Honda Brio Amaze - Reasons to buy

Honda Brio Amaze was introduced as an entry-level subcompact vehicle. Six years since arriving in the Philippines, that hasn’t really changed. It’s still one of the most affordable cars you can buy that isn’t a hatchback.

The five-seater is sold in three variants – E, S, and V Navi. Honda Brio Amaze E is the base model that runs on the 5-speed manual. The mid-range Honda Brio Amaze S, as well as the range-topping Honda Brio Amaze V Navi, will be available in 5-speed automatic.

The entire line-up packs a 1.3-liter gasoline engine for its second generation. So regardless of which variant you choose, you’ll get the same engine performance. Having been based on the smaller Brio, it also has a similar front profile to its hatchback sibling.

It’s not a perfect car. Owning the Honda Brio Amaze has its pros and cons. There’s also no news as to whether we’re getting the Honda Amaze which launched in India with a 1.5-liter powerplant and a new variant that runs on diesel and continuous variable transmission (CVT).

Local variants certainly leave a lot to be desired compared to this newer model. While it hasn’t received updates for long, Honda Brio Amaze still has some great features. Below, we’re giving you 10 reasons to buy this mini sedan.

1. More cargo space

Brio and Brio Amaze both share the same platform under the metal. This would explain why they have the same width and height. However, the latter is made longer by the additional trunk, which gives it 225 liters more cargo space than its hatchback sibling.

All in all, you get 400 liters of trunk space inside Honda Brio Amaze compared to only 175 liters on Honda Brio. It has a bigger boot than Mitsubishi Mirage G4 and has enough room to fit four luggage bags. When you buy this mini sedan, you are essentially getting a Brio with extra room in the back. 

2. Spacious cabin

Naturally, Honda Brio Amaze has a wider wheelbase than its hatchback counterpart. It measures 2,405 mm compared to the Brio which has a 2,345 mm wheelbase. The 60 mm difference may not seem much for the five-seater but it provides more legroom.

3. Comfortable interior

The cabin not only feels less of a squeeze. It also has other comfort features to boast of. To start with, there are sliding and reclining seats upfront with fixed headrests which provide decent neck and back support. Higher trims get a foldable armrest on the rear seat row.

Seats are nicely cushioned all throughout. Plus, the air conditioning helps keep everyone cool amidst the weather. Driving across potholes doesn’t feel tortuous, which is rather surprising considering how most subcompact sedans feel bouncy.

4. Smooth handling

Adding a trunk to a hatchback usually leads to poor handling. Thankfully, that is not the case with Brio Amaze. You will find it enjoyable to drive on open roads, especially if you opt for S and V Navi variants. The automatic transmission means that you can switch gears without breaking a sweat.

5. Powerful engine

Speed isn’t exactly what you would expect of a mini sedan, especially one that is based on a hatchback. Then again, we’re talking about Honda, a brand that has consistently produced some of the best-performing vehicles.

Below are the engine specifications of Honda Brio Amaze:

Specifications	Honda Brio Amaze
Engine	1.3-liter SOHC i-VTEC 16-valve
Fuel Type	Gasoline
Maximum power output	100 hp at 6,000 rpm
Peak torque	127 Nm at 4,800 rpm

You’ll be able to feel the difference once you hit empty roads. The sedan picks up speed quickly and gears down just as intuitively. Its small turning radius also means you can easily park your car or maneuver it around tight corners and spaces.

6. Good ride height

Honda Brio Amaze has a pretty decent ride height of 150 mm. Once again, this places it at an advantage compared to other subcompact sedans. It even provides better ground clearance than its toughest competitor, the Toyota Vios.

7. Practical specs

Despite being an entry-level vehicle, Brio Amaze has some nifty features that make it so much worth its price. These include power doors, power windows, power steering, and a multi-informational gauge.

The presence of four bottle holders and three cupholders ensures that passengers stay hydrated during long drives. If you opt for higher-end variants, you can also get a 7-inch entertainment display, four speakers, an upgraded audio system, and extra seat pockets for storing your electronics.

8. Safety features

It may not have the best features when it comes to safety, but it’s not lacking either. Honda Brio Amaze is equipped with features that are necessary for keeping everyone safe, such as:

• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
• Dual SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger
• Immobilizer
• Seatbelt reminder

9. Upmarket look

Brio Amaze has striking similarities with the Brio. But unlike the hatchback which has a youthful appeal, the mini sedan has a more mature styling.

The front grill gets dual chrome bars instead of just one. Its bumpers are set lower and protrude on both ends, giving the car a slightly aggressive stance. New character lines have also been added to the sides. They stretch from the rear doors all the way to the taillights, creating a “Z” pattern with the line that runs along with the fenders.

The bumpers, side mirrors, and door handles are color-matched to the body. Buyers can choose from three body colors, including:

• Taffeta White
• Lunar Silver Metallic
• Crystal Black Pearl

Inside, the sedan gets the same premium treatment. Yes, there are plenty of hard plastics. And it basically has the same layout as the Honda Brio. However, the tan, beige, and black trims give the cabin a touch of class which the Brio doesn’t have.

10. Fuel efficiency

We may not be getting the diesel variant anytime soon. Lucky for us, the Philippine-spec Brio Amaze is a fuel-saver. According to Honda Philippines, its base model has a fuel economy of 20.37 kmpl in the city and 33.88 kmpl on highways.

Honda Brio Amaze Price in Philippines

Here is a look at Honda Brio Amaze price list -

Variant	Price
Honda Brio Amaze 1.3 E MT	Php 668,000
Honda Brio Amaze 1.3 S AT	Php 728,000
Honda Brio Amaze 1.3 V Navi AT	Php 848,000

Honda Brio Amaze is the cheapest sedan from the Japanese maker. For under a million, you can take home a mini sedan.

Also read: Honda Brio Amaze - Hits & misses