Should Honda PH bring in the Brio RS Urbanite Edition?

Updated Apr 26, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

It’s a sportier take on the small Honda hatchback. 

Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) has the second-generation Brio as its contender in the small hatchback category, headlined by the RS flagship trim. In its home market of Indonesia (where our units are sourced from), the Brio now has a new range-topper in the RS Urbanite Edition.    

Honda Brio RS Urbanite Edition

Honda Indonesia unveiled the latest trim level for its best-selling Brio small hatchback

Positioned towards a young consumer demographic, the new trim level adds sporty exterior touches to the small hatchback. The tailgate comes with a wing spoiler up top and an Urbanite badge as standard, along with 15-inch matte black alloy wheels

The RS Urbanite Edition also carries other bits found on the RS, namely the front, side, and rear under spoilers with diffuser. These are rendered in black, along with the exterior mirrors and door handles. Completing the look are the Phoenix Orange Pearl Two Tone and Carnival Yellow Two Tone body colors, now joined by Tafetta White Two Tone and Crystal Black Pearl.      

Even the cabin has been brought over from the RS trim, including amenities such as the generous luggage space and 6.2-inch touchscreen display audio. Power comes through a 1.2-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine rated at 89 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque, with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission diverting the output to the front wheels. 

Honda Brio RS Urbanite Edition rear

The exterior enhancements give it a sportier look

Standard safety equipment includes dual airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, and rear parking sensors, all underpinned by Honda’s G-CON + ACE body structure. 

These enhancements reflect the Brio’s status in the Indonesian market, having sold more than 435,000 units overall as of April 2022. The model reportedly posted the highest sales figures in Indonesia for 2020 and continues to lead the LCGC (low cost green car) and city car segments. 

Honda Indonesia is offering the new Brio RS Urbanite Edition starting at IDR 225,900,000 (Php 820,138) for the 5-speed manual variant, going up to IDR 235,900,000 (Php 856,443) for the CVT. Do you think that HCPI should bring this model here?  

See more new variants of your favorite models at Philkotse.com.

Know more about Honda Brio 2024

Honda Brio

The 2024 Honda Brio is the Japanese automaker's entry into the local hatchback segment. It is considered to be the small hatchback option with a price ranging from Php 735,000 to Php 883,000. The small hatchback is regarded as the entry-level vehicle of the Japanese carmaker. It is available in four variants, including a Black Top option for the top-of-the-line RS variant.

Under the hood, a 1.2-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine is standard across the range, delivering 89 hp and 110 Nm of torque. Depending on the variant, the engine can be paired to either a 5-speed manual or an Earth Dreams continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Brio Philippines offers dimensions that span 3,798 mm in length, 1,682 mm in width, and 1,487 mm in height. The RS trim is a bit longer at 3,811mm. Rivals in the hatchback segment include the Toyota Wigo, Kia Picanto, and Suzuki Swift.

 

Honda Brio Launch

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. launched the first-generation Honda Brio in the country during the Philippine International Motor Show in September 2014, three years after its debut in Thailand in 2011. It offered the local market a practical car due to its fair interior space, affordable pricing, and small 1.3-liter engine that produced 98 hp and 127 Nm of torque. These are the characteristics of an ideal vehicle for young individuals.

As for the current second-generation model, it didn't take as long before it arrived in Honda's local lineup in April 2019. The next-gen version comes with a sportier appeal thanks to its bolder character lines and the option for the RS variant which includes exclusive body kits that add sportiness and aggressiveness to the overall design. It is safe to say that the small hatchback is one of the best-looking vehicles in the local market for the price.

The facelift of the second-generation model then debuted for the local market on July 13, 2023. It was introduced with four variants: the RS Black Top, RS, V, and S. 

Honda Brio Exterior

The Honda Brio features aggressive exterior details despite its relatively small size. Its 2024 update of the model features a bolder look compared to the pre-facelifted second-gen model. 

Standard on the RS trim are LED headlamps, while the V and S trims get halogens. LED taillights are available for all variants. Other features present on the Brio, at least for the higher-spec trims are a power-folding side mirror, a tailgate spoiler, and LED fog lamps. 

Honda Brio Interior

Inside, the Honda Brio gets a manual air-conditioning system as standard. The driver is then provided with an analog gauge cluster, a digital trip meter, a keyless entry system, etc. 

All variants get fabric seats, but only the RS trim gets red accents. The RS versions are also the only ones that come with metallic inner door handles, a red-tinged interior trim, and an RS design speedometer. 

Technology & Safety Features

Present on the RS and V trims of the Brio is a seven-inch headunit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is linked to a total of six speakers. 

Handling this Honda-made hatchback safety meanwhile are dual-front airbags, anti-lock braking, rear parking sensors, and an engine immobilizer. Only the RS and V trims get a security alarm. 

Platform & Chassis

The 2024 Brio carries over the front-engine, front-wheel platform used by the pre-facelift model. For suspensions, it uses a MacPherson strut for the front and a torsion beam for the rear. Braking is then handled by a front disc and a rear drum. 

Honda Brio Engine & Drivetrain

Honda decided to provide the Brio with a 1.2-liter engine that could churn out 89 horsepower and 110 Newton meters of torque. Power is sent to its front wheels via a continuously variable transmission or a 5-speed manual gearbox depending on the trim. 

Honda Brio Q&A

1. How much is Honda Brio 2024 Philippines?

Honda Brio 2024 price Philippines ranges from 735,000 PHP for the entry-level S 1.2 MT to 883,000 PHP for the top-of-the-line Honda Brio RS Black Top 1.2 CVT.

2. Is the Honda Brio available in CVT transmission?

Yes, the automatic variants of the Honda Brio come offered with Honda Earth Dreams Continuously Variable Transmission.

3. How many airbags does the Honda Brio have?

The Honda Brio is equipped with 2 airbags for the driver and front passenger.

4. Is the Honda Brio an SUV?

No, the Brio is a Hatchback.

5. What is the length of Honda Brio?

The length of Brio is 3,815mm.

 

₱ 735,000 - ₱ 863,000

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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kapatilya

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