Honda’s smallest and most affordable compact hatchback, the Brio, is creating a buzz in Indonesia. As of February 2025, cumulative annual sales exceeded 50,000 units, making up over half of Honda’s total vehicle sales in the country. Since its launch in 2011, the Brio has become a practical and economical choice for Indonesian drivers.
Positioned below the Honda Fit (also known as the Jazz in some regions), the B-segment Brio is tailored for Southeast Asian cities, where narrow streets make compact dimensions essential. The 2023 facelift gave it a fresh look, drawing interest among young and first-time car buyers.
Compact Footprint, Practical Features: Brio Built for City Life
The Brio is 3,800 mm (149.6 inches) long, 1,680 mm (66.1 inches) wide, and 1,485 mm (58.5 inches) high, slightly larger than the Hyundai Casper. Its 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) wheelbase helps it navigate crowded streets easily. The latest update brought LED headlights and fog lights to all trim levels and revised the grille and side mirrors for a more refined appearance.
The range-topping RS trim adds a sportier touch to the Brio with 15-inch dark chrome alloy wheels and a stylish two-tone black-and-red interior, enhancing its appearance and features. New amenities like a push-button start and ambient interior lighting further boost its appeal. Drivers have responded positively, especially praising the high perceived quality and continued manual transmission availability.
Manual Transmission Lives On: Brio Still Appeals to Enthusiasts
The Brio has a 1.2-liter 4-cylinder i-VTEC gasoline engine producing 91 horsepower and 11.7 kgf ·m (86.2 lb-ft) of torque. Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT, with the manual version appealing to those who prefer a more involved driving experience.
Three trims are available: Satya S, Satya E, and RS. The Satya S and E, with 14-inch two-tone alloy wheels and a black-and-gray interior, target value-conscious customers. The RS trim, with sportier styling and added features, is designed to appeal to younger drivers.
Pricing remains aggressive. The entry-level Satya S costs 170.4 million IDR (approximately 10,300 USD), while the fully loaded RS trim costs 248.2 million IDR (approximately 14,900 USD). Brio’s strongest selling point is this combination of affordable pricing and generous features.
City-Focused Driving Fun: Brio Keeps It Engaging
Small hatchbacks typically offer a good balance of practicality and engaging handling, thanks to their short wheelbases and light rear ends. While the Brio is positioned as a value-oriented car, it offers driving enjoyment. The manual transmission version stands out for those who appreciate a more tactile, raw driving experience. It’s a reminder that driving fun isn’t solely dependent on high power outputs.
As demand grows for ultra-compact mobility solutions, the Honda Brio represents more than just affordability. With its practicality, driver engagement, and competitive pricing, the Brio could set a new standard for global small car strategy beyond Southeast Asia. Industry observers watch closely to see how far Brio’s popularity spreads.
