The stylish and nimble Brio, aimed at the younger first-time car buyer, fits in below the Jazz in the local Honda model line-up.

It  will be available in both manual and automatic in Comfort trim specification with service plan as standard.

Speaking at the world premiere of the Brio prototype the CEO of Honda, Takanobu Ito, emphasised the importance of this model in Honda’s “strong passion to reach a wider customer base for our products and services”.

“We would like to expand the joy of owning vehicles to more and more customers by introducing an affordable, small sized vehicle,” Ito said.
“To accomplish this we have focused on creating an attractive package at an affordable price.”

A feeling of spaciousness that makes a car seem roomier than it actually is, as well as a feel of quality that makes the owner proud are design qualities that appeal to everyone.

An open, spacious interior is not the only element that characterises the design of Honda vehicles. Honda also aims to provide the driver with an exceptionally enjoyable driving experience.

To this end a cockpit with concentrated controls and a quality feel was created for the Brio.

With a move in the market to digital music, special attention was paid to the look and feel of the audio controls. Unified in appearance with the instrument panel, the silver and lustrous black controls offer an advanced and elegant feel.

While particular emphasis is placed on affordability and value with the Brio, it still retains the Honda brand's key virtues.

FRUGAL

Advanced technology is epitomised by the sprightly 1.2 litre i-VTEC engine, new to South Africa, which delivers both sparkling performance and frugal fuel economy.

The latest-generation four-cylinder unit employs intelligent, electronically controlled variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder to produce a lively 65 kW of power at 6 000 rpm, and 109 Nm of torque at 4 500 rpm – good enough to propel the manual version to 100 km/h in just over 12 seconds it is said.

The advanced power plant also gives the Brio excellent fuel economy (combined figures of 5.6 litres / 100 km for the manual and 6.3 litres / 100 km for the auto) while engine emissions meets the stringent Euro 4 standards it is claimed.

From launch the Brio will be offered with a choice of five-speed manual and automatic gearboxes (the first model in its class to boast a five-speed auto gearbox).

The manual transmission’s optimised gear ratios ensure excellent low rpm acceleration and smooth high rpm performance, making the Brio enjoyable and fun to drive.

Quality and reliability are further Honda hallmarks proudly incorporated into the new Brio.

Despite its entry-level positioning, the Brio features active and passive safety technologies including dual SRS front airbags, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), front pretensioner seat belts with load limiters.

Brio models destined for South Africa are manufactured at the Greater Noida facility of Honda Cars India Limited (HCIL), and will have a high specification level compared to their competitors.

Creature comforts such as steering mounted audio control, four speakers, electric front and rear windows with auto down for the driver and electric side mirrors are all standard.

With their Comfort level specification the two models also have manual air-conditioning as standard, headlight off and ignition key off reminder, a day/night rear view mirror, a passenger vanity mirror, an audio system with USB and Aux inputs as well as remote central locking and an immobiliser.

Pricing:

1.2 i-VTEC Comfort Manual R119 800; 1.2 i-VTEC Comfort Automatic R129 800;
Prices include a two year / 30 000 km service plan, and three year / 100 000 km warranty.