A happy camper on the Honda Brio

A compact car with a big punch was my first thought when I got to test drive the Honda Brio over the long holiday. 

And, I was not to be disappointed as this little car delivered everything I look for when driving through Metro Manila’s over overcrowded streets.

Sure, the streets were quite empty on the papal holiday — but I did try to take the Brio to Mall of Asia, the closest parking place I could get so that I could see Pope Francis up close. And, I was glad I did because it was a breeze to park, even in the tight spaces that were available at the time.

I really fell in love with the interiors of this little baby because of its simplicity.  There were no were no buttons I did not understand, and everything was within easy reach of the driver.

The interior of the Brio Amaze features a beige interior for a premium and elegant feel. The Brio Amaze’s instrument cluster is similar to the Brio but with a black face, and it carries a different Honda navigation system which features functions such as CD/DVD playback, auxiliary-in, USB, and Bluetooth hands-free telephone and audio streaming.

A GLIMPSE OF THE PAPAL MOBILE

I was also drawn to just how much special preference has been given to comfort, convenience and space, which are essentials when driving.

Yes, space. I had put my gym bag in the trunk. It was really roomy. Since I could not carry many things with me if I wanted to get a glimpse of the papal mobile — I made sure that I had everything I needed in the trunk of the Brio. And, yes, everything fit perfectly.

When the all-new Brio (hatchback) and the Brio Amaze were launched last year, Honda Philippines president and general manager Toshio Kuwahara said, “These cars were specifically developed to match the evolving needs of our customers. We are revealing Honda’s answer to the small car for Filipino motorists. We are joining the small car segment in a big way by setting a new standard with these two vehicles.”

The Brio (Italian for “energetic” and “cheerful”) series, was especially created for the emerging demands of the Asian market — automobiles that will facilitate personal mobility. The Brio model’s development is backed by Honda’s extensive experience in creating compact cars such as the Jazz and City which are examples of the application of Honda’s “man maximum, machine minimum” design concept. While relatively the most affordable car in Honda’s vehicle line-up, the Brio models proudly embody high levels of Honda DQR — durability, quality and reliability. 

As I drove the Brio I was reminded of an article I had read about the Brio being the smallest vehicle in Honda’s lineup, measuring at 3,610mm (length), 1,680mm (width) and 1,485mm (height) with 2,345mm wheelbase, while the Brio Amaze is longer than its hatchback version measuring at 3,990mm (length) with 2,405mm wheelbase. Given these figures, the Brio Amaze enjoys a roomier interior and a larger trunk capacity of 400 liters.

While I was behind the wheel, I did not feel that I was driving a small car because the Brio performed just like all the Honda vehicles do. It was efficient when I wanted to overtake the slower moving vehicles on the road and it was powerful when I took it for a spin on the SLEX.

I guess it must be because the Brio and Brio Amaze are available with a four-cylinder, 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine, that delivers a maximum power output of 100 ps at 6000 rpm, making it the most powerful in the mini compact segment. This engine is mated with either first-in-class, five-speed automatic transmission and five-speed manual transmission, which help realize better fuel efficiency. With their compact size and powerful engine, both the Brio and Brio Amaze provide comfortable mobility in a wide variety of driving situations —  from start up acceleration, to hill climbs and twists.

That both the Brio and Brio Amaze  feature chrome grilles, fog lights, and 14-inch alloy wheels is a definite plus in my book. Who doesn’t enjoy a car that is not only a performer, but is a great looker as well?   Added to the Brio’s exterior is a tailgate spoiler.

Being true to Honda’s commitment to customer safety, all variants of the Brio and Brio Amaze have standard safety equipment of dual SRS airbags and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Well, I did make it to the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Quirino Ave. on Jan. 18 by foot.  And, like the thousands who waited at the corner of these two streets, I did get a glimpse of Pope Francis on the popemobile. 

I walked back to MOA where I had parked the Honda Brio. It was a rainy day, I was soaked and really tired. I am glad the Honda Brio was waiting there for me, because it made the drive home a breeze, just what I needed on this very special day.