Honda Brio Amaze - Hits & misses

The Honda Brio Amaze is the Japanese automaker’s entry-level sedan. Compared to the original Brio-A city hatchback, Honda designed the Brio Amaze with more compact dimensions and a longer wheelbase. This resulted in more legroom for passengers and some added cargo space, making it ideal for families.

The Brio Amaze is currently one of the most affordable models in Honda’s lineup and is available in three variants. Here is a look at the Honda Brio Amaze price list:

Honda Brio Amaze 1.3 E MT	P668,000
Honda Brio Amaze 1.3 S AT	P728,000
Honda Brio Amaze 1.3 V Navi AT	P848,000

The price difference between the two entry-level variants is P60,000. On the other hand, the higher-end Navi has a P120,000 difference with the S variant. 

The base-variant 1.3 E price starts at P668,000. However, it can only be mated to a 5-speed manual transmission while the rest can be mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. We listed the Brio Amaze engine specs below:

	Brio Amaze 1.3 E	Brio Amaze 1.3 S	Brio Amaze 1.3 V Navi
Engine Type	1.3L SOHC i-VTEC 16-valve
Displacement	1,339 cc
Fuel Tank Capacity	35L
Maximum Power	100 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque	127 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
Transmission	5-speed manual	5-speed automatic

All variants are powered by the same 1.3-liter i-VTEC inline-4 gasoline engine. This is also the same engine found in its hatchback counterpart, the Brio-A, as well as the Honda Jazz. The engine can generate impressive figures for a small engine.

With its subtle features and design, the Brio Amaze might not be the most eye-catching vehicle. Being a simple model, it can be initially difficult to point out what makes the Brio Amaze such a favored vehicle among families and yuppies. However, while having its own devoted following, it does have its fair share of hits and misses.

We took note of the pros and cons of owning the Honda Brio Amaze to help you figure out if this is the right vehicle for you.

Honda Brio Amaze Hits

Spacious cabin

The most notable feature on the Brio Amaze is its massive amount of cabin space which is comparable to most premium hatchbacks. Due to its now extended wheelbase, legroom for rear passengers has also grown considerably. It currently has the most amount of cabin and cargo space in its segment, even beating out other sedans in higher segments.

Energetic engine

Honda’s i-VTEC engine has always been known for its excellent rev performance. Through its linear power delivery, the Brio Amaze is capable of offering some energy to its driving performance which you won’t typically find in most family models. This makes it a more powerful sedan than most in its segment.

Affordable to maintain

Honda designed the Brio Amaze to be simple enough for yuppies, families, and first-time sedan owners to own. Having just the right features makes it an affordable and easy vehicle to maintain, making it a no-fuss car that can outlive its usual lifespan.

Honda Brio Amaze Misses

Outdated design style

One thing Honda didn’t pay too much attention to is the Brio Amaze’s aesthetics. Its exterior features a design reminiscent of sedans from a decade ago. The sibling which it was based on, the Brio hatchback, has already received major upgrades. On top of that, the second-generation Honda Amaze has already been released internationally which makes the Brio Amaze appear dated. 

Sub-four meter sedans are the current trend in the sedan segment. This is not being followed by the Brio Amaze which shows how far behind it is.

Inferior interiors

If you’re expecting modern interiors, then you’ll probably be disappointed. While the Brio Amaze definitely has a spacious and comfortable cabin, there’s nothing about its interior layout that can really be boasted about. Just like its exterior design, the dashboard also feels outdated and the cabin is missing convenience features that can be found in most modern entry-level sedans today.

Unclear differences between variants

All variants share virtually the same features and engine specs with only very minimal differences between each. There are also standard features on the lower end variants that are absent on the higher end Navi variant such as Child Safety Lock. 

The exclusive features on the higher end Navi are also simple, such as an added security alarm on the immobilizer and aux/USB/CD/DVD connectivity. However, other than that, there are barely any differences between each variant. This somehow makes the price range between each unjustifiable.

Verdict

The Honda Brio Amaze is certainly an excellent compact vehicle, perfect for the on-the-go family. If you’re not too picky about the exterior design of your vehicle, then you should be happy with the Brio Amaze’s driving performance and spacious cabin.

Should you be choosing between the variants, we don’t see the need to shell out P120,000 more for the higher end Navi variant as the S variant more or less has the same features. 

However, if you’re apprehensive towards the lackluster exterior and interiors, you might want to wait for the latest Honda Amaze’s release in the Philippines. No information has yet been provided but keep checking back with us for updates.

What do you think about the Honda Brio Amaze: was it a hit or a miss? Share with us your thoughts on our social media.

Also read: Honda Brio: All you need to know