By now, carmakers having to contend with significantly lower sales in the last 12 months no longer comes as a surprise. Their target markets have had to realign spending towards more essential needs, especially in the wake of events such as the Taal volcano eruption and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Philkotse 2020 Honda Brio In the Metal
It was an especially challenging year for Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) which, despite commemorating 30 years of doing business in the country, also had to make the difficult decision of shutting down its vehicle assembly operations in February 2020.
Whereas its 2019 figures showed sales of 20,338 units, 2020 saw a 42-percent drop in the company’s bottom line, with only 11,711 vehicles rolling off dealer showrooms.
The silver lining is that Honda still had something to offer for budget-conscious customers, in the form of the Brio city car. It became an opportunity for the brand, as circumstances compelled car buyers to shift their priorities towards small and economical vehicles.
>>> Related: 2021 Honda Brio: Expectations and what we know so far
The Brio emerged as Honda's sales leader in the Philippines for 2020
As automotive website Visor reports, the Brio landed on top of Honda’s 2020 sales heap with over 3,200 units handed over to owners. The breakdown of the figures chalked up by HCPI’s lineup is as follows:
|
Model
|
Sales figures
|
|---|---|
|
Brio
|
3,260
|
|
City
|
3,094
|
|
BR-V
|
2,041
|
|
Civic
|
1,188
|
|
CR-V
|
931
|
|
HR-V
|
452
|
|
Jazz
|
375
|
|
Mobilio
|
169
|
|
Odyssey
|
74
|
|
Brio Amaze
|
65
|
|
Accord
|
38
|
|
Civic Type R
|
34
|
Note that the Honda Brio outshone everything else in HCPI’s roster, despite the arrival of the all-new City and the refreshed CR-V in the last quarter of 2020. Performance-oriented models such as the Civic Type R also had to take a back seat.
The erstwhile Brio Amaze ranked a far tenth place in sales
Even Honda’s seven-seater models such as the Honda Mobilio, the BR-V, and the Odyssey were relegated to the background. It’s an interesting bit of information to note, at a time when interior space has become something of a necessity to make social distancing easier to observe, especially among occupants living in the same household.
Hopefully, the new year will be a better one especially for HCPI, and the local auto industry in general.
More updates on your favorite brands come your way at Philkotse.com.
Know more about Honda Brio 2024
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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