SCALING THE HEIGHTS OF QUEZON PROVINCE IN THE HONDA BR-V

Experience a lifestyle shift from a heavy haul to the scenic, steep heights of Quezon Province’s New Diversion Road

Ever wondered if the same vehicle that survives a soul-crushing urban haul can also be your gateway to coastal peace of mind? For many, the “city grind” is a metaphorical weight. But for this journey, the weight was literal. Before we could even think of the sea breezes of Quezon, the Honda BR-V 1.5 S CVT had to prove its mettle as a logistics beast in the heart of Manila’s chaos.

The Heavy Weight Lifting of the City

Before the escape, there was the hustle. For two days, the BR-V served as a mobile warehouse for a massive circuit of the city roads. These aren’t light. The stop-and-go seems endless. Not to mention the hurdling against the heavy-hitter trucks, buses, and zipping motorcycles on both sides. Another challenge was a load that tipped the scales at over 500kg (MAKINA Yearbook), equivalent to the weight of roughly seven adult passengers. Navigating Makati and BGC, the BR-V’s CVT remained impressively smooth, while the 121 PS i-VTEC engine never felt breathless, both on maneuvering and load suspension.

The 1.5 S CVT “Sweet Spot”

The “S” variant is the unsung hero of the BR-V lineup. It prioritizes what actually matters for a lifestyle on the move:

Performance: A class-leading 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that delivers power reliably under load.
Stance: A commanding 207mm ground clearance that laughed at Manila’s potholes, even when fully loaded.
Utility: High-grade fabric seats that stay cool in the heat and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto to navigate the urban maze.

The Journey: Chasing the South

Friday night, the Yearbooks were delivered. Saturday morning, the weight was gone, and the BR-V felt reborn—peppier and ready for the roughly 194 km run to the south.

The Sweet Chill of Tayabas

No trip to Quezon is complete without a visit to Nanay Simeng’s Halo Halo. Tucked along the Pagbilao road, this legendary stop offers a “creamy-style” halo-halo that is the perfect antidote to city fatigue. It features a signature creamy texture that sets it apart from traditional versions. The open-air setting provides a relaxing atmosphere for travelers to stretch their legs.

From Manila, the stretch of SLEX is a breeze. Diversion roads starting from Alaminos to San Pablo City present a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces. Yet, the BRV’s suspension responded comfortably. allowing the passenger to feel at ease and fall asleep. Inside, the cabin space is very generous. The passenger can stretch fully and further experience the relaxed vibe of the trip.

The Versatility Check in Lucena

Passing through Lucena, we did a quick “mall hop” to test the BR-V’s urban agility. Maneuvering through the parking structures of the largest mall in Lucena showcased the vehicle’s tight 5.3m turning radius, a 4,490mm body length, and a 1,780mm width, all of which fit snugly in a crowded parking space. With ample parking for mid-sized SUVs, there’s enough room for groceries, “pasalubongs”, and bags for the 3-day trip. The cargo capacity (3rd Row Folded) 530 liters in volume or 1,032 liters in volume (2nd & 3rd Row Folded) justifies how the BRV’s capability performs well even in a multi-purpose use.

The Ascent to the New Diversion Road

The climax of the drive is the New Diversion Road in Gumaca. Known for its steep inclines and breathtaking vistas, this bypass road tested the BR-V’s climbing power. We pulled over at the Gumaca Diversion Road View Deck to grab a coffee and take in the view. It offers a panoramic town-scape over the sprawling town and the blue expanse of Lamon Bay.

The steep climb is handled effortlessly by the BR-V’s Hill Start Assist, ensuring a safe stop and start for photos.

The Verdict: Charm Under Pressure

The Honda BR-V 1.5 S CVT (PHP 1,165,000) is a rare breed. Available in Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, and Taffeta White, it redefines the “S” as not just an entry-level or Standard. It is Sensible (smart fuel economy test run at 22.6 km/L), Spacious (a max 1,030 liters by volume of max cargo space), and Strong (a haul over 500kg load and the steep Gumaca inclines). It isn’t just a car; it’s a lifestyle enabler that turns a stressful work week into a soulful weekend escape to keep you enjoying your lifestyle on wheels.