Honda Atlas is in process of introducing a facelift to the BR-V 7-seat MPV in Pakistan. The company is running a teaser campaign on social media captioned “Are you ready?”
While there is no mention of the vehicle or a glimpse of the vehicle on the teasers, our sources have revealed that it’s none other than the BR-V which received its mid-life refresh earlier this year. Although facelifts are introduced half-way through a products life span to keep it fresh and attractive to consumers before a new generation model replaces it, however in market like ours where there is zero competition, things can be a little different.
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Honda was once considered pioneers in introducing new models and updating facelifts in regular intervals. However for a last decade or so, they are happily following the footsteps of Pak Suzuki. Having introduced so many negligible cosmetic updates to the decade-old 5th gen City, as well as stripping off features from the new Civic facelift, it’s quite hard for us to expect the company to offer a true BR-V facelift since the company itself has distorted the meaning of this term.
Nevertheless let’s look at what the 2019 Honda BR-V offers in international markets and wait for Honda Atlas to introduce their version of the local assembled BR-V which is expected to be introduced somewhere in October 2019.
Exterior
The 2019 Honda BR-V facelift gets a revised fascia with black bar across the nose to replace the previous chrome bar, while there is still a thin chrome strip linking the headlamps. However in some markets such as Thailand, the thick chrome bar remains intact. Although the projector headlamps appear similar, but they are now accompanied by new LED daytime running lights (DRLs). The front bumper also gets design tweaks with new fog lamp surrounds and a redesigned & expanded silver skid plate.
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There are minimal changes at the back such as a fancier-looking silver diffuser section and bumper side borders that now gets vertical reflectors. The reflectors were previously mounted at the lowest part of the bumper, plus there are new 16-inch two-tone alloys on offer.
Interior
Inside, the dashboard design and steering wheel remain, but there are new tweeter speakers and new dashboard trim. The top spec BR-V gets black leather-trimmed seats with red inserts matched with red leather pads on the door armrests, leather wrapping for the steering as well as gear knob, with red stitching. Honda Indonesia also highlights thicker second row seat cushions and a new center headrest for the middle row. Plus there is also a driver seat height adjuster.
Equipment
New equipment for the 2019 Honda BR-V facelift includes an 8-inch capacitive touch screen head unit with WebLink and keyless entry with push start. However, the airbag count is still two, supplemented by ABS, VSA and hill start assist. No change to the powertrain as the BR-V continues with the 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine with 120 hp and 145 Nm paired to 6-speed manual or CVT gearbox.
Related: Honda BR-V Losing Big in Terms of Sales
Of the above changes/ improvements, how many are going to be part of the BR-V facelift in Pakistan is yet unknown at this stage, however considering the recent track record of Honda Atlas, changes are likely to be minimal. Though a new teaser image on Honda Atlas website does tell us that the new BR-V will have push button engine start-stop feature on offer.
The 2019 Honda BR-V facelift may also receive a price bump once the facelift is introduced. The Honda BR-V variants currently retails at:
|
Honda BR-V i-VTEC MT |
PKR 2,749,000 |
|
Honda BR-V i-VTEC |
PKR 2,949,000 |
|
Honda BR-V i-VTEC S |
PKR 3,099,000 |
What are your expectations with the 2019 Honda BR-V facelift in Pakistan, let us know with your comments.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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