The latest tech in the Honda Brio for better mobility

MANILA, Philippines — It was a few months ago when Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) introduced the all-new 2019 Honda Brio as Honda’s entry to the A-Segment passenger car category. This is a response to customers who aspire to own and experience Honda’s signature sporty and practical characteristics in an affordable package.

I was told that the second generation, all-new Brio was developed based on the grand concept “Proud Over Class.” The grand concept stemmed from the intention to improve aspects of the vehicle that its users need.

Bigger means better

As I took the Brio for a spin and I immediately noticed the additional 60mm of extended wheelbase and 90mm of extended cargo area compared to its predecessor. This allows it to have larger interior space that can accommodate a bigger rear seat for a spacious rear passenger cabin and bigger trunk space that can easily accommodate large items while maintaining a compact body size for easier maneuverability. And for those families that like to take their Brio shopping — now is the time to do it.

Did you know that this compact car drives like a bigger engine unit? Its 1.2 liter 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC engine produces a maximum power 11.2 kg-m of torque at 4,800 rpm. Matched with to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) developed based on Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology. The engine and transmission combined provide a smooth, powerful off-the-line acceleration and efficient fuel economy for Honda’s new small hatchback. And for those who prefer driving a Manual Transmission, a five-Speed Manual Transmission option is a dream. It is this kind of engine that makes moving people from one place to another not only comfy, but efficient and cheaper, too.

Dynamic and mature exterior

The Brio boasts dynamic and mature exterior styling aligned with the “Proud Over Class” grand concept. This aims to provide a sleek and sporty profile emphasizing low center of gravity and wide stance for Honda’s A-Segment hatchback. The 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 contributes to a wider look and strong sense of motion with a sporty expression.

At the rear, the new tailgate rather that a glass in its predecessor is located. This allows the all-new Brio to maintain an excellent rear visibility and provide improved body rigidity, which helps improve stiffness of the body structure while providing safety for passengers. In addition, new Rear Combination Lamps with Rear Reflectors are also found at the back of the All-New Brio. The large external red lenses of the tail and brake lights expand to the edge of the vehicle, emphasizing the Brio’s rear wide stance. 

Before I drive

I give the interiors one more look — these revolve around the area of comfort, harmony, and high quality, which can be seen and felt in the high quality interior materials that provide a sporty yet comfortable feel. A number of technology features have also found their way to Honda’s new subcompact Hatchback.

For added convenience, the all-new Brio now features Manual Air Conditioning with Digital Display. For the in-car entertainment, two different audio head unit options can be found at the center of the all-new Brio: a seven-inch touchscreen audio system for the 1.2 V CVT, and a one-Din Audio head unit for the 1.2 S MT. The two audio systems, despite their difference both provide a more intuitive entertainment functionality as then allow passengers to connect their devices via Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming or connect their devices via USB port connection, which would allow various multimedia devices to be controlled through the audio systems.

Popular and high tech

With its popularity as a sport compact car in the Southeast Asian Market, the RS variant was developed to express Honda’s Sporty Spirit. The RS variant aims to enhance the sporty exterior design of the Brio, which represents Honda’s vision of a small sporty car. It 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. All of these added features give the all-new Brio a more enhanced sporty exterior look.

There is always much to be said about the safety of a car. And the Honda Brio does not lack in these features. It 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. All of these are what give the driver and passenger’s peace of mind while on the road.

The Brio is sooo much fun to drive and it has great muscle: it can weave in and out of Manila’s busy streets. Mobility just got better.