Honda fans have reason to be excited these days, as the Japanese brand continues to roll out model after model, each, kilometers ahead of its predecessor in features and design. The latest to debut are the new City and new Brio, both updated with new styling and safety features. Honda revealed the new cars at the Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall. The exhibit will run throughout the weekend, until July 16, 2023.
The 2023 City features a refreshed exterior with sportier touches for all variants. The top RS trim includes a blackedout grille with RS emblem, new front and rear bumper with carbon-wrapped lower molding, LED headlamps and fog lights, sporty garnish for the fog lamps, and high-gloss black door mirrors. A new side-sill garnish and a trunk-mounted spoiler, also in high-gloss black, completes the sporty look.
The V, S and E also get LED daytime running lights and tail lights, and auto on/off headlamps with 15-second auto-off timer. The RS and V ride on 16-inch alloys, done in black-cut style for the RS. The S gets 15-inch alloys, and the E 15-inch steel wheels. Power-adjustable door mirrors are standard on all variants, with power folding standard and integrated side turn signal lights on the RS and V.
The City packs a roomy interior, with full leather seats and sport pedals on the RS trim. Available interior accents include dark red front panel garnish and high-gloss black trim on the RS, and high-gloss black front panel garnish and silver accents for the V. The City promises a wide cabin with ample shoulder space and legroom. In front of the driver is a windshield with updated shape for better visibility, 4.2-inch full-color TFT screen with red ambient light instrument cluster (RS) or white and green ambient light (other variants). There’s an available 8-inch touchscreen display for the audio and reverse-camera display, while rear passengers can enjoy the available aircon vents and power outlets. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on board for the RS, V, and S. The City maintains its reputation of having a large trunk, with a 519-liter capacity.
Under the hood is Honda’s 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine, producing 121ps and 145Nm of torque. It’s mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for optimum efficiency and smooth power delivery. Honda cites a fuel-economy rating of 22.2 km/liter based on highway driving conditions, conducted at its testing center in Tochigi, Japan.
Now standard on all variants of the new City is the Honda Sensing active safety suite, comprised of: lead-car departure notification, collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, and auto high beam. Hillstart assist, vehicle stability assist, and speed-sensing door locks are also available. The improved safety feature set is part of Honda’s global goal of realizing zero traffic collision fatalities by 2050.
There’s a wide range of accessories available for the City, including LED fog lights, front accent garnish, front under spoiler, side under spoiler, and wing-type spoiler, all developed by Honda’s Modulo brand. Available colors are red, blue, white pearl, white, silver metallic and gray metallic.
Variants suggested retail prices:
1.5 E CVT Honda Sensing (new variant): P973,000
1.5 S CVT Honda Sensing: P998,000
1.5 V CVT Honda Sensing: P1,073,000
1.5 RS CVT Honda Sensing: P1,128,000
Meanwhile, Honda’s “hatchback that can”, the Brio, also gets multiple upgrades to deliver more comfort and performance while maintaining its value proposition.
The Honda Brio shares the sporty front end of Honda’s new generation of vehicles. The top RS variant gets a piano black front grille with bigger opening and new design pattern, LED headlamps and foglights, available black roof and tailgate spoiler. LED daytime running lights are on the RS and V variants. Black door mirrors with power-folding and side sill lower garnish are available, as well. The RS rides on 15-inch alloys, with the V getting 14-inch alloys and the S getting 14-inch steel wheels.
Inside, the Brio features black fabric seats with available red accents, speed-sensing door locks and power windows. A 7-inch touchscreen is standard, with available illuminated audio controls. There’s available Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and USB port connectivity, with up to 6 speakers.
The Brio is powered by a 1.2-liter four-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC with 90ps and 119N-m of torque. The CVT helps deliver better fuel economy and driving smoothness. There’s also a 5-speed manual transmission, for the 1.2 S MT variant.
All Brios get dual front airbags, ABS brakes with EBD, and rear parking sensors. Avaialble colors are stellar diamond pearl, electric lime metallic, orange, red, gray, and white.
Prices for the new Brio are: (variants suggested retail prices)
1.2 S MT P735,000
1.2 V CVT P827,000
1.2 RS CVT P853,000
1.2 RS Black Top CVT P863,000
Honda states a periodic maintenance service requirement of just twice a year/every six months, or 10,000km.
