For the past couple of years Honda is working very hard in order to bring improvement in its entire product portfolio. We have witnessed how company has upgraded its flagship City sedan, refurbished amaze compact sedan and launched new BR-V in the market to lure customers looking for comfort wrapped in sporty demeanour. Now just one thought that Honda would take a break for a while, company has once again surprised all buy launching face lift 2016 edition of its compact hatchback Brio.
This 5-door hatchback had never been favourite among the masses thanks to it animated styling and bland interiors. And it is exactly where Honda worked on new Brio which night stand with proud among its compatriots and in fact ready to go and disrupt the currently stacked market fortunes of many of its competitors. We get behind the wheel of 2016 Honda Brio and here is what we think about this New Honda baby.
Design, Style & Interiors
Honda has made sure that new Brio looks different and in order to achieve this, company has taken a cue from its recently updated Amaze compact Sedan. There is black grill on the front which is played by newly designed headlamp. Both front and rear bumpers had been redesigned and especially the front one is conceptualized in order to provide a new character and aggressive stance to the Brio. There hasn't been any change in the profile of the car and evil on the back, things look almost similar to the outgoing model. It won't be an exception to say that major changes manifest only on the front side which is going to make a favourable impression on the prospective buyers.
The big surprise comes in the form of all new interiors which has replaced beige colour of the outgoing model. And it is definitely required especially given the fact that older Brio was rejected by the customers majorly on the issue of an animated and plant layout and colour scheme adopted by the company. In fact we believe that Honda should have provided this black layout and interiors in the very first place so as not to alienate the prospective buyers. There is no price for guessing that Brio shares its interiors with Amaze and BR-V which is in fact is very good thing. The controls very tactile and overall feel is right there matching the competitors. Top of the line variant comes with automatic climate control and the only if we have to nit-pick is absence of touch screen infotainment system which would have made Brio more desirable.
Space continues to be on the title site and all the front seats are well question and spacious, there is lack of leg room and head room on the back bench. It is almost impossible for 3 adults to sit next to each other in the rear and this Honda is strictly for carrying 4 persons from a point A to point B.
For a person of average dimension, what we must to worry but people over 6 feet of length will have to be make careful decision whether they will fit inside the car comfortably or not. We get even more disappointed when we access the boot space which is almost non-existent. Literally you cannot Store more than two or three laptop bag and pushing in trolley of suitcase is a strict no for this small city run about. Honda should have done something in order to provide more luggage room especially for the buyers who are looking forward for weekend trips.
Engine, Transmission & Driving Dynamics
Under the Hood, there is no change at 1.2-liter; 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine continues to provide raw power of 88 PS. This is typical Japanese motor which is very willing to read write up to the red mark however we found Maruti famous K Series engine at Ted most spunky than this motor. Honda is offering both 5 feet manual transmission and automatic transmission which is a good thing especially considering the fact that more and more Indian consumers are today opening and welcoming the no of car manufacturers to provide automatic transmission. Gear shift is slick and there is no issue whatsoever in clogging of the teeth.
Feel of the steering is very communicative and although in the normal City driving, we feel that it is a bit heavy to operate, it perfectly matched to our expectation on the Highways. Handling of the Brio is also class leading which makes it very funky, enjoyable, and driver's car. We wish on day has provided more wider section tires to the Brio that would have enhanced grip levels which at times felt a bit on the lower side.
Overall Verdict
At starting price of Rs 4.69 lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi), new Honda Brio does offers value for money preposition. Company has made sure not to defeat the pricing blunder it had committed in the initial years of its product launch and it is heartening to see that this Japanese automaker has learnt its lessons very well. If you are looking for compact hatchback which is fun to drive, offers loads of equipment, has brilliant engine and excellent fuel efficiency, and handles like a dream, Honda Brio is a car that take all the boxes. However there are some in hadn't limitations on the space especially rear and boot. We wish Honda had improved upon this defect that would have made a Brio game changer in this highly competitive at the category of Indian automobile industry.
Style & Substance 4/5 Ride & Handling 3/5
Interiors & Ergonomics: 3/5 Safety & Equipment 3.5/5
Power-Plant &Transmission /5 Fuel Efficiency 4/5
Value for Money 4/5