SA Roadtests
South Africa
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This is the home of automobile road tests in South Africa. I drive South African cars, SUVs and LCVs under real-world South African conditions. Many of the vehicles driven are world cars as well, so what you read here possibly applies to the models you get where you live.
My most recent drive is on the home page. Archived reviews and opinion pieces are in the active list down the left side. Hover your cursor over a heading or manufacturer's name and search through the drop-down menu that appears.
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Posted: November 10, 2022
The numbers
Price range: R379 900 to R459 900
Engine: 1498 cc, DOHC i-VTEC, 16 valve, inline four, naturally aspirated
Power: 89 kW at 6000 rpm
Torque: 145 Nm at 4300 rpm
*0-100 km/h: 12.2 seconds
*Top speed: 160 km/h
Real life fuel consumption: About 7.3 l/100 km
Tank: 42 litres
Luggage, behind third row: 244 litres VDA
Turning circle: 10.6 metres
Ground clearance: 207 mm
Standard tyre sizes: 215/60R16 or 215/55R17, model dependent
Spare: 215/60R16 steel, stored under body
Towing: Not rated
Warranty: 5 years / 200 000 km with 3 years’ roadside assistance
Service plan: Optional on Trend m/t, 2 years / 30 000 km, at 15 000 km intervals, on others
*Tested in The Phillipines
A Honda BR-V is a Honda BR-V, right? No. This second-generation version, born in 2021, is different in almost every respect.
Production was rationalised to just one assembly plant, in Indonesia, new designers created it and there are major differences in appearance, engineering and equipment.
What is new:
• Redesigned front end with new grille, LED daytime running lights and headlamps, and LED taillights,
• Enhanced suspension, braking, steering and body construction - resulting in improved strength, handling and stability, • Improved sound deadening, engine mountings and engine cover to reduce NVH,
• New 4.2-inch TFT display on Elegance version,
• New 7-inch touch screen for all models, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Comfort and Elegance gain reverse parking “camera” - a graphic with illuminated warning zones,
• New body is 37 mm longer, 45 mm wider and 6 mm lower. Three mm of that is owing to ground clearance reduced from 210 mm to 207. Wheelbase stretched from 2655 mm to 2700,
• Mass increased between 47- and 77 kg, depending on configuration,
• Previous SOHC L15Z1 motor replaced by DOHC L15ZF with one cc more capacity, a slight bump in compression ratio and one kilowatt more power, with maximum torque unchanged,
• Twenty-one litres more boot space and seat configurations that make packing options more user-friendly,
• Improved seat materials and ventilation,
• More power outlets,
• All SA models qualify for ASEAN NCAP five-star safety rating.
What is carried over:
• The optional CVT that only the infinitely patient could love,
• Forty-two litre fuel tank,
• Traditional parking brake.
Our test car was a top-of-range Elegance, so CVT was mandatory, but apart from that it enjoys special kit not fitted to others:
• Adaptive Cruise Control,
• Collision Mitigation Braking System,
• Forward Collision Warning,
• Lane Keeping Assistance,
• Road Departure Mitigation,
• Lanewatch Camera and
• Walk-away locking that’s subject to a brief time delay.
Impressions: Fans gathered around were delighted with the new 50:50-split third row seatbacks that replaced the previous one-piece unit. These fold flat rather than simply tumbling to steal space while stacked up against the second row. Folding creates a step if the baseboard is left in its lowest position but raising it permits a flat loading area that’s about 1050 mm long, up to the 60:40-split second row, or 1850 to the front seats.
Second-row seat squabs lift and fold forward to accommodate tall loads, or the whole assembly can tumble to permit access to the back row. Both chairs slide back and forth to adjust knee space for those in the extreme rear where head room is quite adequate for six-footers. While possibly best reserved for the petite and agile, adults can “Fit” in there too. Amenities include reclinable seatbacks, cup holders, oddments trays and 12-volt socket.
Middle row passengers are served by rooftop extension vents, reclinable seatbacks, map pockets – the left one includes a pouch for small electronics – medium sized door bins, an armrest without cup holders and a 12-volt outlet. The floor is almost flat so a middle passenger can get reasonably comfortable. A central courtesy lamp complements the one in front and all six outer seats are equipped with panic handles.
The pilot enjoys straightforward HVAC and sound controls; a small armrest box, medium sized cubby and door bins; Sport mode and paddles for the CVT; a further 12-volt power point and two USBs. These unfortunately don’t support MP3 music files on flash sticks. Seats adjust mechanically, including height for the driver, but the steering wheel adjusts for elevation only. Both visors are equipped with lit vanity mirrors.
This BR-V is extremely versatile and decently economical but, since I tested a first-gen model in 2019, my Jiseishin (patience or self-control) has worn thin. I would probably forego a few features and buy a manual version instead.
Test unit from Honda Motor SA press fleet
This is a one-man show, which means that every car reviewed is thoroughly researched, given my personal evaluation and receives my own seat of the pants judgement - no second hand input here.
Every test car goes through real world driving; on city streets littered with potholes, speed bumps and rumble strips, on freeways and if its profile demands, dirt roads or goat tracks as well. As a result, my test cars do occasionally get dirty. It's all part of the reviewing process.
I do my best to include relevant information like real life fuel economy or a close mathematical calculation, boot size or luggage space, whether the space is both usable and accessible, whether life-sized people can use the back seat (where that applies), basic specs of the vehicle and performance figures if they are published. In the case of clearly identified launch reports, fuel figures are of necessity the laboratory numbers provided with the release material.
If ever I place an article that doesn't cover most things, it's probably because I have dealt with a very similar vehicle already, so you will be able to find what you want in another report under the same manufacturer's heading in the menu on the left.
Hope you like what you see, because there are no commercial interests at work here. There are no advertisers and no “editorial policy” rules. I add bylines to acknowledge sponsored launch functions and the manufacturers or dealerships that provide the test vehicles. And, as quite a few readers have found, I answer every serious enquiry from my home email address, with my phone numbers attached, so you can see I do actually exist.
Comments or questions?
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SA Roadtests
South Africa
ctjag8