Honda BR-V trims head to head: here's our winner
Honda updated its BR-V SUV range this month and with it comes subtle cosmetic changes. Improvements were also made to the BR-V’s on-road drivability and comfort through the addition of new features and added noise insulation. Here’s how each trim differs after the update.
Three trims remain to be available for the Honda BR-V: Trend, Comfort, Elegance.
Honda BR-V Trend
The Honda BR-V Trend is the base model. It is characterized by upmarket and eye-catching styling, with comprehensive colour-coding matched to blacked-out B and C panels, contrasting wheel arch surrounds and lower protective trim panels on the Trend derivative. The wide front grille design and aluminium roof rails with a sleek silver finish highlight the stylish and sporty appeal of the vehicle.
The Trend model’s front end now features eye-catching LED Daytime Running Lights positioned beneath the halogen projector-style headlights in the cluster.
Honda maintains the BR-V’s rugged SUV appearance and practicality as the key selling points. The BR-V has a 210 mm ground clearance and rolls around on 16-inch steel wheels embraced with 195/65R16 tyres said to be advantageous for less-than-perfect roads
The BR-V has a spacious and versatile layout inside and can carry up to 7 passengers. Passenger space can be reduced to increase cargo capacity. The second-row bench features a 60:40 split with reclining backrest. The smaller seat section can be folded forward to provide easy access to the 50:50 split third-row seats.
In terms of safety, ABS anti-lock brakes are fitted across the range, along with dual front airbags. Anti-theft security is provided by means of an engine immobilizer, remote central locking and speed-sensitive auto door locking. There are electric windows all-round and an air-conditioning system add comfort and convenience. Furthermore, there's a four-speaker audio system which incorporates Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
Related: Shop through our listings to find your own Honda BR-V
Honda BR-V Comfort
The BR-V Comfort can be distinguished by its 16-inch alloy wheels and rear parking sensors which appear on this model for the first time.
The Comfort specification comes with a fully automated climate control system which features roof-mounted vents between the front and centre rows to distribute air to the rear-seat passengers. The driver’s seat benefits from height adjustment and a centre armrest.
Additional features include an auto up/down function for the driver’s window, power switch to allow locking and unlocking from inside the car, as well as a factory-fitted alarm system.
Related: Haval H2 vs Toyota Rush vs Honda BR-V: which one is the best value for money?
Honda BR-V Elegance
Exclusive to the updated flagship BR-V Elegance model is a new 7-inch Display Audio system, located above the climate controls in the centre stack of the dashboard. The full-colour display incorporates an integrated reverse parking camera, which complements the newly-introduced rear parking sensors.
Visually the Elegance model stands out thanks to its silver-hued front and rear bumper garnishes, chrome finishes for the door handles and side door protectors, along with front fog lights.
Luxurious leather upholstery adorns the seats which further enhances the upmarket cabin ambience, while Honda’s Smart Entry system allows convenient keyless unlocking and starting of the car without the driver having to remove the key from their pocket or bag.
Our winner
The Elegance CVT model would be the one we head for at R333 000 (R314 400 for the manual). In Chad Luckhoff’s article it also shows the Elegance CVT model is the one with second-least depreciation in the BR-V range (Read here: Which Honda BR-V trim holds its value better?) after the Trend model. It’s also much more aesthetically pleasing and comes with a few more convenience features for its price.
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