The Honda Brio is the Japanese brand's contender in the Philippine subcompact hatchback segment. It has proven to be quite popular, and it has been one of the go-to models for people who are in the market for an affordable small hatchback powered by an inline-4 engine.
The Honda Brio V CVT
So, how is the Honda Brio’s fuel consumption? Well, let’s help you answer this question with this short guide. Because you know, fuel prices aren’t exactly great nowadays, isn’t it?
Honda Brio: Relevant specs
Before listing off fuel economy figures, let us first describe the Brio’s basic specs.
For engines, all four variants of the Philippine-spec Brio use a 1.2-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that can make up to 89 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque.
The Brio's 1.2-liter inline-4 gasoline engine
This four-banger is then paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, or a continuously variable transmission depending on the variant. Power is then sent to its front wheels. The said engine is also compliant with EURO 4 emissions standards.
In terms of curb weight, the manual versions of the Brio tip the scales at 954 kg. The CVT versions though, are a bit heavier with their curb weight of 969 kg. Size-wise, it has a length of 3,800mm, a width of 1,680mm, and a height of 1,485mm. It also has a ground clearance of 137mm, and a wheelbase length of 137mm.
While compact, the Brio can seat up to five occupants. It also gets some niceties like a seven-inch head unit, a reverse camera, power folding side mirrors, as well as an ample amount of safety features.
The Brio's well-arranged interior
As mentioned, the Brio is one of the few subcompact hatchbacks within its price range that is powered by an inline-4 engine. Others in this category of course include the Suzuki Swift, Chevrolet Spark, and Kia Picanto.
There are, of course, some other hatch models with inline-4 mills in the local market. These however, already breach the Php 1-million mark.
Honda Brio: Fairly efficient
We found out the Honda Brio’s fuel consumption in the Philippine setting by giving it a whirl here in Metro Manila.
The unit tested was the mid-spec Honda Brio V CVT, which has the same engine and the same 35-liter fuel tank capacity as the rest of the Brio variants.
In the city, the Brio managed to return 8 km/liter at an average speed of 30 km/h. Those numbers however, got even better when we took it on EDSA. There, it provided a fuel economy reading of 14.2 km/liter while traveling at 50 km/h on average.
This is the top Brio RS Black Top, and it is priced at Php 735,000
Suffice to say, that isn’t bad for a car of its price and size. Do note though that we have yet to test it on the highway. We also didn’t get to test the manual transmission variants, and those might return a different fuel economy figure.
In general, the Brio’s gas consumption isn’t that bad. Then again, do note that inline-3 powered hatchbacks will arguably return better fuel eco numbers. For instance, the Suzuki S-Presso SE we reviewed and tested was able to deliver 16 km/liter in the city. The Brio though, will certainly make a bit more power than your typical inline-3 powered subcompact.
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