Honda has taken the covers off the close-to-production Honda BR-V prototype today at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2015. Billed as a new-generation ‘crossover utility vehicle’, it clubs SUV looks, handling and utility with the spaciousness of an MPV.

The BR-V, which stands for Bold Runabout Vehicle, is powered by a 1.5-litre, i-VTEC engine which develops 120bhp and 145 Nm of torque, mated with either a new 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Honda BR-V is set to be sold first in Indonesia in early 2016, followed by other countries including India. Production of the vehicle will start at the PT Honda Prospect Motor’s (HPM) Karawang factory in January 2016.

Speaking at the world premiere of the vehicle, Noriaki Abe, chief operating officer for Regional Operation (Asia and Oceania) of Honda Motor Co, said: “Honda started business in Indonesia in 1971, and the importance of this country for Honda’s auto business has been increasing year by year. The Honda BR-V was developed to fulfill the needs of Indonesian customers.

In end-June, Honda has released the first official sketches of its all-new BR-V Prototype, a new-generation crossover utility vehicle.

In an attempt to provide localised products worldwide, Honda says it has been focused on strengthening R&D in each region to create more self-reliant operations. Based on its capability to develop regional models, Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. (HRAP) in Thailand developed the new BR-V for the Asian market. This is the third model developed by HRAP.

BR-V is India-bound
The BR-V is expected to be launched in India in 2016. The BR-V is based on the same platform as the Brio hatchback, Amaze sedan and the Mobilio MPV which are sold in India. Expect to see the BR-V to be displayed at the 2016 Auto Expo in New Delhi next February. 

The new BR-V features a tough and solid exterior design with high ground clearance, big and stylish alloy wheels and sleek roof rails. The model also offers a comfortable and spacious cabin with seven seats in a three-row configuration.

From the side, the BR-V is likely to look similar to the Mobilio MPV, thanks to similar doors and window-line but will get additional ground clearance and unique body cladding along with larger alloy wheels.

In India, the new Honda BR-V will directly compete with the likes of the Mahindra Scorpio, Renault Duster and the recently-launched Hyundai Creta.