HONDA BRIO: THE RANGE
Extended range offers hatchback and sedan choices
- New Trend model now most affordable Brio hatchback model
- Sedan versions expand Brio range to six models
- Choice of Trend and Comfort specification levels across the line-up
- Comfort versions available with five-speed automatic gearboxes
- Focus on fresh, dynamic execution, linked to value and superior Honda engineering
The arrival of the new sedan body shape not only extends the Brio range to six models, but also marks the extension of the Brio hatchback line-up with the addition of an even more affordable Trend version.
Combined, the sedan and hatchback body styles now provide discerning buyers at the entry level with a choice of six models, spanning hatch and sedan version, as well as two different specification levels, and a choice of transmissions.
Three Brio Sedan models
The new Brio sedan is offered in Trend and even more comprehensive Comfort specification levels.
The Brio Trend’s bright and dynamic exterior treatment includes colour-coded front and rear bumpers, an eye-catching chrome grille, door handles and exterior mirrors in contrasting black, and halogen headlights. The Trend is fitted with 14-inch steel wheels, shod with 175/65 R14 tyres.
Inside, the Trend’s comprehensive array of comfort and convenience features includes air-conditioning, electrically operated windows, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, and a day/night anti-glare rear-view mirror.
The complement of standard active and passive safety items extends from dual front airbags, front-seat inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, and the provision of three seatbelts for rear passengers, to ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and a high-mounted brake light.
The Brio’s practical sedan shape incorporates a roomy, five-seater interior, and a generous boot with a 405-litre capacity. The interior design includes three cup holders, and a bottle holder in each of the four doors.
The Trend is powered by the same compact and efficient 1,2-litre four-cylinder engine employed across the Brio range. The 16-valve unit is equipped with i-VTEC variable valve timing, and is credited with a 65 kW maximum output, combined with a torque peak of 109 Nm. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard on the Trend.
The Brio Comfort employs the same engine as the Trend, and also incorporates all of its standard features. But it adds a number of distinctive exterior embellishments, and also offers an even more comprehensive interior execution.
The compact sedan’s frisky appearance benefits from colour-coded door handles and exterior mirrors, in addition to the Trend’s colour-coded bumpers. Fog lights are standard, as are front and rear mudguards. While the 14-inch wheel size remains the same, the Comfort runs on handsome alloy rims, also shod with 175/60 R14 rubber.
The bright and appealing cockpit of the Comfort builds on the Trend’s extensive standard feature list. Metallic accents for the air vent surrounds, the door handles and the steering wheel create a smart impression, while the driver’s seat is height-adjustable.
A four-speaker sound system with FM/AM receiver, and incorporating both USB and auxiliary inputs, is also part of the Comfort execution. Like the Trend, the Comfort provides cup and bottle holders, but adds front seatback pockets, and a rear centre armrest with cup holders.
Also on the Comfort model’s standard features list is a steering wheel with audio system controls, electrically operated and foldable exterior mirrors incorporating indicator repeaters, a 12V power socket for accessories, a sun visor-mounted vanity mirror for the driver and front passenger, and a rear screen with integrated defroster. Remote central locking is a further convenience feature.
As mentioned, the Brio Sedan 1.2 Comfort is powered by the same peppy and fuel efficient 1,2-litre engine as the rest of the Brio range, but it does offer a choice as far as transmissions are concerned. The five-speed manual gearbox is joined by a five-speed automatic gearbox, which will suit those buyers seeking the convenience of an auto transmission.
A trio of Brio Hatchback derivatives
The addition of a new, even more affordable Brio Trend model to the Brio hatchback line-up means that the hatch range now also consists of three versions, comprising the Brio Trend, the Brio Comfort, and the Brio Comfort Automatic.
The standard specification levels of the Trend and the Comfort derivatives are identical to those of their sedan counterparts. Thus, the Brio Trend hatchback gets colour coded bumpers, contrasting door handles and mirrors, and steel wheels.
The Trend’s interior execution combines the comfort and convenience of air-conditioning and electric windows with the reassuring safety of dual front airbags, ABS brakes with EBD, seats with integrated head restraints, and seat belts for all five seating positions.
The Brio Comfort builds on the Trend’s exterior and interior features list, adding full colour-coding and alloy wheels to the aesthetics, while the cockpit benefits from remote central locking, a four-speaker sound system offering USB and auxiliary inputs, audio controls on the steering wheel, and a heated rear screen.
As is the case with the sedan, the same 1,2-litre engine provides all Brio hatchback models with their lively personality. While the Trend is offered with Honda’s slick-shifting five-speed manual gearbox only, the Comfort is also available with a smooth and convenient five-speed automatic transmission.
The Brio range is available in Majestic Blue, Crystal Black Pearl, Carnelian Red Pearl, Alabaster Silver, Urban Titanium and Tafetta White.
Pricing, service plan and warranty
The Honda Brio range is available through Honda’s national network of authorised automotive dealers. Recommended retail pricing is as follows:
- Brio Hatch Trend R119 900
- Brio Hatch Comfort R127 900
- Brio Hatch Comfort AT R137 900
- Brio Sedan Trend R128 900
- Brio Sedan Comfort R136 900
- Brio Sedan Comfort AT R146 900
The prices include a three-year/100 000 km warranty, a two-year/30 000 km service plan, and a one-year AA roadside assistance package. Scheduled services are at 15 000 km intervals.
