HONDA BR-V

There’s an old adage that suggests that good things come in threes. In motoring parlance it looks as if Honda have achieved just that with the addition of the all-new mini SUV BR-V, alongside progressively bigger siblings the HR-V and CR-V.

Instantly recognisable as a member of the Honda family, the new BR-V features bold, distinctive styling and a sporty, agile appearance, linked to the raised stance (210 mm) and rugged appeal that's expected from a SUV. Factor in Honda quality build and adaptability and you have real value for money.

The seven-seater (three rows) BR-V comes in a five-model line-up in three trim levels (Trend, Comfort and Elegance). It's easy on the eye with front and rear bumper garnishes, roof rails and 16-inch wheels being key visual elements. The striking front grille, with its bold, chrome-embellished crossbar and prominent Honda logo, endow the BR-V with a distinctive personality. The interior is comprehensively equipped, with premium materials and finishes for a smart, upmarket ambience. Even the entry-level Trend derivative offers airconditioning, front and rear electric windows and remote keyless entry. A four-speaker audio system with USB connectivity is standard, along with Bluetooth.

Instrumentation includes a speedometer, rev counter, and a digital multifunction information display that offers information on fuel consumption, range, fuel level, odometer, a trip meter and temperature. There's also a classy centre stack, with silver accents and piano black surfaces, that's home to a fourspeaker audio system with FM Stereo/am tuner, as well as a USB socket. (The controls for the air-conditioning are located below the audio system.)

Power (common across the range) is courtesy of a 1,5-litre I-VTEC motor (88 kw/145 N.m), while buyers get to choose between a six-speed manual gearbox and Honda's refined continuously variable transmission (CVT). In the case of the latter, paddle shifts are provided for manual shifting between the CVT'S virtual ratios.

NEED TO KNOW

ENGINE 1,5-litre I-VTEC CO 51 g/km (man)

2 EFFICIENCY 6,3 L/100 km (man) POWER/TORQUE 88 kw/145 N.m TRANSMISSION 6M or CVT 0-100 KM/H N/A AFTER-SALES 5-year/200 000 km warranty, 3 years AA Roadside Assistance. Comfort and Elegance models get a 2-year/30 000km service plan. PRICE from R238 900

NEED TO KNOW:

MITSUBISHI PAJERO LWB 3,2 DI-DC GLS 4X4 A/T ENGINE: 3,2-litre inline four turbocharged diesel POWER: 147 kw @ 3 800 r/min TORQUE: 441 N.m @ 2 000 r/min GROUND CLEARANCE: 235 mm TOWING CAPACITY (BRAKED): 3 300 kg WEIGHT: 3 030 kg WARRANTY: 3-year/100 000 km manufacturer warranty MAINTENANCE PLAN: 5 year/100 000 km (10 000 km service intervals) PRICE: R739 900