[esoticoreventon]

I was really looking forward to the reviews of the Honda BRV and Autocar ruins it by giving the job to Renuka Kirpalani, one of the worst reviewers in the business. Atleast the Overdrive video review was good, but I think I will wait for the Team-Bhp review and a test drive on my own before booking this car. My 2006 ZX VTEC is serving me well, so I can afford to wait.

[RavenAvi]

Colour shade options are out:

Taffeta White,
White Orchid Pearl,
Alabaster Silver Metallic,
Carnelian Red Pearl,
Urban Titanium Metallic, and
Golden Brown Metallic.

OnCars

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

No touchscreen based HU?

That HU looks seriously outdated on the dashboard of a flagship product! Hope this is not the top spec model on display.

Originally Posted by autorahul

Hope Honda soon launches another topend like they did with BR-V with more features like enhanced lights, kit, Touchscreen HU etc

Since the test drive car in Japan had one in it's central console, I am willing to bet that Honda is reserving this (and the reverse camera +/- sensors) for an RS version a few months down the line.

(SOURCE)

And yes, that slider for in-cabin recirculation mode looks seriously outdated!

[kaviprem]

Originally Posted by smartcat

The on road price of Honda City VX CVT is Rs. 14.8L in Bangalore right now. But City CVT is feature rich - it has cruise control, touchscreen AVN, sunroof and leather interiors which BRV doesn't get. Each of the above features cost anywhere between Rs. 20k to 50K in the aftermarket.

However, the BRV gets projector headlamps & 16 inch alloys/tyres, which Honda City doesn't have.

Agreed. Yet, I expect the Compact SUV positioning would make it expensive than the current City pricing. I wish I am wrong and Honda prices it sensibly.
Its just a couple of days, I guess, lets see.

Prem.

[ampere]

From a BRV vs Rest there are few aspects that stand out:

- 7 Seats which every one pointed out
- Rear AC vent at the top. That is big one for the long distance. Even for a 3/5 people to travel, that would be a big positive.

Those are things which mostly are available on MUVs. Given that and a SUV "like" looks, pricing and fuel efficiency, it definitely would have many looking at it.

- Creta would be clearly for the urban buyer not looking at space.
- But the moment it comes to a question of utility/practicality, people will run to Honda.
- Definitely a very good sensible option in the market.

- Also many will see this as a option against the new Innova.
- Those who want the occasional 7 seat with an SUV style and also those who cant afford the Innova.

Lets see! Interesting times ahead.

[Dr.Naren]

Honda is expecting good demand for BRV. Production is on full swing. One of my relatives had booked Jazz and dealer called yesterday to inform Jazz production is stopped/reduced to accommodate BRV and delivery of Jazz delayed by 2-3 weeks.

[RavenAvi]

Originally Posted by ampere

- Also many will see this as a option against the new Innova.
- Those who want the occasional 7 seat with an SUV style and also those who cant afford the Innova.

It's a tricky situation Honda find themselves in. They would be coming in with the BR-V on the heels of the Innova Crysta launch, and seeing as to how Toyota would price their flagship 7-seater, Honda would do well to keep themselves at a safe distance from the Innova Crysta's top variants, pricing-wise. Considering that in features, in-cabin space and in sheer contemporary-ness, the Toyota has the Honda beaten in all fronts.

That being said, even if they are missing some huge features vis-a-vis the immediate competition, they are also offering a 7-seater option. If they price it at par with/above the Creta, the product will be DOA even though it's an unique product in it's segment. Their best hope will be to keep the BR-V at a price point which is at least 50,000 rupees cheaper than the Creta, variant-to-variant.

Hence my prediction of an 8.7 lacs starting price for the BR-V, topping off at 13.7 lacs for the top diesel variant. Any more than that and they risk getting buried by the XUV 500 and even the Creta/Duster duo.

If the product tastes moderate success, they can always revise the prices and/or bring in an RS variant with a few more goodies at a slightly more premium price.

Let's hope they have learnt their lesson from the Mobilio debacle and price the BR-V sensibly during it's introductory run so that there are enough takers to appreciate it for it's pros and not judge it according to it's list of cons vis-a-vis it's (possibly) atrocious pricing.

I for one would love to see Honda surprise all of us with a killer pricing up front. Something which blows the socks off the segment competitors.

But Honda being Honda, I might be hoping for just a bit too much.

[ampere]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

It's a tricky situation Honda find themselves in. They would be coming in with the BR-V on the heels of the Innova Crysta launch, and seeing as to how Toyota would price their flagship 7-seater, Honda would do well to keep themselves at a safe distance from the Innova Crysta's top variants, pricing-wise.

More than tricky, I would say its an opportunity for Honda. Because Toyota is going to price itself out of the ordinary. Hence Honda has a big gap to play in.

If they price it at par with/above the Creta, the product will be DOA even though it's an unique product in it's segment.

Agree on that. Because on an urban scale BRV will also have to fight XUV which is a proper 7 seater and also with a 2.2. So families looking smaller car in the same budget will go with Creta. Hence as per me more than the Creta, Honda needs to watch XUV as well, esp the higher variants. I understand, XUV AT is 20+ OTR. But Honda still needs to watch them.

Hence my prediction of an 8.7 lacs starting price for the BR-V, topping off at 13.7 lacs for the top diesel variant. Any more than that and they risk getting buried by the XUV 500 and even the Creta/Duster duo.

True. I just hope it just does not end up as Jack of all trades and master of none and in the end does not please any one.

I for one would love to see Honda surprise all of us with a killer pricing up front. Something which blows the socks off the segment competitors.

I have my doubts on that! Lets wait and watch. But yes the choices are getting better. But they definitely need to improve on that noisy diesel.

[Midi_Amp]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

If the product tastes moderate success, they can always revise the prices and/or bring in an RS variant with a few more goodies at a slightly more premium price.

In Indonesia, there are rumors that Honda will come up with 1.8L BR-V.

Judging from the specification sheets, Indonesia BR-V has more safety features and multimedia. For starter at the top spec "prestige" it has 6.1" audio unit with built in air purifier and Android mirroring support. There's also Vehicle Stability Assists and Hill Start Assist. However it miss the Jazz steering wheel + paddle shift and start/stop button.

Definitely what Honda is doing in India is hearing the feedback from Mobilio. Currently the BR-V pricing in Indonesia is just right, but considering the lack of competitors unlike in India, maybe Honda got it easier. Seeing that India BR-V is basically less equipped perhaps Honda India is pressing the prices... By the way, do also check the engine bay insulators, Honda might cut corner on that. Indonesia BR-V only have engine bay insulators (hood and firewall) on the top spec "prestige" which is Rp 262 million or Rs 1.3 million.

[s10]

Originally Posted by Midi_Amp

Indonesia BR-V only have engine bay insulators (hood and firewall) on the top spec "prestige" which is Rp 262 million or Rs 1.3 million.

Even Honda city is costlier there - CVT model costs - Rp.300.200.000 and BR-V CVT costs Rp.247.500.000. which mean ~16-17% less price than City.

But I agree its all market based positioning, anyhow it should undercut city by a Lakh atleast!

[riteshritesh]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

Colour shade options are out:

Taffeta White,
White Orchid Pearl,
Alabaster Silver Metallic,
Carnelian Red Pearl,
Urban Titanium Metallic, and
Golden Brown Metallic.

OnCars

The Zigwheels Media drive car is in Metallic Green shade. I was so looking forward to that color. Something similar to the 1st gen Skoda Octavia Green.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by ampere

Agree on that. Because on an urban scale BRV will also have to fight XUV which is a proper 7 seater and also with a 2.2. So families looking smaller car in the same budget will go with Creta.

The best competition would have been the Renault Lodgy Stepway. In a way it was the first attempt at making a crossover version of a people mover, and Honda has taken the game much further ahead with the SUV'ish looking BRV from the people mover Mobilio.

However, Renault Lodgy hasn't established itself itself in the market when it comes to sales. Honda still has to keep an eye out for this one as well. It is feature loaded in comparison to the Honda and has a good diesel engine as well similar in specs to the Honda, loads of space and excellent ride quality. With the Innova moving higher and if the BRV is priced higher - the Renault could start demanding the attention of the VFM 7-seater car buyer. Renault should also probably try and bring in some Duster elements to the face of the Stepway. Afterall, it is a Duster underneath.


Pic Source - http://www.autocarindia.com/auto-rev...ve-401568.aspx


Pic Source - http://www.zigwheels.com/reviews-adv...-review/22389/

The XUV 5OO is another tricky situation for Honda. The lower variants of the XUV is still sufficiently feature loaded, and the XUV has a diesel AT as well. Should the BRV succeed, Mahindra could probably try and bring in the diesel AT on the lower variants to counter the BRV petrol CVT advantage.

More competition. Good for the customers.

[SmartCat]

I agree. Renault Lodgy Stepway tops the list of my weird car crushes!

I think Renault can double or triple their Lodgy sales if their variants are tinkered with. It starts from Rs. 10 Lacs and goes all the way to Rs. 16 Lacs, but the variants that a private buyer wants (minimum 2 airbags, ABS) start at Rs. 14.8 lacs (on road Bangalore). And when Renault does introduce their AMT variant, you can bet that they will plonk it on to the highest variant.

Meanwhile, a pink paper has mentioned that Honda BR-V will have 90% parts localization.

Found this while checking reviews of Honda BR-V on youtube - ASEAN NCAP crash test. The Indian version (without ESC) scores 4 stars

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOfoEDxh7i0

[Su-47]

Originally Posted by smartcat

Found this while checking reviews of Honda BR-V on Youtube - ASEAN NCAP crash test. The Indian version (without ESC) scores 4 stars

Thanks for sharing! Looks like ASEAN NCAP only does partial overlap front collision test, and doesn't do things like T-bone and pole test (like Euro-NCAP). Would be interesting to know how BRV does in those as well.

Structure and safety wise, hoping BRV is better than Mobilio, which I heard was speed limited to 140 Kmph.

Overall, looks like a good practical, non-luxurious, non-exciting and asexual offering that allows families to occasionally accommodate visitors using the flexible seating available.

[Aaron:)]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

That being said, even if they are missing some huge features vis-a-vis the immediate competition, they are also offering a 7-seater option. If they price it at par with/above the Creta, the product will be DOA even though it's an unique product in it's segment. Their best hope will be to keep the BR-V at a price point which is at least 50,000 rupees cheaper than the Creta, variant-to-variant.

Hence my prediction of an 8.7 lacs starting price for the BR-V, topping off at 13.7 lacs for the top diesel variant. Any more than that and they risk getting buried by the XUV 500 and even the Creta/Duster duo.

If the product tastes moderate success, they can always revise the prices and/or bring in an RS variant with a few more goodies at a slightly more premium price.

Absolutely agree. The Creta isn't exceptional in any one area, but it has bucket loads of desirability, which is something the BR- V seriously lacks.

They have to play the VFM card and give it a seriously aggressive introductory price, probably undercutting the Duster. And then they can add variants and raise prices ( like the EcoSport ).

IMO they should also bring in the HR-V/Vezel and price it at a premium of 50k - 1 lakh over the Creta. These two, along with the upcoming Jazz cross and CR-V should complete Honda's SUV range. Or am I hoping for too much?

[ampere]

Originally Posted by CrAzY dRiVeR

The best competition would have been the Renault Lodgy Stepway. In a way it was the first attempt at making a crossover version of a people mover, and Honda has taken the game much further ahead with the SUV'ish looking BRV from the people mover Mobilio.

Product to product: I totally agree. But that equation wont last as the other two step into the ring: BRV and the XUV. Just the look aspect will take the Lodgy out of the equation.

Originally Posted by Aaron:)

Absolutely agree. The Creta isn't exceptional in any one area, but it has bucket loads of desirability, which is something the BR- V seriously lacks.

Desirability yes. But it has one more card up its sleeve which is now a given (which many take for granted). A brilliant and super refined diesel. Honda needs to work a lot on that. But I guess many dont care, as a long as they get their FE.

They have to play the VFM card and give it a seriously aggressive introductory price, probably undercutting the Duster. And then they can add variants and raise prices ( like the EcoSport ).

They definitely need to price it well in such way that not only Duster/Creta/Ecosport buyers but also the XUV/Innova buyers want to look at it.

IMO they should also bring in the HR-V/Vezel and price it at a premium of 50k - 1 lakh over the Creta. These two, along with the upcoming Jazz cross and CR-V should complete Honda's SUV range. Or am I hoping for too much?

That may not happen anytime soon. Honda has their hands full these days.