The refreshed Honda Brio hits PH market

We totally dig this new Electric Lime finish. PHOTO BY RED SANTIAGO

When Honda launched the second-generation Brio, the Japanese carmaker took the lessons it learned from the older model to come up with an infinitely better one. But since that generation was launched back in 2019, it has remained largely unchanged.

And while rumors about an all-new model are being spread around the Internet, Honda Cars Philippines has just updated one of its best-selling models in the country with a tidy facelift.

All variants sport a new face. PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

Outside, all variants now have a new grille and a new front bumper. Additionally, the range-topping RS now gets LED headlights and fog lights. Meanwhile, the V variant gets halogen headlights and fog lamps. All of these changes lend the Brio a smarter, better look.

While the V variant gets a new set of rims, the range-topping RS retains the same wheel design as before. PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

Ironically, while the lower V variant gets a fresh set of 14-inch two-tone rims, the RS makes do with the same carried-over 15-inch wheels. The Brio RS gets additional kit like a rear spoiler, side skirts, rear bumper garnish, and power-folding crystal black side mirrors.

There are six available finishes, including two new hues: Electric Lime (hero color) and Stellar Diamond Pearl, which costs an additional P20,000. The RS also has the option for a blacked-out roof.

The subtle changes help refine the look of the RS. PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

Finally, the top variant gets speed-sensing locks and a set of rear parking sensors, just in case you’re still having problems parking this very small car. Yet there’s still no backing-up camera, but it’s supported should you want to add one down the line.

While the RS gets more toys, the simpler V variant offers the best value for your every peso. PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

The interior has been mostly untouched, too. The only noticeable upgrade is the new Kenwood head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The RS’s red trims have been reduced to the ones on the driver-side and central AC vents. Otherwise, the interior is very much the same as the outgoing pre-facelift model.

The interior has been mostly untouched, save for that nice-sounding Kenwood head unit. PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

Even the mechanicals were kept the same. The engine is still the same 1.2-liter four-cylinder i-VTEC mill that does 88hp and a quite healthy 110Nm. Transmission choices are a CVT or a five-speed manual for the base S variant.

You’ll still find the same peppy yet fuel-efficient powertrain underneath. PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

The changes, though minimal, naturally merit a price increase. And the prices of the new Brio are as follows:

• 1.2 RS CVT Black Top – P863,000
• 1.2 RS CVT – P853,000
• 1.2 V CVT – P827,000
• 1.2 S MT – P735,000

You can see the new Brio in the metal at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall together with its bigger sibling, the refreshed City sedan. The cars will be there from July 13 to 16, from 10am to 10pm. If you want to find out more about the new Brio, you can visit Honda’s website or any of its 37 dealerships nationwide.