Honda Cars PH Launches All-New Honda Brio, Now with New RS Variant

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile unit in the Philippines, has launched the all-new, second-generation Honda Brio hatchback as Honda’s entry to the A-Segment passenger car category in the Philippines as "a response to customers who aspire to own and experience Honda's signature sporty and practical characteristics in an affordable package."

The all-new Brio--specifically the range-topping RS variant--is based on the Small RS Concept, which debuted at the 2018 Indonesia International Motor Show 2018 and then made a local appearance at last year's Philippine International Motor Show.

What's immediately obvious with the all-new Brio is that it's a much bigger car than its predecessor, with a 60 mm longer wheelbase and 90 mm of extended cargo area. The added length results in more legroom for rear seat passengers, even with the front seats fully extended rearward. As for the cargo space, it's now a more commodious 258 liters with the rear seats deployed and a more cavernous 710 liters with the rear seats folded down.

Outside, the all-new Brio sports a more dynamic and mature exterior styling that Honda says is more aligned with its 'Proud Over Class' grand concept. The front fascia has a stronger chin and face, thanks to its sporty and stylish front bumber and honeycomb front grille and multi-reflector halogen headlights with LED parking light guides, which gives the vehicle a wider look that belies its compact size. Out back, an old-fashioned tailgate replace the large glass panel found in its predecessor which maintains excellent rear visibility and improves body rigidity, which in turn helps improve stiffness of the body structure while providing safety for passengers. The large external red lenses of the tail and brake lights expand to the edge of the vehicle, emphasizing the Brio's wider rear stance.

Inside, the all-new Brio's dashboard is a return to a more conventional design--no more of the 'sad frog' look that punctuated the design of its predecessor. For added convenience, the Brio now features manual air-conditioning with a digital display. For the in-car entertainment, two different audio head unit options can be found at the center of the Brio: a seven-inch touchscreen audio system for the 1.2-liter V CVT and a 1-DIN audio head unit for the 1.2 S MT. The two audio systems, despite their difference, both provide a more intuitive entertainment functionality as they allow passengers to connect their devices via Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming or connect their devices via USB port connection, which would allow various multimedia devices to be controlled through the audio systems.

A new offering to the all-new Brio is the addition of the RS variant, which as previously mentioned, is based on the Small RS Concept. The RS variant enhances the sporty exterior design of the all-new Brio, with its RS Design piano black front grille, RS Design 15-inch alloy wheels, RS Design side sill garnish and rear bumper garnish, and tailgate spoiler. Complementing the exterior, the interior of the Brio RS also emphasizes Honda’s sporty image. Inside, the variant’s RS Design interior with orange accents is highly emphasized on both dashboard and door trims. Paired with black fabric seats with orange accents, this gives the driver and passenger a sportier and high-quality appearance. Further enhancing the overall passenger experience, the Brio RS also features a seven-inch touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity for audio streaming. However, compared to the other variants, the Brio RS features a six-speaker audio setup inclusive of additional two tweeters which allows a more enhanced audio experience. Completing the sporty image of the Brio RS, a two-tone Black Top RS variant features the RS-exclusive Phoenix Orange Pearl color found in other Honda RS models, which will be available together with other colors for the 1.2 RS Black Top CVT Variant.

Powering the all-new Brio is a new 1.2-liter 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC engine that produces a maximum power of 89 hp at 6,000 rpm and 110 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) based on Honda's Earth Dreams Technology. The engine and transmission combined provide a smooth, powerful off-the-line acceleration and efficient fuel economy for Honda’s new small hatchback. For those who prefer driving a manual, a five-speed manual transmission is available for the 1.2 S variant.

The all-new Brio boasts a four-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating as it comes equipped with the essential active and passive vehicle safety features. Honda's G-CON technology enhances impact absorption for the added protection of passengers in an event of a collision. In addition, all variants of the all-new Brio has dual front driver and passenger SRS airbags and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard.

The all-new Brio is available at all 38 Honda dealerships nationwide in five colors:

• Phoenix Orange (New color; exclusive for 1.2 RS Black Top CVT)
• Carnival Yellow (New color; 1.2 RS Black Top CVT and 1.2 V CVT only)
• Rallye Red (1.2 V CVT and 1.2 S MT only)
• Modern Steel Metallic (1.2 RS CVT, 1.2 V CVT and 1.2 S MT)
• Taffeta White

As a treat to its customers, HCPI is offering the all-new Honda Brio at the following 'Special Introductory Suggested Retail Prices' until June 2019:

• 1.2 RS Black Top Navi CVT: PHP732,000
• 1.2 RS Navi CVT: PHP727,000
• 1.2 V CVT: PHP646,000
• 1.2 S MT: PHP 585,000

For more information on the all-new Brio and other Honda products, visit any of the authorized Honda Car dealerships or visit the Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. official website at www.hondaphil.com.

2019 Honda Brio (Philippine Specification)
VARIANT		1.2 S MT	1.2 V CVT	1.2 RS Navi CVT/Black Top Navi CVT
DIMENSIONS
Length (mm)		3815
Width (mm)		1680
Height (mm)		1485
Wheelbase (mm)		2405
Minimum Ground Clearance (mm)		137
Minimum Turning Radius (M)		4.6
Curb Weight (kg)		992
ENGINE
Description		1.2-liter Inline-4 Cylinder Petrol, SOHC i-VTEC
Maximum Output (hp/rpm)		89/6000
Maximum Torque (Nm/rpm)		110/4800
DRIVETRAIN/CHASSIS
Transmission		5-Speed Manual	Earth Dreams Technology  Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)