2019 Honda Brio: Hatches in the opposition

Honda increased the competition in the hatchback segment when it recently launched the 2019 Brio. The outgoing model of the Brio has been around for many years now and it really needed an upgrade if it had to survive in the market. Honda, although a bit late, did understand this and hence, brought us the updated Brio. On the 2019 Honda Brio specs sheet is a new 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine that replaces the old 1.3-litre unit.

The new mill produces a maximum power of 90 PS at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 110 Nm at 4,800 rpm. Honda has also provided a manual transmission, but for that, you’d need to buy the base model. The other two models come with Honda’s Earth Dreams technology CVT. The new Brio looks refreshing thanks to its new design and elements. Honda has also improved the interior by implementing features like a new 7-inch touch screen infotainment system that supports Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Even though the Brio is one of the latest models in the hatchback segment, it still faces quite a bit of heat from its rivals. So, which other hatches are here in the opposition? Let’s find out. The 2019 Honda Brio price starts at Php 585,000 and the hatchback is available in three variants - S MT, V CVT, and RS CVT.

Toyota Wigo

Being the most affordable Toyota in the country doesn’t mean that the Wigo is dull. Toyota Wigo is a youthful-looking hatchback that is available at a starting price of Php 547,000. There’s something different about this car because as has won the Model of the Year (MOY) award three times (2015, 2017, and 2018). Moreover, it has also won the 2018 Automobile of the Year (AOY).

The Toyota Wigo specs reveal a 998 cc four-cylinder engine which produces 67 PS of power and 89 Nm of peak torque. These figures might look insufficient to power this car but that is not the case. Of course, the Wigo isn’t meant for hardcore driving. It’s a city car that offers attractive and funky looks with a decent amount of interior space even with its compact dimensions. Drive this car in a sane manner and you’d be happy with its fuel efficiency as well. There are three Toyota Wigo variants available in the Philippines - 1.0 EM T, 1.0 G MT, and 1.0 G AT. The Toyota Wigo price for its most expensive model is Php 621,000. You can also choose from the six colors that are available - Black, Red, White, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, and Orange Metallic.

Mitsubishi Mirage

Mitsubishi Mirage is another good option in the hatchback segment. The Mitsubishi Mirage price starts from Php 659,000 and goes up to Php 763,000. Unlike the Wigo, the design of this car is a mixture of funkiness and elegance. Perhaps, the added chrome bits and parts at the front do the job. We like the way the Mirage looks and how Mitsubishi has managed to build a decent-sized cabin with compact dimensions.

The interior of the Mirage comes with a number of interesting features like a 300 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system that supports Link Display Audio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The quality of materials used is pretty decent. Of course, you can fold the rear row to increase the boot capacity. The Mitsubishi Mirage specs tell us that powering the Mitsubishi Mirage is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine which produces 78 PS of max power and 100 Nm of peak torque. The hatch comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or a CVT transmission, depending on the variant you pick.

Chevrolet Spark

The Chevrolet Spark is another good-looking hatchback. It seems that in terms of design, we have quite a handful of handsome cars in this segment. Anyways, the Chevrolet Spark tries to charm you with its large headlamps and LED daytime running lights. Its rear end also looks good enough. The American hatch is available in 7 different colors - Switchblade Silver, Caribbean Blue, Black Meet Kettle, Pull Me Over Red, Son Of A Gun Gray Metallic, Burning Hot Metallic, and Merry Berry Me Metallic.

The Chevrolet Spark specs reveal that under the hood of this hatch is a 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine that has been tuned to produce a maximum power of 99 PS and 94 Nm of peak torque. While the base 1.4L LT MT model comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox, the other two variants are equipped with a CVT. The Chevrolet Spark price starts from Php 694,888 and reaches Php 859,888 for the top-of-the-line model. The interior of the Spark offers decent cabin space. The steering wheel comes with mounted audio controls. There’s a 7-inch infotainment system that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is applaudable for a car in this price bracket and segment.

Toyota Wigo, Mitsubishi Mirage, and Chevrolet Spark are the three best competitors that stand against the 2019 Honda Brio. There is no doubt that the competition in this segment is more intense than ever before, is there?