Honda Brio 2011-2013 S Option AT

Brio 2011-2013 S Option AT Review

Honda Motors India has been planning since a long time to bring in the automatic variants of its hatchback, Brio. And finally, the car manufacturer rolled out the AT variant of Brio in the Indian car market. It was very important for the car maker to launch these as its competitors; including Hyundai i10 and Maruti A-Star already have automatic variants in their portfolio. Amongst the range, Honda Brio S Option AT is one of the variants. This one is the second highest variant in the range and is loaded with numerous features. The engine however has been touched. You would see the same 1198cc of SOHC petrol engine producing 88PS of power and 109Nm of torque. The five speed automatic gearbox coupled with the engine makes the car quite fuel efficient and does take down the mileage. About 18.4kmpl of mileage is delivered on road. On the outside, the basic exteriors are same as before, but with little changes like full trim wheels would enhance the overall appearance. The interiors and comfort features of the car variant are top-notch.  You would see almost every comfort features, which are available in premium hatchback cars these days. There is air-conditioning system with heater, electric power steering with audio control mounted on it, power windows, high quality upholstery, and more. the safety features like ABS, EBD, airbags, engine immobilizer, seat belts are present to make the car more safe for the passengers.

Exteriors

On the outside, Honda Brio S (O) AT has the similar kind of exteriors as other Honda Brio models available in India. The front of the car is sleek and very smooth. The large and chic headlamps will catch your eyes at one, which is accompanied by black matt grille with some hints of chrome . The bonnet has been still one of the most stylish features of the car. On the side, you will see the full wheel trim, which highlights the wheel arches even more. The body colored ORVMs and body colored door handles symbolizes the unity in the body frame. The rear you would see the typical Honda Brio styled hatch finished with a lot of glass finish. It has always been the highlight of Brio and here as well, the car hasn’t disappointed. On the whole, the Honda Brio S Option AT is attractive and alluring.

Interiors

Coming to the interiors, the car has single tone beige colored interiors, which add on to the premiumness and lavish ambiance of the car. The advanced audio system with USB, Mp3 and Aux-in support makes it more fun and entertaining for the occupants. The audio controls mounted on the steering wheel makes it easy for the driver to during the drive along with four speakers (two front and two rears). The rear seats are 100% foldable, which just amplifies the storage space even more. The chrome finished AC vents; steering wheel and gear-knob make the interiors much more posh.

Comfort and Convenience

The comfort level in the Honda Brio S Option AT is top-notch. You would not at all feel troubled or uncomfortable in during your ride in this car variant. The front cabin has been designed ergonomically keeping in mind the comfort of the driver. The car comes with electric power steering wheel with audio controls mounted on it. The power windows are present for all four doors with an auto-down facility on the driver’s door. The air conditioning system with heater is very efficient and cools the space within few seconds. The car also has tachometer, central locking system and electrically handled ORVMs . The other miscellaneous features that add on the comfort features in the car comprise of fuel consumption display, cup holders for front and rear, vanity mirror, accessory socket, seat back pocket, headlight height adjuster, ignition and headlight off reminder and single horn type.

Engine and Performance

The engine under the hood of 2012 Honda Brio S Option AT is the same as before. The car comes with a 1198cc of petrol engine , which is capable of producing 88PS of peak power @ 6000rpm along with generating maximum torque of 109Nm @ 4500rpm. The five speed automatic gearbox is the major highlight here, which has been mated with the engine. This combination hasn’t done bad to the car, instead amplified the overall performance delivered by the hatchback. The mileage delivered by the car is 18.4kmpl, which is quite good, while being the front wheel drive; the car has decent pickup and acceleration. The car has a top speed of 165kmph and takes over the 100kmph speed spot in 14.5 seconds. On the whole, technically, this one is quite sound and makes sure that the driver gets an amazing driving experience when zooming away with this one on road.

Braking and handling

The braking and handling department of the new Honda Brio S Option AT is impressive. The company has made sure that the driver doesn’t get any hiccups during the drive and make the drive absolutely smooth and stable. The brake system here is smart and gives complete control to the drive. The ventilated disc brakes are there for the front, while the drum brakes are present for the rear. This is further enhanced by the presence of Anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution system and brake-assist. The handling of the car on the other hand is as impressive as the brake system. The electric power steering is smooth in handling and the suspension system takes thing to another level. The McPherson Strut type suspension is present for the front and torsion beam type suspension is there for the rear axle.

Safety features

On the safety front, Honda Brio S (O) AT is literally loaded. The car comes with ABS, EBD and brake assist to support the safe driver, while for the passengers the car comes with seat belts , dual SRS airbags for the driver and front co-passenger. Furthermore, the hatchback variant also has engine immobilizer, day and night inside rear view mirror, and high mounted stop lamp.

Pros 

Good looks, numerous high class features

Cons 

Price and high competition in the market