Just more than six months after theHondaBrio entry-level hatchback was launched, the Japanese manufacturer is extending the range with a contemporary sedan version featuring an extended wheelbase to provide a more spacious interior and large boot space, which is a healthy 405 litres.

Starting at R128,900 and aimed to compete with cars like the Toyota Etios Sedan and Renault Logan, the Honda Brio will be a welcome new competitor in the budget end of the segment.

The Honda Brio sedan will be offered in a choice of two trim levels – the base Trend model with five-speed gearbox and the Comfort with either manual or auto transmission.

Honda Brio Sedan offers space and comfort

Engine Options

Only one engine is available; the sedan makes use of the Brio hatchback’s powerplant which is a 1.2-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder, delivering 65kW of power at 6000 pm and 109Nm of torque at 4500rpm.

Drive is to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox, while a five-speed auto is also available in the range-topping Comfort model, and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time in the mid-12 second bracket for the manual models.

Combined fuel consumption is claimed at 6.1-litres/100 km for the manual-gearbox Trend 1.2 model.

More space, more practicality

The Honda Brio sedan is based on the same platform as the hatchback. It shares the same distinctively styled front end, which combines large tapered headlight clusters with a trapezoidal grille and bold chrome-accented Honda branding.

The cabin boasts a front layout (instrument panel and dashboard) identical to that of the hatch, while new, wider-opening rear door ensure easier access to a wider, more comfortable rear bench seat with ample legroom. The deep-set analogue instruments are placed in a binnacle directly ahead of the driver, and framed by a thick-rimmed steering wheel.

The interior is further fitted with an array of storage compartments and binnacles, including a glove compartment, and open compartments in the centre console. Both models also feature driver adjustable seats, and the large and deep luggage compartment made possible by the car’s three-box shape.

Safety features

The Honda Brio sedan features both active and passive safety features including ABS brakes, dual front airbags and Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, to ensure occupant safety.

Honda Brio Sedan – Price

View the new Honda Brio

The prices include a two-year/30 000 km service plan, and a three-year/100 000 km warranty, while services are at 15 000 km intervals.