Honda Brio Variants Explained: Which one Should You Buy

Honda Brio may not be the cheapest subcompact hatchback, but if you’re looking for the best value economy car then this is definitely it. Whereas rivals had to sacrifice a bit of performance and aesthetics for a sweeter price, Honda’s entry-level option doesn’t make you feel like you’re missing out just because you wanted an affordable hatchback car.

Honda Philippines offers four variants of Honda Brio: 

• Honda Brio 1.2 S MT
• Honda Brio 1.2 V CVT
• Honda Brio 1.2 RS CVT
• Honda Brio 1.2 RS Black Top CVT

All variants will run on front-wheel drive and have the same engine under the hood – a 1.2 litre SOHC i-VTEC gas mill that cranks out 90 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque. You can choose from a 5-speed manual transmission or continuously variable transmission with Earth Dreams Technology, depending on the variant. Here is look at Honda Brio specs sheet:

Brio Engine and Transmission

SPECIFICATIONS	Honda Brio 1.2 S MT	Honda Brio 1.2 V CVT	Honda Brio 1.2 RS CVT	Honda Brio 1.2 RS Black Top CVT
Engine type	1.2L SOHC in-line 4-cylinder 16V i-VTEC
Fuel type	Gasoline
Maximum power output	90 hp at 6000 rpm
Peak torque	110 Nm at 4800 rpm
Drive system	Front-wheel drive
Transmission	5-speed manual transmission	Continuous variable transmission with Earth Dreams Technology

Brio Dimensions and Weight

SPECIFICATIONS	Honda Brio 1.2 S MT	Honda Brio 1.2 V CVT	Honda Brio 1.2 RS CVT	Honda Brio 1.2 RS Black Top CVT
Length	3800 mm		3815 mm
Width	1680 mm
Height	1485 mm
Wheelbase	2405 mm
Ground clearance	137 mm
Turning radius	4.6 m
Curb weight	954 kg	969 kg	992 kg
Cargo space (rear seats up)	258 litres
Cargo space (rear seats down)	710 liters

Each trim level comes with different specifications. To help you decide, here is your all-around guide to Honda Brio variants.

Honda Brio 1.2 S MT

Price: Php 598,000
Color options: Rally Red, Modern Steel Metallic, Taffeta White

The base variant of Honda Brio is naturally the cheapest in the line. It is the only Honda Brio running on a 5-speed manual transmission, which some users might like. Unfortunately, it’s also missing a security alarm.

Externally, it sports a chrome-finished honeycomb grille, matte black garnishes, fender-mounted turn signals, and 14-inch steel wheels. Inside are black fabric seats and a basic 1-DIN audio system with 4 speakers. The driver and front passenger will have to settle for fixed headrests and mirrorless sun visors.

Other features include power door locks, power-adjustable side mirrors, and a three-spoke urethane steering wheel.

Honda Brio 1.2 V CVT

Price: Php 658,000
Color options: Carnival Yellow, Rally Red, Modern Steel Metallic, Taffeta White

The mid-range option takes it up a notch with a continuous variable transmission. You also get Earth Dreams Technology which improves its fuel efficiency and performance.

Honda Brio V has the same exterior as Honda Brio S but with additional fog lights and alloy wheels. The cabin also receives a similar treatment to the entry-level offering and features black fabric upholstery, sliding and reclining front seats, and fixed headrests.

However, it gets additional touches like silver inner door handles and vanity mirrors, as well as some upgrades. For instance, there’s a new 7-inch infotainment system with audio streaming and audio controls on the steering wheel. It also comes with a security alarm and speed-sensing auto door locks straight out of the factory.

Honda Brio 1.2 RS CVT

Price: Php 730,000
Color options: Modern Steel Metallic, Taffeta White

Honda Brio RS is the range-topper. Under the hood, it has the same engine and continuous variable transmission found in lower-end variants. Although visually, Honda incorporated it with unique design elements to set it apart and give it a more premium feel. 

The front grill gets a glossy black finish and an RS emblem. It has a unique bumper, side sill, and a tailgate spoiler with an LED stop lamp. The side mirrors now have power-folding and integrated signal lights. It also has larger 15-inch alloy wheels with RS Design. 

The cabin is laden with orange accents which pop out against the dark interior. These details can be seen on the dashboard, inner doors, and seat stitching, ultimately giving it a sporty look. Its seats are still covered in black fabric but the driver and front passenger now have adjustable headrests and a redesigned steering wheel.

Its audio system is now linked to a four-speaker setup with two extra tweeters. Other features include color-matching inner door handles.

Honda Brio 1.2 RS Black Top CVT

Price: Php 735,000
Color options: Carnival Yellow, Phoenix Orange Pearl, Taffeta White

Honda Brio RS Black Top is basically the RS variant in a new skin. Feature-wise, it’s the best-in-line just like the Honda Brio RS. But for an extra Php 5,000 you get an additional color option not available in lower variants – Phoenix Orange.

Whichever variant you choose, Honda Brio will not disappoint. Despite being an entry-level model, Honda hits all the right notes on style, practicality, performance, and safety while offering it for an affordable price point.

Also read: Honda Brio Amaze - Top 5 features