2023 Honda BR-V officially launched in PH

After much anticipation, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has finally launched the second generation of its popular 7-seater compact family MPV, the Honda BR-V. This comes a few months after it was first previewed for the local market at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS).

The 2023 Honda BR-V was first unveiled back in 2021 for the Indonesian market, featuring a completely new exterior and interior, new safety technologies, as well as a slightly upgraded powertrain.

The lineup for the all-new 2023 Honda BR-V is composed of four variants starting from the entry-level 1.5 S M/T (which is the first time the BR-V gets a manual option), followed by the 1.5 S CVT, then the 1.5 V CVT, and topped-off by the 1.5 VX CVT Honda SENSING.

In terms of design, the 2023 Honda BR-V receives an evolutionary rather than a revolutionary redesign compared to the outgoing model. The front retains Honda’s Solid Wing Face design language, while the rear gets a design akin to that off the Honda City. It is also a lot sleeker, more premium, and larger looking. The interior also remains simple but with a design similar to that of the Honda CR-V, and features more premium materials.

Standard exterior equipment on the 2023 Honda BR-V starting from the entry-level S M/T variant are LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, 16-inch steel wheels, and a matte black front grille. The S CVT adds 17-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights. The V then adds silver bumper garnish, chrome door handles, and power folding side mirrors. Finally, the top-spec VX gives you a black painted front grille, automatic headlight function, and a silver painted bumper garnish.

Available exterior color options for all variants are Meteoroid Gray Metallic and Lunar Silver Metallic. Meanwhile, exclusive for the entry-level S grade is Taffeta White. On the other hand, Crystal Black Pearl is available on the S and V variants, while Premium Opal White Silver Pearl is available on the V and VX variants with an additional Php 20,000 charge. 

On the other hand, standard interior equipment starting from the entry-level S M/T variant are fabric seats, manual digital climate controls, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4-speaker audio system. Going for the S CVT adds silver interior accents, metallic door handles, and a rear center armrest. Going for the V variant gives you leather seats, leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and automatic climate control. Finally, going for the top-spec VX adds an 8-speaker audio system, leather padded dashboard material, and piano black and silver interior accents.

As for its powertrain, under the hood of the 2023 Honda BR-V is still a 1.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated i-VTEC gasoline engine, shared with the Honda City and HR-V. It is now DOHC and produces 121 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque, paired to an Earth Dreams continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

In terms of safety, the 2023 Honda BR-V is equipped with the full suite of Honda SENSING safety technology on the top-spec 1.5 VX CVT variant. This means it comes with Auto High Beam (AHB), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW), Auto High-Beam (AHB), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

Of course, also standard on all variants are Dual Front Airbags, Side Airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist, Speed Sensing Door Locks, Reverse Camera, Emergency Stop Signal, and ISOFIX. Exclusive on the V and VX is Walk Away Auto Door Lock and on the VX, Side Curtain Airbags and Honda’s LaneWatch Camera.

In terms of pricing, the 2023 Honda BR-V is available with the following suggested retail prices:

• 1.5 S M/T – Php 1,090,000
• 1.5 S CVT – Php 1,150,000
• 1.5 V CVT – Php 1,295,000
• 1.5 VX CVT Honda SENSING – Php 1,390,000

There you have it, that’s everything you need to know about the all-new Honda BR-V. What do you think? Does it have what it takes to compete with other segment leaders, or remain as one of Honda’s top-selling models in the Philippines?