Honda reveals 2019 Brio hatchback

Honda Motor Co's Indonesian arm today had the world premiere of the second-generation Honda Brio hatchback at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2018. The new Brio, which will be locally manufactured, gets some features designed specifically for Indonesian customers.



The Honda Brio was first launched in Indonesia in 2012, followed by the Brio Satya in 2013 which was introduced as an LCGC (Low Cost Green Car) category. In 2016, the Indonesian Brio received a facelift after which the sportier Honda Brio RS variant was rolled out. As of July 2018, a total of 237,272 Honda Brios have been sold in Indonesia.

Honda says the second generation of the Honda Brio several changes to emphasise dynamic and sporty design and provide a more spacious and functional cabin and luggage space. 

Speaking at the product reveal, Masayuki Igarashi, Chief Officer for Regional Operations (Asia and Oceania) of Honda Motor Co and president and CEO of Asian Honda Motor Co, said:  "Indonesia is one of the most important automobile and motorcycle markets for Honda within Asia and Oceania region and on a global scale, records the largest automobile sales for Honda in the region. This achievement was made possible with models developed locally such as the Honda Brio, Brio Satya, Mobilio and BR-V."

First look
The new Honda Brio gets similar styling to the Honda Small RS concept shown earlier this year at the 2018 Indonesia International Motor show. The new hatchback gets a similar body shell, along with front and rear styling. Honda has showcased the new Brio in two variants, the standard model and the sportier, Brio RS. 

The new Honda Brio’s front styling is quite similar to the face-lifted Mobilio MPV that is sold in Indonesia. There’s also a clear link to the first-gen Brio, right up to the B-pillar. However, the rear door appears to be much larger along with a longer rear overhang. At the back, the new Brio also has a full tailgate, which is a departure from the glass hatch seen on the first-gen car.

The interiors of the new Brio seem to be shared with the recently updated Jazz for India. However, the RS variant gets a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system (there's a 2-DIN audio system on the standard one) and highlights on the dashboard and around the AC vents.

For the Indonesian market, the 1.2-litre petrol engine that develops 90hp and 110Nm of peak torque, along with the optional CVT automatic, continues unchanged.

Is it coming to India?
Will the new Brio be introduced in India? Seems unlikely because the first-generation Brio received a lukewarm response in India -- from September 2012 till June 2018, the car has sold a total of 96,826 units -- and it will be difficult for Honda Cars India to make a business case for the second-gen Brio without sufficient volumes.