The new City & new Brio’s polished functionality and top-tier safety at full display at Batangas media test drive

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) recently launched revamped editions of their new City and new Brio. To truly put their latest products to the test and for several others to experience firsthand what these really have to offer, Honda hosted a test drive for select media partners last August 15 to 16.

Putting emphasis on each of the vehicle’s performance and safety features, the roadmap of the two-day trip strategically consisted of a wide array of locations and activities to further put significance on the aforementioned aspects.

Our convoy, which included around 5 cars of each model, first experienced the busy and tight streets of Metro Manila as we left from BGC. Upon arrival at SLEX and STAR Tollway, the cars’ speed and safety features were highlighted. The winding provincial roads within Batangas allowed us to test the vehicles’ mobility, while even making a pitstop at Batangas Racing Circuit. There, a plethora of activities put a spotlight on the new City’s Honda SENSING, which now comes standard across all variants of the new City, as well as the new Brio’s maneuverability and fuel-efficiency.

HCPI President Ms. Rie Miyake appreciated the media partners’ active participation and winning spirit, especially during the driving exercises, “Thank you for making this program worthwhile as it is fun. These models are among our best-sellers and we really want to showcase their performance and features designed for world-class quality and safety, crafted to deliver exceptional value throughout ownership including very efficient fuel consumption so that Honda can give more joy to more customers.” As a safety advocate, she emphasized the importance of always driving safely even after the conclusion of the event.

The new City: Enhanced Safety Features and a Sportier Look

The new City’s main attributes include elevated safety and advanced features, a bolder and sportier appearance, a premium and more spacious interior than may seem, an engine that’s powerful with efficient fuel economy and, perhaps the upgrade with the most significance, the inclusion of the Honda SENSING in all variants.

What stood out to me most was the even more sporty and stylish exterior features of the new City; its newly crafted RS design Front Grille with RS Emblem (RS) and new Front and Rear Bumper with carbon-wrapped lower molding (RS) give the vehicle a sleeker, wider look, and a stronger presence on the road.

Aside from the new City’s plush, premium, functional interior, what I took note of most was its spacious cabin that provided all-around comfort for both driver and passengers. During my rides in the new City, I spent majority of the time in the back seat and was impressed with the available room for a vehicle of that size, and was seated comfortably all throughout the drive which included many winding and bumpy roads. Moreover, a large 8” Advanced Touchscreen Display Audio (RS, V, and S) has an improved LCD display, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

By driving through a mix of urban and provincial roads, the test drive exhibited the performance capabilities of the new City. Powering the new City is a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers high fuel efficiency, cleaner emissions, and fun-to-drive performance. It remains to be the most powerful engine in its segment with a maximum output of 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque.

The new City joins HCPI’s array of vehicles equipped with the Honda SENSING suite of safety features:

• Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN)
• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
• Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Auto-High Beam (AHB)

In addition, the new City boasts a 5-star rating in the latest ASEAN NCAP (New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia). The new City also maintained all its top-notch advanced safety features, even further adding the new Rear Seat Reminder and new Walk Away Auto Door Lock (RS and V).

These are in line with Honda’s global target of realizing zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda automobiles and motorcycles by 2050, as we pursue the aim of “Safety for Everyone.” 

VARIANTS, PRICING, AND COLORS

The new City is available in four (4) variants with the following Suggested Retail Prices and Colors:

Variants and Suggested Retail Prices:

• 1.5 E CVT Honda SENSING – New Variant PHP 973,000
• 1.5 S CVT Honda SENSING PHP 998,000
• 1.5 V CVT Honda SENSING PHP 1,073,000
• 1.5 RS CVT Honda SENSING PHP 1,128,000

Available Colors:

• Ignite Red Metallic (RS CVT, V CVT and S CVT)
• Obsidian Blue Pearl (New color; RS CVT and V CVT)
• Platinum White Pearl (RS CVT and V CVT) *
• Taffeta White (S CVT and E CVT)
• Lunar Silver Metallic (S CVT and E CVT)
• Meteoroid Gray Metallic (all variants)
• *Platinum White Pearl- Additional PHP 20,000

The new Brio: Versatility and Reliability Exemplified

Honda has equipped the new Brio with certain characteristics that bring excellent value and long-term reliability, especially to those first-time or alternative car buyers, all without having to compromise on comfort, performance, as well as style.

Similar to that of the new City, the new Brio comes in a refurbished look; what gives it the most character to me, personally, is its newly designed Piano Black RS Design Front Grille (RS). Giving it even more personality are its Headlights (RS), the newly updated Fog Lights and newly designed Fog Light Garnish (RS), as well as its Day Time Running Lights (RS and V variants) which are now all LED for both form and function.

More than just its sleek and sporty appearance is actual functionality, which was on full display all throughout the test drive, most especially at the Batangas Racing Circuit; the new Brio is fitted with updated 14-inch Alloy Wheels for the V variant, while the RS variant having 15-inch RS Design Alloy Wheels.

All of the new Brio’s variants comes with a purposeful 7-inch Capacitive Touchscreen Audio, which is now a lot more user-friendly. From new Audio Controls with Illumination in the RS and V, to an elevated driver and passenger experience, as connectivity for the RS Black Top, RS and V variants is made smooth and convenient with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Honda has definitely made many aspects of the new Brio much more practical and pleasurable.

Throughout the test drive, we were able to test out the new Brio’s 1.2 Liter 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC engine’s capabilities. This produces a maximum power of 90 ps at 6,000 rpm and 110N-m of torque at 4,800 rpm, paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Despite the fast-paced expressways, zigzag roads of Batangas and the challenging track exercises at the racing circuit, the new Brio remained steadfast, with smooth and commanding acceleration, all while being fuel-efficient.

VARIANTS, PRICING, AND COLORS

The new Honda Brio is available in four (4) variants with the following Suggested Retail Prices and Colors:

Variants and Suggested Retail Prices:

• 1.2 S MT PHP 735,000
• 1.2 V CVT PHP 827,000
• 1.2 RS CVT PHP 853,000
• 1.2 RS Black Top CVT PHP 863,000

Available Colors:

• Stellar Diamond Pearl (new color; RS Black Top CVT and RS CVT)
• Electric Lime Metallic (new color; RS Black Top CVT and V CVT)
• Phoenix Orange Pearl (RS Black Top CVT)
• Rallye Red (V CVT)
• Meteoroid Gray Metallic (RS CVT, V CVT, and S MT)
• Taffeta White (V CVT and S MT)
• *Stellar Diamond Pearl – Additional PHP 20,000

Head on to www.hondaphil.com VIRTUAL SHOWROOM now or visit the nearest Honda Cars dealership to know more about the new City and new Brio, Honda SENSING, and the latest promos and offers from Honda.