If there’s one Honda the public is looking forward to, it’s the all-new BR-V. First launched in Indonesia last year, the seven-seat crossover now looks more like an SUV than an MPV. It also features a redesigned cabin, an upgraded 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and Honda Sensing for the first time for added peace of mind on the go.
Based on information extracted from Wapcar.my, fast forward to August 2022 and Honda has officially launched the all-new BR-V in the Land of Smiles. This makes Thailand the second market in Southeast Asia to receive Honda’s latest 7-seater crossover.
BR-V 2023 is equipped with a 1.5-liter, DOHC, 16-valve i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine replacing the previous SOHC version. It makes 121 hp at 6600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 4300 rpm. If those numbers sound familiar, that’s because it’s the same engine that powers the Honda City 2023, City Hatchback, and HR-V S here in PH. In Thailand, the BR-V is only paired with a front-wheel drive CVT transmission.
Just like the one that was launched for the Indonesian market, the Thai version of the BR-V has been upgraded. Taking cues from the Civic and Accord, it features new LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), a larger grille and new matte black finished fog light surrounds.
But perhaps the most radical change was in the rear. Now, it has a more minimalist design with new rear doors, slim LED taillights and fake body panels with black bodywork.
Depending on the variant, the BR-V 2023 can be fitted with 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels.
In terms of dimensions, the BR-V for Thailand is 4490mm long, 1780mm wide and 1685mm high. It also boasts a wheelbase of 2695mm and a 209mm great ground clearance.
Compared to the BR-V we currently have, the all-new model is 34mm longer, 45mm wider and 8mm taller. The added length and height also allows Honda to extend the wheelbase by 33mm and increase the ground clearance by 8mm.
Like the BR-V for Indonesia, the Thai model gets a completely new dashboard as well as a lot of equipment. Such stuff mentioned above consists of newly-updated instrumentation gauges, leather seats in black, a steering wheel leather-wrapped, as well an automatic climate control system, and a start/stop button powered by an engine with a remote start.
The infotainment comes in the form of a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display that comes with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Depending on the model, the BR-V can be equipped with a 4- or 6-speaker audio system.
All BR-V variants in Thailand are equipped with the Honda Sensing safety kit. This gives the crossover intelligent driver assistance including; Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Mitigation System, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beam, Adaptive Cruise Control and Notification System lead car.
Since the all-new BR-V is now available in Thailand, will it be coming to PH soon? Based on our previous reports, Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI) had a domestic unit, but only one. In addition, there may be a total of 4 variants of the PH-spec BR-V after its official launch.
HCPI has yet to say when they will launch the all-new BR-V. But with the 2022 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) fast approaching, it could make its official debut next month.
We will also be curious to know where they will be sourcing 7 places for the PH market. While Indonesia will most likely be where HCPI can source, keep in mind that the automaker is currently sourcing the BR-V from Thailand.
