Honda Brio EX

The Honda Brio EX is a 5-seater hatchback that stands out with its charismatic looks and compact design, making it ideal for navigating through congested city roads. It is powered by a 1.2-liter i-VTEC petrol engine that produces 87 bhp and 109 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The interior features a fresh and solidly built cabin, though it is somewhat bare-bones in terms of features. Key features include central locking, digital odometer, air conditioner, keyless entry, height-adjustable driver seat, Bluetooth connectivity, and steering-mounted controls. The Brios handling is excellent, and it is known for its fun-to-drive nature, although it lacks the boot space and some comfort features that competitors offer. Despite being discontinued, the remaining units of the Brio EX still present a viable option for those seeking a reliable, efficient, and enjoyable driving experience.

The Honda Brio EX is priced competitively in the Indian market, with an ex-showroom price starting at around 4.82 lakh. When you factor in the on-road costs, including registration, insurance, and other taxes, the price can go up to approximately 5.5 lakh to 6 lakh, depending on the state and local taxes. This pricing makes the Brio an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who are looking for a reliable and efficient vehicle. However, its important to note that the Brio is no longer in production, so availability might be limited to remaining units with select dealers.

The Honda Brio EX offers respectable mileage, with the manual transmission variant delivering up to 18.5 kmpl, as per ARAI figures. In real-world conditions, you can expect around 15-17 kmpl in city driving and up to 20 kmpl on the highway. This fuel efficiency is one of the Brios strong points, making it a cost-effective choice for daily commuting and long drives alike.

The Honda Brio EX is a compelling option for those seeking a fun-to-drive and economical hatchback. Despite its compact dimensions, the Brio offers excellent handling and a responsive 1.2-liter i-VTEC engine, making it a joy to navigate through city roads. However, it falls short in terms of boot space and ride quality, which can be bumpy over rough terrain. The interior, while fresh and well-built, lacks some features that are standard in other vehicles in its class. Overall, its a great choice for someone prioritizing driving dynamics and fuel efficiency, but it may not be the best fit for those needing ample storage or a smoother ride.

The Honda Brio, including the EX variant, was discontinued in India in February 2019 due to slow sales and the implementation of BS6 regulations. This decision left the Amaze as Hondas entry-level offering in the Indian market. I think this move was necessary given the changing regulatory landscape and consumer preferences.

Honda has confirmed that there are no plans to bring the second-generation Brio to India, marking the end of the Brios run in the country. This decision was made after stopping production of the current model. I believe this is a strategic move to focus on more popular models in the Indian market.

Honda Cars India launched the facelifted Brio in October 2016, priced starting at Rs. 4.69 lakh. The update included a new front end and improved interiors, aligning with the design of the Amaze and Mobilio. This facelift was an attempt to revitalize the models appeal. I think the design updates were a step in the right direction, but perhaps not enough to boost sales significantly.

In September 2016, the facelifted Honda Brio was spotted at a dealership in India, indicating its imminent launch. The facelift included changes to the front end and interiors, similar to those seen on the Indonesia Motor Show. This was a significant update after years of minimal changes. I believe the timing was crucial as the market was highly competitive.

In 2014, the Honda Brio ranked highest across segments in the JD Power India Initial Quality Study, reflecting its strong build quality and customer satisfaction. This study involved over 8,400 vehicle owners and highlighted the Brios reliability. I think this achievement underscores Hondas commitment to quality.