Several changes have been made to the 2020 Honda BR-V range including the addition of added noise insulation to go with the subtle styling amendments.

“The BR-V remains one of our core models in the local line-up, and is currently the only seven-seater sport utility vehicle (SUV) in its price class,” says Dinesh Govender, General Manager of Automobiles at Honda Motor Southern Africa. “This affords the BR-V a significant advantage over its competitors, and consistently makes it one of our top two best-sellers in South Africa along with the Honda Amaze compact sedan.

“The updates for 2020 build on the BR-V’s reputation for style, along with comfort and driving convenience,” Govender adds. “Several new technologies have been introduced, including LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors on the Comfort and Elegance models, as well as an attractive and easy-to-use touchscreen Audio Display for the flagship derivatives. This enhances the value proposition of the BR-V and makes it an even more competitive offering in its segment.”

LED Daytime Running Lights are now incorporated into the lower portion of the redesigned headlight clusters.

It is now equipped with rear parking sensors on the mid-range Comfort and top-spec Elegance models to make parking manoeuvres significantly easier. The BR-V Elegance also features a seven-inch Display Audio touchscreen system with an integrated reverse parking camera.

Furthermore, driving comfort has been significantly improved through the addition of extra soundproofing insulation material. This reduces the amount of road and engine noise entering the cabin, lending the BR-V a quieter and more refined drive.

The 1,5-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine continues to power the BR-V range, delivering 88 kW of power at 6 600 r/min and peak torque of 145 Nm at 4 600 r/min.

The BR-V Trend is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox only, while Comfort and Elegance models are available with a six-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

 Anti-lock brakes are fitted across the range, along with dual front crash bags. Anti-theft security is provided by means of an engine immobiliser, remote central locking and speed-sensitive auto door locking. Power windows all-round and air-conditioning add comfort and convenience, and a four-speaker audio system is provided incorporating Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

 Externally the BR-V Comfort is distinguished by 16-inch alloy wheels, with a new introduction for this model being the addition of practical rear parking sensors.

In line with its Comfort specification, fully automated climate control with roof-mounted vents between the front and centre rows distributes air to the rear-seat passengers. The driver’s seat benefits from height adjustment and a centre armrest.

Additional features include an auto up/down function for the driver’s window, power switch to allow locking and unlocking from inside the car, as well as a factory-fitted alarm system.

 Exclusive to the updated flagship BR-V Elegance model is a new seven-inch Display Audio system, located above the climate controls in the centre stack of the dashboard. The full-colour display incorporates an integrated reverse parking camera, which complements the newly-introduced rear parking sensors.

Visually the Elegance model stands out thanks to its silver-hued front and rear bumper garnishes, chrome finishes for the door handles and side door protectors, along with front fog lights.

Luxurious leather upholstery adorns the seats which further enhances the upmarket cabin ambience, while Honda’s Smart Entry system allows convenient keyless unlocking and starting of the car without the driver having to remove the key from their pocket or bag.

MODEL RANGE

BR-V 1.5 Trend Manual	R258 800
BR-V 1.5 Comfort Manual	R291 500
BR-V 1.5 Comfort CVT	R310 300
BR-V 1.5 Elegance Manual	R314 400
BR-V 1.5 Elegance CVT	R333 000

All models come standard with a five-year/200 000 km warranty, and three-year AA Roadside Assist. A new four-year/60 000 km extended service plan is included on the Honda BR-V Comfort and Elegance models, and is available as an option on the Trend. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.