Compromise isn’t all bad
You can have it all.
That’s what those dreamy ads you watch online tell you. This should, of course, come as no surprise – neoliberal capitalism thrives on not only creating wants and needs, but also on perpetuating the fantasy of being able to satisfy all of your wants and needs.
Paradoxically, this state of total contentment must forever remain a fantasy, for it is the pursuit of having it all that drives you to buy and consume more and more. Indeed, this mindset is what seems to make compromise such a dirty word.
New-car buyers often face dealing with compromises, thanks to a tight budget – either get the snazziest variant of a smaller vehicle or lose all the toys in exchange for greater space and practicality. We explore the latter scenario with the base-model 2025 Honda BR-V S.
Crisp styling
Having tested the entire BR-V lineup as of press time, this variant doesn’t really show that it’s the cheapest in the range.
The familiar chrome strip with the Honda Cars badge runs across the entire width of the hood, extending all the way into the powerful LED headlights. Flanking the matte-black front grille are LED fog lights perched inside bracket-shaped housings.
Down the side, the BR-V S still has a prominent beltline and a kinked rear-quarter window. Even the two-tone, 17-inch alloy wheels are the same as the pricier variants, framed by tasteful amounts of protective black cladding.
But it’s out back where the jig is up – there is no model badge above the i-VTEC lettering on the tailgate (what a giveaway). Nonetheless, the pert rear bumper and large LED taillights tell everyone that you’re in Honda Cars Philippines’ best-selling seven-seater.
Utilitarian interior
It’s inside where the “compromises” become more apparent.
The wonderfully soft leather upholstery in the V and VX models has been replaced by rather coarse fabric. Combined with the hard plastics littered all over the vehicle, it’s hard to escape that you’re in the entry-level model.
Happily, the powerful climate-control system has easily understandable buttons. And while the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is not particularly clear or sophisticated (the same goes for the reversing camera), it is wonderfully easy to navigate.
Seven passengers can sit comfortably in the BR-V, although the front passengers will notice the inadequate thigh support that all models seem to have. Those in the second row may also find the bench a touch too narrow, but the roof-mounted blower provides additional ventilation on sweltering days.
Nonetheless, the third-row seats fold flat for a nicely shaped, 530-liter cargo area that expands to a voluminous 1,032 liters with all seats folded.
Exemplary performance
While the BR-V S falls short in the cabin department, it certainly takes the lead under the hood.
Its 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine is one of the most powerful among the small multi-purpose vehicles (MPV), pumping out 119 horsepower and 145 Newton-meters of torque. Acceleration is brisk, thanks to the excellent pairing with the continuously variable transmission.
However, as with all BR-Vs, this engine is raucous at high RPM because of the minimal interior soundproofing. The suspension is likewise quite harsh over bumps and imperfections – rivals like the Mitsubishi Xpander and the Hyundai Stargazer offer more serene progress.
On the move, this Honda has light albeit rather numb steering, with a ratio that translates to more turning than expected for a car this small and light. And while the brakes are strong, the spongy pedal makes modulation quite tricky.
But where the BR-V really shines is fuel consumption – 10 to 13 kilometers per liter in the city and 20 to 23 kilometers per liter on the expressway put numerous subcompact sedans and even seven-seat, turbodiesel, sport-utility vehicles to shame.
Not a downgrade
On the whole, the P1,155,000 2025 Honda BR-V S ticks all the right boxes for people who prioritize pragmatism over bedazzlement.
Spacious, punchy and economical, it serves as an ideal commuter car or family shuttle, whether driving through congested city streets or heading out on long trips. I just wish that it had the excellent Honda SENSING active-safety suite – not so far-fetched, given that Honda Cars Philippines Inc. has included this life-saving system in all variants of the cheaper City.
It’s also worth mentioning that the P1,216,000 Mitsubishi Xpander GLS and the P1,198,000 Hyundai Stargazer GLS not only offer a quieter drive, but also more features like cruise control. However, the Honda quite easily outguns these two rival MPVs, all while offering truly exceptional fuel economy.
Despite what all the ad agencies say, compromise is inevitable in life – but at least products like the BR-V S don’t leave you out in the cold when you’re on a shoestring budget.
