At last – an entry level Honda

It took Honda a while, but the wait was worth it.The entry level market in this country has been growing rapidly and now makes up nearly a quarter of all new car sales and although the new baby Honda steps into the ring with individual toughies such as the Ford Figo, Kia Picanto, Chevrolet Spark, Hyundai i10 and Toyota Etios, the brand’s local marketing team are already setting their sights on monthly sales of between 300 and 400 units.

It’s a tough ask from any new model, but Honda reckons the car is young and funky enough to pull the younger buyers big time. Its zesty youthfulness aside, the Brio is backed by a brand that has a solid reputation for manufacturing durable, quality vehicles (remember the days when Honda and Mercedes-Benz were sold by the same dealerships.

The classy cabin surroundings are matched by a refined, quiet ride. click to enlargeWhat’s more, the little Brio has impressive specifications such as ABS brakes with EBD, airbags, a full-size spare wheel (as opposed to a Marie biscuit space saver a real glove box (not an al cheapo open shelf, a good sound system with AM/FM, MP3 and USB with steering-mounted audio control, Aircon, electric windows and side mirrors, adjustable headlights, tilt steering wheel adjustment, remote central locking, an immobiliser and more.

The Brio, which is based on Jazz-like underpinnings, also has comfortable seats and access to the rear seats is made easy thanks to wide-opening rear doors. Boot space is not exactly cavernous (as to be expected from a small car of this nature but the rear seats fold flat to create enough space to accommodate weekend away luggage for four.

It is also backed by peace of mind features such as a three-year/100,000km warranty and a two-year/30,000km service plan.

Although a 1.2-litre engine sounds a bit like a coffee mixer size, the Brio has plenty of spark. click to enlargeThe Brio offers the choice of five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission (the first in this class and particularly appealing to city dwellers linked to a 1.2-litre engine that produces 65kW and 109Nm. Although it will get to 100km/h in about 12 seconds it sips fuel at a rate of only 5.6 litres/100km (manual and 6.3 litres (automatic, while emissions meet stringent Euro 4 standards.

Although the Brio is directly aimed at younger, first-time new car buyers, it has more than enough other attractions to also appeal to older empty nesters who would be quite comfortable in the pleasantly spacious living quarters that offers both generous leg and head space. Unlike some smaller cars on the market, the seats have also not been designed for garden gnomes and the dials, gauges and switches are conveniently positioned and easy to read and operate without having to have a degree in rocket science or fumble through an owner’s manual. The interior design is pretty and cheerful with lots of shiny trim. An audio system that produces really good sound rounds it off nicely.

The classy cabin surroundings are matched by a refined, quiet ride. The steering is pleasantly light so squeezing into tight parking spots is easy. The brakes are sharp and the gear shift is smooth and quick. Overall the Brio provides a really enjoyable, top-notch driving experience.

As expected for a compact, the boot space isn’t that huge, but the fold-down rear seats allow for a fair amount of luggage. At the launch of the new Honda we only got to drive the manual version as the automatics had not yet arrived in this country and I found that you could push the engine quite hard through the gears if need be. It trots along quite contently at cruising speed and is actually quite capable of a bit of sporty fun if the mood takes you.

Although a 1.2-litre engine sounds a bit like a coffee mixer size, the Brio has plenty of spark and it even cruised quite happily up Suikerbossie Hill out of Hout Bay in fourth gear from a standing start at the traffic lights down in the valley.

Easy rider – and quiet too.As with most Honda products, the Brio is equipped with many safety features, including extensive use of high tensile steel in key body areas and the front structure of the car is even equipped with pedestrian injury mitigation technology designed to absorb impact energy.

It has taken Honda a long time to come up with a small car for this segment of the market but they have not disappointed. The brio is a pretty little car with lots of appealing characteristics, funky styling and zippy dynamics. It deserves consideration by anybody who values safety, quality and affordability.

The models and prices are:1.2 i-VTEC Comfort manual – R119,8001.2 i-VTEC Comfort Automatic – R129,800

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