Life's burning passions: Driving and candle-making
This short and meaningful activity will allow you to experience the all-new Honda BR-V’s ease of use, maneuverability, and advanced safety features through the bustling streets of Metro Manila,” began Lyka Andres, section manager, PR, Honda Cars Philippines. “We are hopeful that you will see why the All New Honda BR-V makes for an ideal companion on a busy weekday or for weekend adventures, too.”
I came to BGC, Taguig, bright and early one Monday morning for a test drive to Katha Lifestyle Store + Cafe in Cubao Expo, to learn the art of making candles — but more importantly to drive the all-new BR-V for the day.
Second generation
We started the early-morning meet with breakfast at BGC.
The three variants of the 2nd generation BR-V — the S CVT, V CVT, and VX CVT Honda Sensing — were parked and waiting for their assigned drivers. I was tasked to test drive the BR-V S CVT for the day.
We were taken up to speed about the second-generation BR-V, which features a bolder, more SUV-like design that’s wrapped in a larger body with increased ground clearance.
I immediately liked the higher ground clearance of the BR-V because it makes it safe during flooded situations and driving through potholed streets. And that is always a welcome improvement.
We were told that the BR-V is powered by a 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine that gives out 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque. That engine is paired with a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), providing a smooth and efficient driving experience.
Based on the fuel economy run done with the Automobile Association Philippines, the BR-V achieved fuel economy ratings of up to 24.71 kilometers per liter for the 1.5 V CVT. The top-of-the-line 1.5 VX CVT Honda Sensing registered 23.49 kilometers per liter, and the 1.5 S CVT achieved 22.62 kilometers per liter.
Comfortable and spacious interior
Before I started to line up on the convoy for the test drive to Cubao, I took a look into the BRV- S CVT. I liked the larger body because it gives the BR-V more interior space for passengers and cargo. On top of that, I was greeted by an advanced interior with smart solutions for convenience.
I noticed that the design of the BR-V mixes the good looks of an SUV on the outside with a new grille and fog lights and 17-inch allow wheels while having passenger comforts on the inside with good leather interiors and leather finishing for the steering wheel.
I sat in the driver’s seat and saw how much road clearance there is and more importantly, my level of control of the BR-V and the road ahead. I must say that I liked that I was able to adjust the seat, allowing me to find a comfortable and ideal driving position.
Driver’s seat in place, I looked behind me and liked that the second- and third-row seat occupants would also enjoy more room inside.
I stepped outside the BR-V, folded flat the rear seats and was happy about the various configurations for carrying larger items in the cargo area. It gave the BR-V greater cargo flexibility, with its 60:40 split with One-Touch Tumble for the second-row seats, and a 50:50 split with Dive Down Mechanism for the third-row seats.
Advanced features for comfort and convenience
Engines running, as we were about to leave BGC, I was in the comfort and convenience zone that the BR-V has to offer, thanks to the Remote Engine Start system that is standard for all CVT variants. Remote Engine Start allows the driver to turn on the vehicle and its air-conditioning without having to step inside.
The all-new BR-V also makes advances in in-car entertainment by providing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in all variants, as well as steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
I was asked to take the second-to-the-last spot of our convoy, a position I really enjoy because it allows me to drive without having to worry too much about the route to the destination — all I have to do is follow.
As I sat the through the many stoplights we encountered during the drive, I was able to notice the many safety features that the BR-V is equipped with, like Speed Sensing Auto Door Locks, Dual SRS and Side Airbags, Reverse Camera with Guidelines, Driver and Front Passenger Seat Belt Reminder, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist, Security Alarm, Immobilizer, Emergency Stop Signal, and ISO Fix Child Seat Anchor.
With all these safety features, the all-new BR-V was awarded a five-star rating in the latest ASEAN NCAP testing (New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia).
Just Drive
It took about one and a half hours to drive from BGC, Taguig, to Cubao Expo, Quezon City. Blame the Monday-morning traffic.
But I didn’t mind the length of the drive, as I was really into how comfortable the ride in the BR-V was and how relaxed I felt at the wheel. I enjoyed the solo drive.
The SUV I was following arrived at Katha by 11 a.m.
It was like driving to a past life because I had not been to Cubao since I was in college — and that seemed like light years ago.
I noticed that some things were new, but the vibe of the area seemed to have remained the same through the years — relaxed and artsy.
Soon, all the drivers were ready to learn the art of making candles.
We listened to the history of candle making and soon enough we got the kit needed to make the candles.
It was a “chill” morning drive, and although the traffic was a little heavy, the drive in the Honda BR-V was comfortable and easy.
As for the candle making, I had fun. Just following what I am told to do is sometimes a welcome thing to do, and I did get to design my own candle.
Any day is fun when I can get behind the wheel for a test drive and not have to rush or worry about the time it gets to make it to the destination. Fun day.
Drive on.
