Honda Brio facelift launched at Rs 4.69 lakh

Honda has launched the facelifted Brio hatchback in India at a starting price of Rs 4.69 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The new pricing, while in the same bracket as its rivals, makes the updated Brio up to Rs 25,000 more expensive than the outgoing model.

Cosmetic changes to the exterior include a grille that's more in line with that of the Amaze but with a gloss black finish, redesigned bumpers and tweaked tail-lamps. The biggest update though is on the interior. Honda has done away with the spartan and oddly designed dashboard seen on the earlier car and replaced it with a unit similar to that on the new Amaze and BR-V. Other updates include a new instrument cluster, digital air-con controls, revised upholstery and an all-black interior for the top trim level. The lower trims get beige upholstery.

The equipment list has also been extended with the top variants getting a new audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and hands-free telephony. As with the Amaze, there is no touchscreen infotainment system on offer.

In terms of safety, the facelifted Brio comes equipped with dual front airbags, ABS, seatbelt pretensioners and impact mitigating headrests.

Mechanically, the Brio continues to use the existing 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol motor from the outgoing model, and is paired to a five-speed manual gearbox as standard. The Brio automatic is equipped with the same five-speed torque converter unit as well. Honda hasn't added a diesel option to the Brio line-up.

The facelifted Brio is now available in three trim levels – E, S and VX – with the top trim getting the option of the automatic gearbox. Honda has seemingly discontinued the mid-level EX and V trims with the facelift.

The Honda Brio rivals the likes of the Hyundai Grand i10, Ford Figo and Maruti Swift, all three of which have the advantage of diesel variants.

Here's a look at the ex-showroom, Delhi prices for the updated Brio vs its rivals