Honda Brio the New Hot Ticket in Town

Pukewitz Honda are currently running a no deposit promotion,with a 60 month term at prime for any new vehicle purchases financed through Nedbank.

The new Honda Brio mini hatchback, with a starting price of N$119 800 for the manual (N$10 000 more for the automatic) suddenly jumps onto the radar. It’s causing a frenzy with over 2 030 sold in SA and Namibia, since its launch in December 2012.

Its fuel economy and modern amenities have pensioners talking and matric pupils bugging their parents for a set of wheels to go with their newly acquired drivers’ licences.

Senior Sales Executive for Pupkewitz Honda Windhoek, Bennie Thirion beams as he speaks about the exciting entry-level car.

“The feedback has been incredible, both young and old are showing great interest in this vehicle. Its stellar fuel economy has made it a hit amongst the budget conscious,” said Thirion.

There’s no shortage of like-priced cars already wrestling for market share in the overcrowded sub-compact hatchback corner, but the Brio’s edge is Honda’s gold-plated reputation for quality and customer care.

The Brio is surprisingly roomy inside, with more than adequate legroom and head-room for four adults.

However, this comes at the cost of a tiny 161-litre boot that seems barely big enough for a couple of tog bags, but the rear seat folds down in one piece to expand the cargo hold if necessary.

The plastics used for the dash and front console do feel slightly cheaper compared to price mates the Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto. However this won’t necessarily scare off the Brio’s young target market, who will probably be more interested in the number of bells and whistles which the entry-level Honda has in good supply.

The Brio 1.2 Comfort comes standard with niceties such as power windows (front and rear), power steering, remote central locking, aircon, and a nice-sounding audio system with the all-important aux/USB interfaces and steering-wheel controls.

Looking after the safety aspect are dual front airbags and ABS brakes.

The lack of a rear windscreen defroster or wiper shows evidence of cost-cutting, as do the steel wheels with plastic hubcaps.

Both active and passive safety are comprehensively addressed, with features such as ABS brakes, dual front airbags and Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure ensuring excellent occupant safety.

By far the best feature of the Brio is how easy it is to park. Its compact size and large windows take all the stress out of guiding it into a bay – something new drivers will especially appreciate.

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