Video: 2017 Honda BR-V Live Walkaround at Malaysia Autoshow 2016

The Honda BR-V was one of the biggest attractions at last week’s Malaysia Autoshow 2016. Based on available info, we know that the BR-V is slated for launch in our market early next year.

Despite it’s positioning as a crossover, the seven-seater BR-V will find itself in competition with B-segment MPVs such as the Toyota Avanza, Nissan Grand Livina, Perodua Alza, Proton Exora, and perhaps even the soon-to-arrive Proton Ertiga. It’s direct competitor would be the Toyota Rush, which is also a seven-seater crossover based on the Avanza's platform.

At the Autoshow last week, we managed to record a quick walkaround video at the show venue going up close with the BR-V display car. Although the car wore no camouflage, the cabin’s front section is fully covered and tinted. We don’t know what Honda is hiding behind there, but we shall find out during its launch.

A small confession – in the video, I was filmed erroneously stating that the BR-V was based on the City and Jazz platform. The vehicle is actually, for the record, based on the A-segment Brio platform.

The BR-V does, however, share its 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine from the City and Jazz. Power goes to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission.

In our walkabout video, features observed include:

• Crossover body design cues – black lower body cladding, roof rails
• Projector headlamps (presumably halogen) with LED daytime running lights
• Dual tone alloy wheels
• Side mirror-mounted indicators
• Keyless entry
• Reverse sensors
• Reverse camera

We also tried out the second and third row seats, experimenting with a number of seating configurations. My 170cm-tall frame was provided with ample headroom in both rows and roof-mounted air-con vents are provided for the comfort of rear-seated passengers. 

A year ago, we had the chance to try out the BR-V in a quick preview drive around Honda's Twin Ring Motegi test track in Japan. Follow this link for the review: 2016 Honda BR-V Quick Review.