New Honda Brio 2019 Revealed In Indonesia

The new Brio is significantly bigger than the older model and features a more mature styling 

Honda has taken the wraps off of the second-generation Brio at the ongoing Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (complete coverage on Oto.com).

This is the series production version of the 2018 Honda Small RS concept, which too made its debut in Indonesia earlier this year. 

The second-gen model features a more mature styling compared to the Brio currently sold in India. The front fascia does look similar to the new Amaze, but it’s not an exact copy. In fact, there is a resemblance with the Mobilio facelift that never made it to the Indian market. Honda has ditched the all-glass boot lid for a conventional rear boot and windshield. The glass boot lid was the signature design element of the first-gen Brio. 

Pictured: first-gen Honda Brio 

Looking at the side profile, it is quite apparent that the new Brio has grown in size. And indeed there’s a massive 205mm boost in the overall length. The wheelbase has also gone up by 60mm. So, the second-gen Brio should technically be more spacious than the first-gen model. It is likely that the second-gen Brio is underpinned by an extended version of the existing platform, albeit with modifications as seen on the second-gen Amaze.

What’s surprising to note is that the second-gen Brio carries forward the dashboard from the first-gen Brio. Both the cars are identical in width as well. This dashboard was introduced with the mid-life facelift model of the Brio, which was launched in India in 2016.

Pictured: second-gen Honda Amaze 

In comparison, the second-gen Amaze features a brand new dashboard design. It also gets additional features over the first-gen Brio like cruise control and a 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The second-gen Amaze also gets new seats, which is not the case with the second-gen Brio.

The new Brio’s front seats are borrowed from the previous model. The rear seat of the Brio, however, appears to be new. Honda is offering adjustable headrests for rear passengers, which are not on offer on the first-gen Brio.

The Indonesia-spec second-gen Honda Brio carries forward the same 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine as the first-gen model. The 1.2-litre motor puts out 90PS and 110Nm and is coupled to a 5-speed manual or an optional CVT (added for the first time). Like before, the new Brio is unlikely to get the 1.5-litre diesel.

• Honda Amaze Diesel CVT: Review

The second-gen Honda Brio is certainly not coming to India this year as Honda Cars India clearly stated at the 2018 Auto Expo that it will launch three new models this financial year. Out of the three, the carmaker launched the second-gen Amaze in May and now the new Civic and CR-V have also been confirmed. If Honda plans to launch the new Brio in India, it would probably introduce it here sometime in 2019. The Brio will renew its rivalry with the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Ford Figo and the Hyundai Grand i10. 

Check out: Maruti Suzuki Swift VS Hyundai Grand i10: Review

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