5 things you need to know about the Honda BR-V

Honda Cars India's much-awaited 7-seat small SUV is set to be launched today. The BR-V was revealed internationally last year, prior to its India debut at Auto Expo 2016. With the launch just 5 minutes away, we bring you five must-know facts about the BR-V small SUV.

1. This is Honda’s first small SUV in India

Manufacturers have been rushing to grab a slice of the small SUV pie, so the BR-V's launch could not have come at a more opportune time. Marking the company’s entry into the growing segment, the BR-V will rival the likes of the Renault Duster and the hot-selling Hyundai Creta.

2. The BR-V is a 7-seater

What will give the BR-V a considerable edge over its popular competitors such as the Hyundai Creta and Renault Duster, is its 7-seat layout. Although a longer rear overhang was necessary to accommodate the third row, and it does makes the car look slightly MPV-like from the side, customers are likely to appreciate the extra space and seats.

3. It has 210mm of ground clearance

This SUV may bear a resemblance to Honda's MPV, the Mobilio, and unlike the Duster, it doesn't get the option of AWD, but what matters a lot to owners is a good amount of ground clearance to tackle poor Indian roads. To that end it delivers, with 210mm seperating the BR-V's belly and the road, the same as the Duster, you can drive over the rough stuff relatively hassle-free.

4. Based on the same platform as the Mobilio

The BR-V shares the same platform as the Mobilio, but comes with a longer wheelbase and a more upmarket-looking dashboard similar to the unit seen in the Jazz, and one that's more suited to the BR-V’s intended segment.

5. Powered by the familiar 1.5-litre Honda engines

The BR-V will be equipped with the familiar 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines from the City and the Mobilio. While initial reports suggested tweaks to the tuning, the engines have been carried forward unchanged. A six-speed manual gearbox is offered as standard, while the petrol gets the additional option of a CVT gearbox.

The BR-V is backed by some strong details such as the 7-seat layout and of course, the Honda brand name, to create a strong opposition to the likes of the Creta and the Duster. But with its strong resemblance to the Mobilio, it will be interesting to see how Honda positions the small SUV and the public's reaction to it.