2023 Honda Brio makes ASEAN debut with refreshed look

Updated Jun 16, 2023 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

The hatchback looks readier to go up against its rivals.

After four years since the release of the second-generation Honda Brio last 2019, the Japanese automaker has unveiled the model's mid-cycle refresh. In the Indonesian market, it comes in two variants: the base Satya and the sporty flagship RS.

Honda Brio front and rear

Honda Brio Satya (left) and RS (right)

While the styling looks familiar, Honda added new exterior bits that help elevate the appeal of the new Brio. It also comes with improved onboard technologies, which should make the model more competitive in its respective segment.

Exterior

Exterior-wise, the most prominent update is the new diamond grille, which should look familiar to those who have seen the Honda HR-V RS Turbo that debuted at last year's Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). The new grille is complemented by a reworked headlight design, a chrome piece that houses the Honda logo, and new fog lights. The base model gets new two-tone 14-inch alloys while the top-spec has 15-inch dark chrome alloy wheels. 

Honda Brio front view

The RS badge brings sportiness aesthetics

Honda introduced two new colors for the hatchback, namely the Stellar Diamond Pearl (RS exclusive) and Electric Lime Metallic. The other options include Phoenix Orange Pearl (RS exclusive), Rallye Red (Satya exclusive), Taffeta White (Satya exclusive), Crystal Black Pearl, and Meteoroid Gray Metallic.

Interior

The sporty appeal of the RS badge is integrated into the cabin as the top-spec Brio comes with a new seat pattern, a sporty dashboard panel with red and gray lining, a new shifter illumination, and a new sporty analog gauge cluster with red accents. Meanwhile, the Brio Satya gets a more toned-down appeal with a gray interior color minus the red stitching in the RS trim.

Honda Brio interior view

Interior of the new Brio

Tech & Safety

The 2023 Honda Brio is equipped with an updated 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, which supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The hatchback also boasts a smart key entry and a push-button engine start/stop.

Honda Brio front view

The new hatch gets a brighter look

In terms of safety, the refreshed hatch is equipped with dual front SRS airbags, a seatbelt reminder, an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and an alarm system and immobilizer.

Engine & Powertrain

Under the hood is the same 1.2-liter engine found in the outgoing model, which is capable of generating 89 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque. It can be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Earth Dreams Technology.

Price

For your reference, here is the list of prices for the new Indo-spec Honda Brio:

Brio Satya S MT - Rp 165,900,000 (or around Php 625,000)

Brio Satya E MT - Rp 180,600,000 (Php 680,400)

Brio Satya E CVT - Rp 191,900,000 (Php 723,000)

Brio RS MT - Rp 233,900,000 (Php 881,150)

Brio RS CVT - Rp 243,900,000 (Php 918,800)

As of this writing, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) hasn't put out a word regarding the matter. But considering that the local units are sourced from Indonesia, one can expect that we will get to see the refreshed hatchback on Philippine roads in no time. 

Don't miss the latest car releases 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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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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