Honda just gave the Brio hatchback a mid-cycle refresh not too long ago. On that note, the nameplate comes in as s fresh pick for car buyers looking for a modern and affordable ride in 2023.
Yet, the Honda Brio is not the only hatch to have received updates this year. That said, two segment staples are looking to give this small yet capable automobile a warm welcome.
But before we begin, let’s check out some of the highlights of the new Honda Brio.
Outside, the new Honda Brio wears a fiercer fascia thanks to its updated radiator grille, headlamps, front fog lamp housing, and lower front bumper.
Depending on the variant, it may sport a body-colored or a blacked-out side mirror. Nevertheless, all trims get body-colored door handles and a set of new wheels.
The rear end of the new Honda Brio sports a new diffuser and sleeker badges.
Inside, notable amenities include a multi-functional steering wheel, an analog instrument cluster, and a seven-inch infotainment screen.
Despite its compact hatchback dimensions, the cabin is surprisingly generous.
A plus is its seats that look like they’re straight from the 90s.
In terms of power, the new Honda Brio retained its 1.2-liter engine, which can either be mated either to a five-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Output is decent enough at 88 horsepower (hp) with 110 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque.
For a better look at the new Honda Brio (and the City), you might check out our video, here.
Now, those not sold on the looks of the Honda Brio might want something else. Probably the Toyota Wigo?
The Toyota Wigo also received its fair share of updates last month. With the said upgrade comes a beefier and boxy body, a more mature look, and a rather stylish interior.
At the front, the all-new Toyota Wigo packs an all-LED light setup at the front with headlamps, clearance lamps, and front fog lamps all using the same technology. It also boasts a larger-looking grille with a trapezoidal design.
Its flank is decorated by color-coded side mirrors and door handles as well as sharp-looking 14-inch wheels.
The rear of the all-new Toyota Wigo sports smaller headlamps than its predecessor but has a larger rear glass compared to the outgoing model (which does remind us of the first-generation Honda Brio that had a large window at the back).
As mentioned earlier, the cabin of the Toyota Wigo is pleasingly stylish. Plenty are horizontal lines that give the dashboard and the overall interior of the hatchback a clean look.
Would-be owners can also enjoy its multi-functional steering wheel, analog instrument cluster, and eight-inch floating infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Under its hood is a 1.0-liter powerplant mated to either a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT. Drivers can explicit power that maxes at 66 horses with 89Nm of pulling power.
Join our Managing Editor Fort Manahan as he does a quick walkaround of the all-new Toyota Wigo in this video.
Since many of the available hatchbacks in the country are commonly used as a first car for the family, several car buyers are now looking for models with better ground clearance. For that specific need — among others — the Suzuki S-Presso offers an affordable answer.
The new Suzuki S-Presso comes in as a compact hatchback that boasts a ground clearance comparable to some crossovers and is close to several sport utility vehicles.
Donning a basic, rugged, and go-anywhere look, the Suzuki S-Presso wears a pair of halogen multi-reflector headlamps and position lamps. There are no front fog lamps, but the Suzuki S-Presso has provisions should owners want to build a rig-like ride using aftermarket parts.
The side profile of the Suzuki S-Presso flaunts body-colored side mirrors and door handles as well as decent-looking 14-inch wheels. As for the aforementioned ground clearance, the Suzuki S-Presso boasts a minimum clearance of 180 millimeters.
At the back, the new Suzuki S-Presso gets C-shaped taillamps, reflectors sitting right above its large rear bumper, and a third brake lamp situated right below its cute roof-mounted spoiler.
The interior of the Suzuki S-Presso is littered with hard plastics typical of econo cars. These materials can be found on its dashboard, center console, and door trims.
Taking center stage is a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with its digital instrument panel clustered with the said infotainment display.
Under its stubby bonnet is a 1.0-liter engine mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or the brand’s five-speed auto gear shift (AGS) slushbox. Performance figures are at 66hp and 89Nm of torque.
Want to see what the new Suzuki S-Presso looks like? Here’s our first look at the AGS-equipped model.
The new Honda Brio does offer Filipino car buyers a sporty and aggressive-looking hatchback.
However, those who want a more mature ride may find what they’re looking for in the all-new Toyota Wigo.
Furthermore, the new Suzuki S-Presso might provide a solution for those in the market for an affordable vehicle that can tackle more than just the streets of the metro.
Photos from Ruben Manahan IV and Juan Paulo Papa
Also read:
Spotting the differences: Old vs. new Honda Brio
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