Affordable Honda Brio updated for 2016
The second small car to receive a series of updates in the space of a week (following the new 5-door VW up!) is the 2016 Honda Brio hatch and sedan. The objective being to spruce up the Brio’s exterior and add value through new standard features.
Three years since its local debut in South Africa has given Honda ample time to reassess what’s important in a small car. The interior is a fine place to start since our first impression reeked of sub-standard quality and assorted trims that didn’t match and didn’t suit South Africans’ tastes.
The new dashboard is sleeker and the ergonomics have improved – although we still have to try that for ourselves. To its credit the design looks far smarter and perceived quality has taken an upward turn. Both Honda Brio hatch and sedan models come standard with Bluetooth. Hooray.
Whizzing behind the new grille, bolder bumper and reshaped headlights is Honda’s lively 1.2-litre 4-cylinder engine mustering 66kW and 109Nm. Rated as one of the better non-turbo engines in the segment, it drives the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox but Comfort models can be ordered with an automatic.
Also standard across the board is a full range of active and passive safety features, including ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), dual front airbags, and front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters. Central locking and an engine immobiliser are included, too.
Sliding under R150 000 for the base model, new Honda Brio keeps its competitive pricing and the availability of two bodystyles broadens the fanbase.
Pricing
Brio Hatch 1.2 Trend R144 300
Brio Hatch 1.2 Comfort R158 300
Brio Hatch 1.2 Comfort Auto R171 300
Brio Sedan 1.2 Trend R157 400
Brio Sedan 1.2 Comfort R168 600
Brio Sedan 1.2 Comfort Auto R181 600
The recommended retail pricing includes a five-year/200 000 km warranty, a two-year/30 000 km service plan, as well as 3 years AA Roadside Assistance.
