The latest Honda BR-V appears to have ditched its MPV roots in favour of a more crossover-esque approach, with more youthful styling and a better-crafted interior while maintaining its practicality, but how does it compare with two established rivals? For today's comparison, we will be comparing the Trend-spec BR-V with the Zen model Renault Duster and Luxury-spec Haval Jolion to determine which offers the best value for money.
Practicality
The trio are all very similar in terms of dimensions, but it is the Honda that offers seating for seven occupants and has the biggest boot with the third row stowed at 691-litres. In second position is the Renault with reasonable space for five occupants, 207mm of ground clearance and a 478-litre boot while the Jolion offers just 337-litres of boot space, 168mm of ground clearance but offers impressed rear occupant space.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Corsa is at a disadvantage, sporting the lowest power and torque figures, followed by the Kia which has a lower torque figure than the Clio while coming in over 150kg heavier than the Renault. When looking at efficiency, all three products have nearly identical claimed fuel consumption figures, with Renault just pipping the Opel and Kia to the post.
| Honda BR-V 1.5 Trend | Haval Jolion 1.5T Luxury | Renault Duster 1.5dCi Zen auto | |
| Engine | 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo petrol | 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol | 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual | 6-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Power | 89 kW | 105 kW | 80 kW |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 210 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Kerb weight | 1 225kg | 1 345kg | 1 241kg |
| Boot space | 691-litres (third row stowed) | 337-litres | 478-litres |
| CO2 emissions | 163 g/km | 172 g/km | 126 g/km |
| Fuel consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km | 4.8 L/100km |
| Price | R379 900 | R377 950 | R386 900 |
*This table was compiled with information sourced from www.duoporta.co.za as well as the official press releases of each model.
Specification
All three models feature with ABS, airbags (four in the BR-V and Duster and six in the Jolion), ISOFIX child seat anchor points, rood rails, multifunction steering wheels, front and rear electric windows, a touchscreen audio system with smartphone connectivity and remote central locking. Both the Renault and Haval get climate control, cruise control as well as rear PDC with a reverse camera. The Haval gets added features such as a sunroof, keyless entry/start and artificial leather seats.
Safety
The Honda was crash tested by the ASEAN NCAP programme in 2022 and received 44.54 points from a possible 51. The Haval was tested by the ANCAP programme in 2022 and received a 5-Star rating with 90% for adult occupant safety, 84% for child occupant safety, 64% for pedestrian safety and 92% for its safety assistance systems. In 2017, Euro NCAP tested the Renault, achieving a 3-Star safety rating, with 71% for adult occupant safety, 66% for child occupant safety, 56% for pedestrian safety and 37% for its safety assistance systems.
Warranty and maintenance
In the warranty and service plan departments, the Honda offers a 5-year/200 000km warranty and an optional service plan while the Haval gets a 5-year/100 000km warranty and 5-year/60 000km service plan and the Renault a 5-year/150 000km warranty and a 3-year/45 000km service plan. This makes the Jolion the best offering thanks to its superior service plan.
Verdict
Looking at the data, the three products compared are all impressive options, but there can only be one winner and that is the Haval Jolion, packing in-car technologies and a solid aftersales package, although, those after the most frugal should look at the Duster.
