Some might agree while others would raise their eyebrows, but it is difficult to find the perfect mom-mobile than any other vehicle class there is. In an industry predominantly associated with the male specie, almost every vehicle is yielding to the palate of gents. Generally, it has become a challenge to fully cater to the matriarchs of the society. Or is it?
When Honda brought the
BR-V, it seemed like it was just doubling what they already had in the market. But this addition is more than just a bigger version of the
Honda Mobilio; it is a vehicle that's distinctly its own, and the
Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport can certainly attract its own followers.
STYLING - 8/10
On the get-go, the Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport is much like the adult version of the Honda Mobilio; the lines are similar to each other, and even the chrome accents. But there is more to it than "just that another MPV" from Honda.
Style-wise, this mommy’s car is not just for the necessity, it also aced styling. Seemingly like it lacks a little height, the Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport exudes an
athletic yet comforting feel. If it was a woman, it would be the perfect wife material: hot and fit, yet very home-ly.
EXTERIOR
The Modulo emblem itself has made this car "exceptionally Honda," add the lower garnish in the front and rear, the side under-spoilers, the tailgate spoiler, and the rear garnish all gave this MPV a sporty look.
The
201 millimeter ground clearance give it an additional sporty feel yet it's high enough to provide a comfortable ride on the asphalt, though we felt that MPVs need some height as such vehicles are used to fetch kids and buy groceries, among a plethora of other duties.
The Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport sits on 16-inch alloys, which gave it additional plus
"ganda" points without sacrificing comfort.
INTERIOR
Dirt and stain is and will always be the arch-nemesis for mothers. The black leather interior ensures that the Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport would be nearly stain- and dirt-proof. Also, the hue chosen for the interior has made it elegantly beautiful.
Keeping passengers fully hydrated has always been a priority. This
seven-seater provides
nine bottle holders, more than enough for every passenger to keep their favorite drinks within reach. But since drinks are a priority, it would have been a welcome development if a tray table was installed in it.
Those newly-treated and polished hands need an equally-soothing effect once they're in the car so, aside from the seats,
additional leather accents on the steering wheel, shift knob, and other trimmings gave it a calming yet stylish touch.
ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE - 9/10
Performance-wise, the Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport simply performs. The sudden jumps that's needed in daily traffic is easily provided with a slight push of the throttle pedal.
Powered by a
1.5-liter i-VTEC inline-four engine mated to an
Earth Dreams Technology Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Paddle Shifters, the slick MPV could be a perfect partner in city driving as it can deliver
118 hp and
145 Nm of torque.
Imagine this: an MPV that is capable of being driven from 0-100 kilometers in around
14-15 seconds, which is enough, even for the sedan category.
FUEL ECONOMY - 9/10
Sipping only a very small portion of the
42-liter fuel tank even on heavy traffic, the Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport recorded
5-10 kilometers per liter on city driving (from the heaviest and most unforgiving hour on EDSA traffic to the weekend drive in the metro) and even up to
12-13 kilometers per liter on a drive on the highway.
Such figures are similarly-received on midsize sedans, which has almost has the same powertrain as with the Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport.
The best part of it: it conforms to "green" standards as the engine is
Euro-4 compliant, ensuring clear skies for the children.
FEATURES - 8/10
The Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport has lots of features that every Honda vehicle is bragging about.
Keyless technology has made its way to Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport through the following: entry, and start/stop button, making it very innovative with its competitors in the market.
For child safety, the Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport has
ISOFIX child seat anchors. It has
two airbags in the front ( for the driver and front-seat passenger) but adding more would be a welcome development since the vehicle functions primarily as a people carrier.
Since it has ample power under the hood, Honda placed
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and
G-Force Control Body that would help keep the vehicle steady when running through curves or during an emergency braking situation.
For its infotainment system, the Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport sports a very responsive
seven-inch touch screen that can be synched on mobile device via Bluetooth. It also has HDMI and USB ports, so one could play his or her favorite music or any video that would keep children from getting antsy or noisy while inside the cabin. Getting lost on the road can also be avoided as the vehicle has its own GPS navigation system.
With all that features mentioned, the Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport doesn't have a rear-view camera, which should be added as standard on vehicles that have lengthy dimensions.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS - 8/10
Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport could be a good support during traffic, which is experienced whether in the city or on highways.
There are no sudden jolts when changing gears with the transmission. The seats are comfortable although a lumbar support for the driver would be welcome.
Although it is low enough for passengers to comfortably get in the vehicle, the driver of Honda BR-V Modulo 1.5 CVT might find the vehicle low enough not to traverse flooded or flood-prone areas.
Moreover, the Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport takes only very little space when turning with its
5.6 turning radius, making it as versatile like a sedan but with the interior space of an SUV.
Speaking of space, the Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport has ample space for seven people--five adults, two children at the rear.
Noise insulation is superb; perfect for when a toddler or infant is taking a nap at the backseat. However, the horn of the Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport seems to be facing the driver as it seems rather clear on the inside, too.
VERDICT - 8/10
Knowing that my number one backseat driver and passenger--among all passengers--was all smiles whenever we took it to work or for a spin, it is easy to say that the Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport is one of the vehicles that could be on our shortlist when you're getting an MPV.
The Honda BR-V 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo Sport is a good consideration for a big family on a budget, especially those looking for a spacious vehicle that is pegged at just below P1 million--or P1.044 million for the made followers on .
PROS & CONS
PROS
- Ample room
- Fuel efficient
- Small turning radius
- Good noise insulation
CONS
- No rearview camera
- No GPS navigation
- No lumbar support
- Horn sounds like it's facing the cabin
BREAKDOWN
STYLING - 8/10
ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE - 9/10
FUEL ECONOMY - 9/10
FEATURES - 8/10
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS - 8/10
