2019 Honda Brio: Variants explained

The all-new Honda Brio has finally made its way to the Philippines market. Sold as an entry-level hatchback, the 2019 Honda Brio is the desired model for buyers looking for sportiness and practicality in an affordable package.

Based on the new concept called ‘Proud Over Class’, the second generation Brio comes with significant improvements especially in terms of dimensions. It gets an extended wheelbase of 2,405mm which is 60mm more than its predecessor. Its cargo is 90mm bigger than the older model at 258 litres which can be extended to 710 litres with rear seats folded down. The interior space has increased considerably, and the rear passengers now get a wider surface area to sit. All have been done without affecting its manoeuvrability and compact structure.

Powered with the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC engine, the new Brio’s engine makes out 90 PS of max power at 6,000 rpm and 110 Nm of peak torque at 4,800rpm, mated to both 5-speed manual and CVT options.

There are four variants on offer namely,

• Honda Brio 1.2 S MT
• Honda Brio 1.2 V CVT
• Honda Brio 1.2 RS SVT
• Honda Brio 1.2 RS Black Top CVT

While the new Phoenix Orange color is available exclusively with 1.2 RS Black Top CVT variant, the Carnival Yellow is available with the 1.2 RS Black Top CVT and 1.2 V CVT. The Rallye Red is for the 1.2 V CVT and 1.2 S MT variants only whereas the Modern Steel Metallic is for 1.2 RS CVT, 1.2 V CVT and 1.2 S MT. The Taffeta White color, on the other hand, is available with all the variants.

Choosing a model is not quite straight-forward. Hence we explain each variant in detail in the following section. Keep reading.

Honda Brio 1.2 S MT

Priced at Php 585,000, the 1.2 S MT is the base variant of Brio that draws power from the 1.2-litre SOHC ​i-VTEC engine coupled with 5-speed manual transmission​. Up front, it gets honeycomb pattern chrome grille, Multi-reflector halogen headlamps with LED parking lights, and fender-mounted turn signals. Additionally, it gets power adjustable door mirrors, body-colored door handles and mirrors, bulb type tail lamps, black-garnished rear bumper, and 14-inch steel wheels with cover.

Inside, it gets a 1-DIN audio system with four speakers, Bluetooth, USB, and Audio streaming capabilities. Other notable features include keyless entry, ECO Lamp, Sunvisor, a 3-Spoke Urethane steering wheel, manual air conditioning, and black fabric seating. There is a 12V socket at the front. In terms of safety, it gets G-CON body structure, ABS, immobilizer, dual SRS airbags, and 3-point ELR pre-tension seatbelts.

Honda Brio 1.2 V CVT

Next up is the 1.2 V CVT variant, priced at Php 646,000, which in addition to all features mentioned above gets fog lamps, CVT system instead of a manual gearbox, 14-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth connectivity & audio streaming. The 3-Spoke Urethane with garnish gets audio controls.

In terms of safety, it gets an advantage of a security alarm system along with others included in the base variant.

Honda Brio 1.2 RS CVT

The next model in the Brio line-up is the 1.2 RS CVT, which is priced at Php 727,000. The list of added features on this model includes RS Design front grille finished in a glossy black shade with RS emblem, power adjustable side mirrors with integrated turn signals, RS Design side sills, RS Design rear bumper, tailgate spoiler and LED high mount stop lamp, and 15-inch RS Design alloys.

Inside, it gets RS Design audio-mounted steering wheel, black fabric seating with orange stitching, two additional tweeters along with four regular speakers and orange highlighting trim.

Honda Brio 1.2 RS Black Top CVT

It is the top-of-the-line model in the Brio range, which is priced at Php 732,000. Like the RS CVT variant, it gets glossy black RS Design front grille with RS emblem, 15-inch RS Design alloys, RS Design side sills, RS Design rear bumper, power folding ORVMs with turn indicators, tailgate spoiler with LED high mount stop light. What’s new is the black roof. Aside from this, everything remains the same as on the RS CVT model.