MY first encounter with the latest Honda Brio was at the 2023 Auto Focus Auto Focus Summer Test Drive Festival. The invitation came from no other than Rie Miyake, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) president who said in a statement that the festival is “where we have more opportunities for the motoring public to experience the advanced technology, safety, driving feel, and comfort of our models.”
When HCPI offered the test drive of the actual vehicle—already 23,000 kilometers on the clock—it wasn’t a new car at all. I do have a preference for having vehicles run their course because it gives me a better understanding of things like things reliability, build quality, fuel economy, most cars will reveal issues past the 20K mark—even if maintained well. Especially on compact cars, things get loose, unscrewed and unsettled by the 10K mark. At least by my experience.
Read: HONDA BRIO RS: Unfiltered, millennial, compact
And in the tightly-fought world of compact cars, the Honda Brio RS (let’s not forget the suffix in the name plate) stands out for its coolness. That’s just it. It has carved out its own niche with its stylish design, peppy performance, and a host of cool features for a compact hatch. While some may be tempted to settle for a basic entry-level car, the Brio offers a compelling package that makes it a standout choice.
Under the hood is Honda’s renowned L-series engine family, shared with the likes of the Jazz, City, and Civic RS. The Brio is equipped with the L12 1.2L SOHC i-VTEC engine, delivering an impressive output of 89 hp and 110 Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels through through a CVT (wondrously called “Earth Dreams”) or a a five-speed manual gearbox.
Driving the Brio up two zig-zags, once in Calauan and the other one in Nagcarlan proved the car’s tight and well -engineered powertrain. With the CVT, it climbed up these relatively steep hilly roads with ease. An earlier drive (not an official review) with a Toyota Wigo, and I have a comparison of the Brio’s competence in my head.
The fuel-efficient 1.2-liter i-VTEC engine, delivers an impressive balance of performance and economy. 18 kms per liter in the city and about 20 when on full highway mode with light footwork. Whether you’re navigating city streets or embarking on a highway journey, the Brio’s engine provides a responsive and enjoyable driving experience. The light steering and nimble handling make it a breeze to maneuver through tight spaces of Lukban and crowded streets of Raon (at 6pm to find parking).
The design is a head-turner. Its compact size is complemented by that sloping beltline that points you to the front wheels when looking from the left full side, and to the rear spoiler when viewed from the right full side. These sleek contours along with the distinctive piano gloss black grille, accentuated by the RS emblem—the striking H and iconic Honda emblem flanked by two wings. The stylish headlights and fog lights enhance both aesthetics and visibility, making a lasting impression wherever you go.
Opting for the RS Design trim level elevates the sporty appeal with two-tone 15-inch wheels, replacing the standard 14-inch steel or alloy wheels. Completing the rear aesthetics are a rear spoiler and rear diffuser integrated into the bumper. The RS enjoys the exclusive Phoenix Orange Pearl color (the color of the test unit) and the orange, yellow, and white RS models, comes with an option for a Black Top, which elegantly coats the roof of the hatchback in glossy black, creating a striking contrast against the vibrant body colors.
Don’t let the compact size fool you; the Honda Brio RS offers a surprisingly spacious and comfortable cabin. The Brio’s cabin is warm, embracing but not stoic or smothering. Getting in to the compact car is made easy by its generously sized doors. Inside, you’ll find a familiar interior shared with the other Hondas.
RS variants feature stylish orange accents and an RS badge in the gauge cluster, along with exclusive seats adorned with orange accents and adjustable headrests. The orange pieces around the rear vents and in the dashboard center don’t change colors with the car. There is also a premium six-speaker setup.
The clever interior design maximizes the available space, providing ample legroom and headroom for both the driver and passengers. The seats are well-cushioned, ensuring a comfortable ride even on long journeys. The smartly designed dashboard and user-friendly controls add to the overall convenience and driving pleasure, which means hands-free calls, and streaming music effortlessly. The system also supports Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and even a HDMI input for added versatility.
When it comes to safety, the Honda Brio doesn’t compromise. It is equipped with an array of safety features to keep you and your passengers protected. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) ensure precise braking, while dual front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners provide additional safety in case of a collision. The Honda G-CON Body, along with driver and front passenger airbags, and an immobilizer, are essential safeguards. These safety features are available even in the base 1.2 S MT variant, with the exception of the security alarm.
Despite its compact dimensions, the Honda Brio offers clever storage solutions to accommodate your belongings. The versatile cargo space can be easily expanded by folding down the rear seats, allowing you to transport larger items with ease. The car also features several storage compartments, including cup holders, door pockets, and a glove compartment, ensuring that everything has its place.
In a world where basic doesn’t always equate to boring, the Honda Brio RS stands out as a compact car that offers more than meets the eye. With its striking design, comfortable cabin, advanced infotainment system, and comprehensive safety features, it’s a car that combines style, convenience, and peace of mind. Add to that the fuel efficiency and agile performance, and you have a package that’s hard to resist.
So, why settle for basic when you can go Brio?
