The new entry-level budget conscious Brio sports a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine, and uses electronically controlled variable valve timing that produces 65kW of power and 109Nm of torque.
Budget conscious buyers will have one more option in the entry-level car division. Honda has announced that it will put forth its first offering in this expanding market. The cheerful and bold Brio – a name meaning the playing of scored music with enthusiasm – will offer an alternative to the current compact hatches available on the market.
Spurred on by the success of the wallet-friendly favourites like the Kia Picanto, Ford Figo and the Hyundai i10, Honda has decided to launch the Brio in the South African market. The Japanese auto giant is branding the Brio as an “arresting mix of young and funky styling” with “zippy dynamics, interior space and modern, efficient technology”.
The Brio’s engine is a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder i-VTEC that uses electronically controlled variable valve timing that produces 65kW of power and 109Nm of torque coupled to a choice of a 5-speed manual or automatic CVT transmission. The i-VTEC is the same engine technology used for the Brio’s bigger siblings, and forms part of the Advanced Compatibility Engineering that is Honda’s credo.
With the Brio’s design Honda has concentrated on producing a safe family budget hatchback. The Brio comes standard with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) as well as dual front airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners and a high-tensile steel body. Honda South Africa has also indicated that the South African model of the Brio will be outfitted with such luxuries as air conditioning, electric windows, power steering and an audio system.
The Honda Brio will be introduced locally in early December 2012, while prices and definitive specifications will be announced closer to the launch time.
Since the Brio will be competing against the likes of the Picanto and Toyota Etios, Honda has made assurances that the Brio will be “highly competitive” within this segment.
Until the Brio is on sale in December, visit MyCars.co.za for great deals on other entry-level compacts!
View Kia Picanto's for sale, Ford Figo for sale on auction and used Hyundai i10's for sale.
Image courtesy of Honda.com