India-bound Honda BR-V gets ASEAN NCAP 5-star rating

The Honda BR-V has received a 5-star rating in the crash test conducted by ASEAN NCAP (ASEAN New Car Assessment Program) at Japan Automobile Research Institute (JARI) in Japan. 

In the frontal offset impact and side impact test, the BR-V achieved a 5-star rating with scores of 14.79 out of 16.00 in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 72% in Child Occupant Protection (COP). BR-V variants without Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Seatbelt Reminder for both front occupants were rated 4 stars.

Based on ASEAN NCAP prerequisites, only BR-V variants that are equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Seatbelt Reminder System (SBR) for both frontal occupants are eligible for 5-Star rating, while variants that are not fitted with these technologies can only receive AOP 4-Star. As for the Child Occupant Protection (COP), the model met 72% compliance of the test, hence achieved a 4-Star rating.

BR-V, a new-generation crossover utility vehicle, has been exclusively developed for the Asian market. Since its world premiere in Indonesia in August 2015, the model has been receiving a good customer response in that country. In January 2016, the BR-V was launched in Thailand and is set to be launched in India soon.

Along with the standard body structure such as Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) and G-Force Control (G-CON) technology, the BR-V offers a wide range of active and passive safety features and technologies, including Dual Front SRS Airbags, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Rear Parking Camera.

The BR-V is the fifth Honda model to be tested by ASEAN NCAP. ASEAN NCAP chairman, Prof. Dr. Wong Shaw Voon said, “It is notable that a number of cars entering the ASEAN market are now equipped with more safety features. The Honda BR-V is one of them. We at ASEAN NCAP hope our work has made significant impact to raise consumer awareness to demand safer cars for the ASEAN market.”

ASEAN NCAP secretary-general, Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim said that the BR-V is the third SUV model under the Honda brand. The BR-V’s test means that Honda has crash tested all its SUV lines under ASEAN NCAP rating system. Khairil added that, “It should be noted that only the BR-V’s higher variants are equipped with ESC and SBR for dual frontal occupants. Nevertheless, we are aiming for the lowest variant to be equipped with similar technologies in order for everyone to benefit these safety features.”

ASEAN NCAP is the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia region, an addition to the NCAP program. It evaluates vehicle safety standard to increase consumer awareness and boost a market for safer vehicles in the ASEAN region. The ASEAN NCAP collision tests have been conducted in collaboration between ASEAN NCAP and Japan Automobile Research Institute (JARI).

BR-V set for India launch

In India, the BR-V, which is set to be launched in April-May 2016, will enter the popular SUV/Crossover segment that currently features models like the Hyundai Creta and the Maruti S-Cross. Showcased in its production form at the 2016 Auto Expo, the BR-V features plenty of chrome and has a wheelbase longer than the Mobilio’s. It also gets a better-equipped cabin and seating capacity for seven. Powering the crossover from Honda will be the familiar 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines from the Honda City. The SUV will be manufactured at Honda Cars India's Tapukara plant in Rajasthan with production expected to begin in April this year.