Alongside the updated City, Honda Cars Philippines also pulled the covers off the new Brio for the 2024 model year. First unveiled in Indonesia, Honda’s most affordable model gets a fresher look, along with a few feature upgrades along the way. Of course, a price adjustment is also in order.
The facelift is just in time too since its prime competitor, the Toyota Wigo, gets a full model change this year (also for MY2024). But aside from the redesigned Wigo, the new Brio is also up against the likes of the Suzuki Celerio and Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback.
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Variants and prices
Just like the pre-facelift Brio, the 2024 model is available in four variants. The range kicks off with the 1.2 S MT, with the 1.2 V CVT serving as the mid-spec trim level. For those who want more exterior zing, there’s the 1.2 RS CVT and the 1.2 RS CVT Black Top that features a two-tone paint job. As for the new prices, check out the list below.
Honda Brio 2024 prices
- Honda Brio 1.2 RS Black Top CVT – P863,000
- Honda Brio 1.2 RS CVT – P853,000
- Honda Brio 1.2 V CVT – P827,000
- Honda Brio 1.2 S CVT - P735,000
Exterior
Since this is a minor model change, the new Brio doesn’t get new sheet metal. Instead, the updates are largely down to tweaked panels, wheel design changes, and new colors. That said, there are enough changes made to the car to differentiate it from the pre-facelift versions. As for size, the 1.2 S MT and 1.2 V CVT measure 3,798mm long, 1,682mm wide, and 1,487mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,405mm. The 1.2 RS CVT, with its extended bumpers, is 3,811mm long but the rest of its dimensions are the same as the lower trim levels.
The new Brio gets a larger grille with two patterns available. The 1.2 S and 1.2 V get a honeycomb look, while the RS gets a sportier ‘studded’ design. Also, the bumper corners are now sharper than before, and the faux corner air intakes give the front end sharper edges. Like before, the RS gets gloss black highlights while the standard variants stick to chrome and body-color accents.
Entry-level and mid-spec variants still ride on 14-inch alloys, but these now sport a two-tone, six-spoke pattern. As for the RS, it comes with larger 15-inch alloy wheels finished in dark chrome.
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Interior
The cabin of the new Brio should be a familiar sight to those who already own one. The look, layout, and configuration are carried over from the pre-facelift versions. Its dashboard is similar to that of the previous generation BR-V with its rounded fascia, high-mounted air-conditioning vents, and touchscreen audio display.
Regardless of the variant, all Brio models come with an analogue instrument cluster unlike the model sold in Indonesia, but all variants have digital air-conditioning.
For the 2024 model year, the Brio (finally) receives Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard for mid and high trim levels. The head unit is care of Kenwood, and offers more functionality over the previous touchscreen. Base models still get a touchscreen, but without smartphone connectivity. Also new to the car is the one-touch auto-up function for the driver’s side window for the 1.2 S and 1.2 V, as well as new seat patterns for the RS.
Speaking of seats, the 1.2 S and 1.2 V stick to fixed headrest perches, while the RS has adjustable headrests. The latter also has red trims on the dashboard instead of gray found in the other variants. Cargo capacity remains at 258 liters with the rear seats in place and 851 liters with the seats folded down.
Engine and specs
You can have any engine you want in the new Brio, as long as it’s the familiar 1.2-liter, four-cylinder i-VTEC engine. Yes, it’s carried over from before, but it remains the most powerful in its class, as well as the lone four-cylinder option among its peers. Power is still rated at 89hp and 110Nm of torque, while the transmission choices are five-speed manual or CVT. Fuel tank capacity is 35 liters.
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Extra features
As mentioned, the new Brio comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android auto for 1.2 V and 1.2 RS trim levels. That said, the RS gets an upgraded sound system that brings the speaker count to six thanks to a pair of tweeters.
In terms of safety, all Brio variants have dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, and an immobilizer. Honda Sensing is not available.
The new Brio is a vital model to Honda’s success in the country. It’s the second best-selling Honda model in the Philippines, slotting in between the BR-V and the City. Do you think these updates and upgrades will be enough to keep it competitive? To answer that, we’ll have to review it first.
Honda Brio walkaround:
More photos of the Honda Brio 2024:
