right at home with Honda's latest design language as it features a large inverted trapezoid grille, sweeping LED headlights with daytime running lights, and inverted L-shaped faux side intakes that house the foglights.

Honda also redesigned the next-gen BR-V's rear end, which looks a lot simpler now compared to its predecessor. The taillight garnishes no longer run through the width of the tailgate, while the vertical reflectors have been moved to the lower bumper section near the faux skid plate.

Inside, the BR-V had an interesting take on its dashboard design. Previewed in the top-spec VX trim, it uses a combination of Honda's past and present parts bin. Instead of the “Simplicity and Something” philosophy done to the City, HR-V, and Civic, the layout looks closer to the current-generation CR-V, especially with the placing of the central A/C vents. In addition, instead of dials, the climate control system uses buttons to configure A/C settings.

As for its powertrain, the PH-spec model has the same 1.5-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder i-VTEC engine used by the City and the non-turbo HR-V, which makes 121 PS at 6600 rpm along with 145 Nm of torque at 4300 rpm. Like its predecessor, the next-gen BR-V is mated to a CVT driving the front wheels.

Since Honda already closed down the Sta. Rosa, Laguna factory lines back in 2020, the next-gen Honda BR-V will be imported from elsewhere.

If you're in the market to purchase a 7-seater crossover in the near future, then the next-generation Honda BR-V may be worth checking out (and waiting for). It is on display at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show from September 15 to 18, 2022.