The first generation Honda Brio proved to be a capable offering in the automotive A-segment, boasting of solid performance carried by Honda’s renowned build quality. This year, Honda plans to dominate the segment with an all-new Honda Brio, improved in every way, launched last April 24.
All-new design
We first saw a glimpse of what the Brio’s possible refresh would look like when Honda revealed the “Small RS Concept” at the 26th Indonesia International Motor Show in April of last year. The second- generation Honda Brio was launched in Indonesia shortly after, and it’s this all-new model that’s finally arrived in our shores. While still based on the same platform as the previous model, it’s been completely redone inside and out, finally joining the rest of the Honda lineup with its design language.
The all-new Brio sports a strong, sporty front fascia that blends with its character lines, featuring a honeycomb front grille and multi-reflector halogen headlights with LED parking light guides, which contribute to a wider look and strong sense of motion with a sporty expression.
At the rear, the all-new Brio now features a new tailgate as compared to the large glass panel found in its predecessor. This not only improves rear visibility but also provides better body rigidity, which helps increase the stiffness of the body structure for passenger safety. In addition, new rear combination lamps with rear reflectors are also found at the back. The large external red lenses of the tail and brake lights expand to the edge of the vehicle, emphasizing the Brio’s wide rear stance. The all-new Brio sits on 14-inch alloy wheels for 1.2 V CVT variant offering a sporty feeling with its triple dynamic design complimenting the all-new Brio’s sleek and sporty stance.
Compared to the previous model, the new Brio’s interior is a huge improvement. The dashboard is now closer to that of the Honda Jazz, with a futuristic, updated style that makes the Brio feel much more upscale than the outgoing model. Gone are the circular air vents, odd instrument cluster configuration and cheap-looking air-conditioning controls, now replaced with sleek rectangular vents, a simpler-yet-sleeker looking instrument cluster, and air-conditioning controls lifted from the BR-V.
Honda Brio RS trim
The Honda Brio now gets a sporty RS trim for its top-of-the-line model. The Brio RS features an aggressive sporty exterior design with its RS Design piano black front grille, RS Design 15-inch alloy wheels, RS Design side sill garnish and rear bumper garnish, and tailgate spoiler. The Brio RS’ interior complements its sporty exterior with orange accents on both the dashboard and door trims. The Brio RS also features a seven-inch touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity for audio streaming. The Brio RS is the only trim that features a six-speaker audio set up inclusive of an additional two tweeters which allows for an enhanced audio experience.
New engine
Powering the all-new Brio is a new 1.2-liter, four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC engine that produces 90 Ps at 6,000 rpm and 110 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm, mated to Honda’s Earth Dreams continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the smaller-displacement engine provides less output than its predecessor, the new powertrain is designed to provide smoother off-the-line acceleration and improved fuel efficiency over the previous generation’s 1.3-liter engine. For those who prefer driving a manual transmission, a five-speed manual transmission option will be available for the 1.2 S MT Variant.
Safety features
In terms of safety, the all-new Brio boasts a four-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating as it comes equipped with the essential active and passive vehicle safety features. Honda’s G-CON technology enhances impact absorption for the added protection of passengers in an event of a collision. In addition, all variants of the all-new Brio will get dual front driver and front passenger SRS airbags and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard
The all-new Brio will be available at all 38 Honda dealerships nationwide and will be available in five colors: Phoenix Orange, Carnival Yellow, Rallye Red, and Modern Steel Metallic.
Honda will be offering the All-New Honda Brio at the following Special Introductory Suggested Retail Prices until June 2019: 1.2 RS Black Top Navi CVT: P732,000; 1.2 RS Navi CVT: P727,000; 1.2 V CVT: P646,000; and 1.2 S MT: P585,000.
By Chris Van Hoven