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• The face lifted Honda BRV is currently on long term test with Wheels24
• This is the 1.5 Elegance (manual) version
• The BRV is able to accommodate seven passengers
Two months into the long term test with the Honda BRV, and the Uber drive jokes have stopped. Thank goodness, because the BRV is more than a popular car for Uber XL drivers.
The face lifted model features a LED daytime running lights, projector halogen headlamps and a wide front grill design. There are also side skirts, chrome roof rails, door handles and body-coloured side mirrors.
The chrome grille and chrome spotlight surrounds add some glitz to the front. The front end offers decent looks when all the elements are taking into consideration.
Inside you'll find a 17cm touchscreen display with Bluetooth smartphone connectivity and integrated rear view camera. The rear park distance control sensors come in handy in unison with the camera to make sure one does not cause damage.
Image: Wheels24 / Sean Parker
Funnily enough I've really enjoyed driving the BRV. The zesty 1.5-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine produces 88kW and 145Nm and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
It has been lekker to ring the neck of the naturally aspirated engine and the manual 'box is satisfying to use. I've become accustomed to driving test cars fitted with an automatic gearbox and the change to changing my own gears is rewarding. Thankfully I haven't had to deal with any traffic.
The BRV's fuel consumption has averaged around 6.9-litres per 100km, Honda has a claimed figure of 6.3-litres per 100km. Sixth gear is obviously best for cruising and the cabin offers decent NVH levels when on the highway.
The electrically-powered windows and leather seats are some of basic niceties offered in the Elegance model. There's a large cubbyhole and a myriad of storage binnacles.
The ride is comfortable, soaking up bumps and ruts in the road. It rides on 16-inch wheels with 195/60 section tyres front and rear.
The BRV's practicality and massive boot came in handy when I chucked two benches in the back. I folded down the third row of seats which creates 691 litres of boot space and made packing the items into the boot a breeze.
Catch up with me for the next instalment.
The entire BRV range come standard with a five-year or 200 000km warranty. Our Elegance model also features a new four-year or 60 000km extended service plan for peace of mind.
Image: Wheels24 / Sean Parker
