9000 bookings for a 7 seat crossover at RM85,000. This is Honda BR-V

March 13, 2017

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Most drivers of a 7-seater people carrier will be satisfied with a large boxy bread box design, however Malaysians and most of the ASEAN nations have been given a taste of Honda’s latest offering. A best seller already in all other countries it has been launched, the BR-V now stands to be a best seller also in Malaysia with an impressive bookings number of 9,000 units at the time of us writing this review.

So what did we think of the Malaysian version of the BR-V after an overnight drive to sunny Penang island?

It is good enough to make light work of commuting around town and equally agreeable round twisty older country roads with its good handling and light steering.
The BR-V also rides compliantly and makes smooth work of negotiating road imperfections; even the many speed humps that Malaysians have to deal with in every state.
The best part is this BR-V has safe and unexpectedly nimble handling.
Obviously buyers of a 7–seater vehicle are not looking for Honda Civic type driving entertainment but this BR-V handles more than keenly enough for a seven-seater.

The BR-V steers and drives as fluently as a family saloon. It also rides compliantly and makes smooth work of negotiating road imperfections even the many speed humps that we Malaysians are famous for.

Now for the cabin of this vehicle.

Getting in is easy thanks to wide opening doors especially the extra long rear doors. Inside, the smart looks continue with a sweeping dash and attractive styling. A nice black trim sits around the cabin and fit and finish is hard to fault.

The driver and front passenger sit in well-shaped seats and you will immediately feel comfortable unless you have a BIG weight issue. On our long drive to Penang this feeling lasts with good upper back and shoulder support and we had enough headroom, but then we are not a basketball player.

How are the rear seats?

Row-two passengers are as well catered for with loads of space around their heads and legs and reclining seatbacks (YES, the 2^nd row seats recline a few degrees to offer resting comfort) to increase comfort levels. 3 passengers can travel comfortably side-by-side in the middle row.

Right at the back, the 6^th and 7^th passengers have individual seats in the 3^rd row with good air condition vents and they will accommodate an adult but really are best for youngsters. This second row seats also folds for extra cargo room.

If you’re looking for a seven-seat vehicle and do not want a boxy MPV, or even if you’re not looking or needing a 7 seat vehicle, this Honda is a solid buy that is pleasant enough to be a daily office commuter and a weekend lifestyle vehicle for your bikes, diving equipment or even your group of friends who love food hunting in the smaller Malaysian towns.