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Looking for a people-moving, seven-seater SUV that's talented at driving long distances? We put the Honda BR-V to the test.
The second-generation BR-V was introduced in 2022 to be more like an SUV and less like an MPV and competes with cars like the Mitsubishi Xpander (which has more or less the same idea) and the more expensive (but also more powerful and refined) Hyundai Grand Creta.
What makes a car good for long drives?
We reckon there are three things that make a car good for long distances: comfort, safety, and fuel efficiency. Reliability plays a huge part too, of course, because being stranded at the side of the road is not just inconvenient, it’s also very dangerous these days. Honda has roadside assistance for this very reason but Hondas are also known for their reliability, so that box is already ticked – but let’s take a closer look at how well the BR-V fares, in regard to:
Space and Comfort
The interior of the latest-generation Honda BR-V has been upgraded recently and it just feels more upmarket in general, albeit to be more functional than ‘fun’. We tested the top-spec Elegance model over the holidays because a family of 6 (stepkids included) need that extra row. The faux leather seats are plush and comfy and the seats can be arranged in a variety of configurations. Gaining access to the third row is easy enough, as Honda’s seats have the ability to tumble forward.
The two younger kids (ages 12 and 13) had to ride in the back and they were not too keen because legroom is limited, making it less than ideal for any trip that lasts longer than an hour. On the upside, space on row two is very generous, so smaller families will love the amount of boot space if the third-row seats are stowed, while everyone on board is comfortable.
With all seats in an upright position, there wasn’t much space left in the boot, but we managed to squeeze in the necessary stuff like boogie boards along with other loose items. There’s also a parcel shelf that can be adjusted to suit your storage needs.
Safety
Honda’s ACE structure takes care of the structural integrity of the BR-V which scored a 5-star crash test safety rating from ASEAN NCAP. In our top-spec Elegance model, we had the following additional safety technology that forms part of the Honda SENSING package:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Auto High-Beam (AHB)
- Lane Watch Camera (LWC)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Adaptive cruise control and steering assistance work well but deactivate at lower speeds, but since road trips are usually taken on highways and byways, it’s ideal to bring stress levels down.
A very impressive feature is the lane-watch camera (or blind-spot camera) in the Elegance model. If you indicate that you want to turn left, for example, it shows you the view of the rear-left-hand side in the central touchscreen, so you don’t accidentally change lanes when there’s oncoming traffic. You can also activate the camera view by pressing the button on the indicator stalk.
Fuel efficiency
The BR-V is still fitted with a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine and CVT gearbox, but the engine has been enhanced slightly to work more efficiently. Power figures for the BR-V come to 89kW and 145Nm which isn’t a lot for a car this size.
The Honda BR-V is quite fuel efficient but not as efficient as Honda’s numbers suggest. Our average came to around 7.4 litres per 100 km with all the kids and adults on board, but it’s still nothing to get upset about.
You’ll have to make peace with lacklustre performance, however, when the car is loaded to the hilt with 5 or 6 other people and their bags. When it’s just you and hubby it won’t be as much of a struggle to get going and absolutely fine for daily life or even a far-off holiday destination.
Competitors
The budget-conscious 7-seater Mitsubishi Xpander (From R339 995 to R359 995) and more expensive Grand Creta (also with 7 seats) also make very good alternatives. But, if you’re not in need of space for seven sets of behinds, there are other cars that also deserve a test drive, like the Kia Sonet 1.0T EX (R379 995), Volkswagen T-Cross (from R393 400), Mazda CX-3 2.0 Active (R390 500) and Renault Duster (the 1.5dCi Zen auto, R401 999 is a champ at road-trips because it uses diesel and it seems to last forever). The Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XS is priced at R413 900 and was 2023’s SA Car of the Year.
Out of all these cars, it’s only the Duster, Grand Creta and maybe the Corolla Cross that measure up to the BR-V in terms of boot space when the BR-V’s third-row seats are folded down.
If you’re just in need of space, and your budget isn’t quite as big, we think the cheaper Mitsubishi Ertiga will also do the trick.
Verdict
If you can live with the BR-V’s tendency to be a little tardy, and you can utilise that third row for luggage space instead, you’ll have all the right ingredients for a satisfying road trip, while still having enough space for carpooling during the school term.
Buying used? Here are some impressive alternatives
For the same money as the new Honda BR-V you can buy a frugal, diesel Kia Grand Sedona that is, in my books, the undisputed road-trip King (and an extra-large MPV). It has since been renamed and now goes by the name of Kia Carnival, but it’s not cheap new.
Prices start from R329 500 for a 2015 model with 130 000 km. We even managed to find a 2020 model with 62 000 km for R439 900!
How about a seven-seater SUV?
From R449 500 you can bag the latest-generation Hyundai Santa Fe – a highly underrated vehicle. This example has 33 000 km on the odometer.
Older models can be had for even lower prices!
Want to get rid of your old set of wheels, fast?
With our Instant Offer tool, you can sell your current car in no time. Try it here!
Ané AlbertseAné was bitten by the motoring bug at a very young age. Her mom recalls her sitting in her stroller as a 3-year old, naming every car that came past. She was working as a freelance motoring journalist for publications such as Rapport and City Press, when AutoTrader nabbed her for good. She lives in the Western Cape with her two kids and two cats.View News & Reviews
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