New Honda Brio SMT - Ownership Review

[trivikram14]

Hi All,
I have decided to purchase Honda Brio SMT (New) and I have already given the Booking amount to one of the dealer but I am currently getting an offer from another dealer in Hyderabad for Honda Brio EXMT, the offer seems very lucrative and it is : In EXMT they will give me: Rear Power Windows, Remote locking, Rear Speakers, apart from normal accessories like mudflaps, seat cover, car cover, mats and all and all this I am getting for 4.85 lk onroad but SMT new is costing around 5.3 lk

So please suggest me what should I opt for as I see there are features like seat height adjustment and rear defogger and few internal cosmetics are there in SMT compared to EXMT

Hi Bibhupati,

If the booking amount is negligible i.e., below 5000 Rs then forget about the SMT variant & the first dealer, go for the EXMT from second dealer. Previously around mid of 2012 SMT is VFM car but i think now it is EXMT variant.

Try to get refund of booking amount, try u r level best.

Total 3 dealers are there in Hyderabad for Honda Cars.

Order of preference given based on the best offers given by them is 1. Green Honda, 2. Pride Honda and last 3. Sundaram Honda.

If the booking amount is around 10,000 Rs try get the best quote for the EXMT from the first dealer only.

 

[bibhupati]

Hi Bibhupati,

If the booking amount is negligible i.e., below 5000 Rs then forget about the SMT variant & the first dealer, go for the EXMT from second dealer. Previously around mid of 2012 SMT is VFM car but i think now it is EXMT variant.

Try to get refund of booking amount, try u r level best.

Total 3 dealers are there in Hyderabad for Honda Cars.

Order of preference given based on the best offers given by them is 1. Green Honda, 2. Pride Honda and last 3. Sundaram Honda.

If the booking amount is around 10,000 Rs try get the best quote for the EXMT from the first dealer only.

Thanks for your inputs Trivik,

Yes Booking amount is just 5000 and they had promised me that they will return the amount so its not a concern for me, only i need to finalize on the variant

 

[BrioLover]

Thanks for your inputs Trivik,

Yes Booking amount is just 5000 and they had promised me that they will return the amount so its not a concern for me, only i need to finalize on the variant

You are getting a good deal for an EXmt variant(no one offerred me same). I have a SMT but my initial choice was to get Exmt but by seeing the interiors with chrome finish and 2din system which enhances the looks(subjective) and on top of that the Driver side seat height adjuster which is a boon for ladies along with rear side defogger. The later features are desirable if car would be driven by your better half's too.

So, make a choice based on your own parameters. But, indeed you are getting a good deal.

 

[bibhupati]

You are getting a good deal for an EXmt variant(no one offerred me same). I have a SMT but my initial choice was to get Exmt but by seeing the interiors with chrome finish and 2din system which enhances the looks(subjective) and on top of that the Driver side seat height adjuster which is a boon for ladies along with rear side defogger. The later features are desirable if car would be driven by your better half's too.

So, make a choice based on your own parameters. But, indeed you are getting a good deal.

Thanks BrioLover, now I am getting SMT at 5.2 as dealer agreed to reduce the price by 10k because of the competition and I just want to know what are the accessories that I can ask for as complimentary?

 

[Tanmoy16]

Hi All,
Was following this thread from a long time, thought of sharing my experience with my Urbani as well (That's what I call my Brio in Urban Titanium).
Its 2 weeks old, and i've clocked around 500 kms., getting an avg of 18.2 kmpl, had driven only once in highway at a stretch of 90 km (This is my first car and I am a novice rider) but trust me the Brio does make you feel as if you are a pro in the city conditions.
Got body coloured bumpers and corner protectors for just 2k from outside (Honda guys were quoting around 5k for the same set of protectors)
I am loving every bit of the driving experience and let me tell you the brio does love you back.
Initially I was adamant in installing JBL speakers and woofer but after listening to the stock speakers that Honda is providing, I think I don't need them anymore!
ORP: 5.2 SMT Hyderabad (with Floor mats, Leather seat covers, Teflon coating and Body cover as free accessories ) :)

 

[Tanmoy16]

Brio guys what kind of FE are you getting in city driving ?

18.2 to be precise, with 80%city driving, 20% highway, 30 %AC

 

[bibhupati]

Hi All,
Was following this thread from a long time, thought of sharing my experience with my Urbani as well (That's what I call my Brio in Urban Titanium).
Its 2 weeks old, and i've clocked around 500 kms., getting an avg of 18.2 kmpl, had driven only once in highway at a stretch of 90 km (This is my first car and I am a novice rider) but trust me the Brio does make you feel as if you are a pro in the city conditions.
Got body coloured bumpers and corner protectors for just 2k from outside (Honda guys were quoting around 5k for the same set of protectors)
I am loving every bit of the driving experience and let me tell you the brio does love you back.
Initially I was adamant in installing JBL speakers and woofer but after listening to the stock speakers that Honda is providing, I think I don't need them anymore!
ORP: 5.2 SMT Hyderabad (with Floor mats, Leather seat covers, Teflon coating and Body cover as free accessories ) :)

Hi Tanmay,
Congratulations for your Urbani
Can you please let me know which dealer you got it from?
As I am also getting same accessories and at the same price SMT (new).
Mine will be delivered in another 10 days

 

[Tanmoy16]

Hi Tanmay,
Congratulations for your Urbani
Can you please let me know which dealer you got it from?
As I am also getting same accessories and at the same price SMT (new).
Mine will be delivered in another 10 days

Green Honda, LB Nagar

 

[BrioLover]

Green Honda, LB Nagar

Congrats Tanmoy....UT looks good....Happy ...

 

[Sarvash]

Hello Every one,

So after long hours of research in many forums including TAI, reading zillions of reviews, scanning through hundreds of blogs and a few test drives, I finally zeroed down on Honda BRIO.

I got it delivered on Monday - 30th April (One week after booking. They had the car ready by the third day, but my outstation cheque clearance took few extra days)

Disclaimer: This is my first thread in TAI. I just intend to share my experience regarding the vehicle and the buying process. Hoping that I can answer some queries. I don't intend to put down any one or vehicles of any other make. My statements are based on my personal experience only.

First up, a few clicks.

The first three pics were taken in the Showroom (Ring Road Honda - Gurgaon) during PDI.

And the rest in my parking after delivery.

Before finalizing the BRIO, I had almost zeroed on Chevy BEAT. They were offering me a fully loaded car (apart from ABS & airbags) at 4.5L on the road.
I had already experienced Sfiwt, Ritz & Figo.
And then the BRIO happened, I instant fell for the steering, handling.. it just felt right.
Family and friends had polarized opinion regarding Brio. Even I initially could not digest the full glass hatch easily, and was swinging between BEAT and BRIO. I then happened to read about the issues of Beat and found tons of customers online, unsatisfied about many things in Beat including the paint job, pickup, FE, congested back seat, ASS etc.... Compared to which Honda had only delivery issues (which is understandable, due to natures fury) During the process I test drove Figo, my friends Ritz, Swift etc.. as the time passed by and I started seeing my neighbors BRIO everyday and a few on the roads here and there, I made up my mind and went ahead with the booking.

Things that I like :

Amazing engine for City drive.

Best in class power.

Silk smooth Steering

Steering mounted Audio controls (I just wanted it)

Integrated music system (I was amazed at the quality of the speakers, as I have experienced a few OEM systems in my friend circle, I thought I would change the speakers of the car soon, but now I intend to keep them untouched at-least for a while, untill and if I decide to add an Amp, I hardly use CDs, so USB was enough for me)

Slick Gearshift

High Quality interiors. The interiors including the plastic quality, rubber beading etc felt way superior to Beat & Figo.

Very small turning radius (I upgraded from a Zen LXI, and the difference is huge)

Killer front looks with the 'H' badge.

Dislikes

E-ORVM ( I wanted this, but I had to upgrade to S(O)MT for this, since this car was for city drive, i didnt wanna invest in ABS & Airbags, and the price difference was not VFM for me) I hope some aftermarket fix comes for this soon.
Please let me know if this is even possible. I tried online with some Pune based company, engineertech or some thing, but haven't been able to reach their phone # yet.

Boot Space (Quite small, but same as BEAT ( 175 L), so Beat wasn't a winner either) They have done a good job in the leg room for the rear folks and cut short the boot in the process, which is ok with me as at max I would use it for a weekend getaway trip with two people.


Accessories I opted for

I decided to pay extra for the side door protectors (they help when cars parked close to each other open their doors, its bound to touch and this takes a hit)
The dealership painted in for me to match the body colour.

Gear Lock & Floor Mats (Must for me)

Front and rear corner protectors( not very expensive and might help)

Rear cargo protector (less than 500 bucks )

Mudflaps & Chrome door handle protector ( The dealership was out of stock and promised to provide ASAP.


Ex Showroom : 4.4L
On Road : 4.9L (Includes RSA, extended warranty, anti rust and Teflon coating)

With Accessories 5.05L


So, stared driving it yesterday morning... ODO reads 82 KMS (about 42 was clocked before delivery, that gives me 40 kms in past 24 hrs), FE is gradually creeping towards 10, I haven't been able to throw in 5th gear yet for more than 5 mins due to congested city traffic.

I had a fantastic experience till now.. and will keep you posted as I clock miles...

Cheers,
Sudeep Roy

does the steering fell direct?

 

[rahulkrishna]

Hi friends,

Come September and it will be an year since i purchased my Red Hot Brio. Can't believe thats its almost an year since i brought my baby. Time flies for sure.

I purchased my Brio on 27th September 2012 and the car was kept idle at home until 24th of October. Instead of my Brio i was practising driving on my uncle's Maruti 800 to get a hold of driving in the city. Finally got the courage and took my Brio out on 25th October and there is no looking back from then. I have clocked 9700 Km till date (Yes my 3rd service is due in a weeks time). I drive approximately 30 - 40 km daily in the city bumper to bumper traffic. Never got a chance to take it for a highway ride. Occasionally took it for drive on the Outer ring road.

My journey so far has been pleasant and had zero problems so far. I get a Fuel Efficiency of 13- 14 in Hyderabad (bumper to bumper traffic) with AC on 90% of the time. Zero Dep Insurance is real must. I claimed it twice and it saved me a lot of money. Credit to Sudeep.roy for mentioning about Zero dep in this thread. I would have never known something like that even exists.

Positives:
1. Its a dream to drive in the City traffic. Easy to maneuver even in the tightest of spaces and it brings me a smile to my face looking at those Big Boy SUV's stuck in the traffic.
2. Always got compliments from friends and colleagues and many a times had strangers asking me about the car near traffic lights, petrol bunks and parking areas.
3. Although the Ground Clearance is only 165mm i never scraped the bottom. Due to Metro Rail construction and heavy rains the last 20 days have been a horrid time driving in Hyderabad with pot holes, broken roads and what not. With me being a little cautious i glided past them without much trouble.


A few cons i observed
1. Brio feels underpowered especially in the 2nd gear as i find it difficult to overtake other cars after i slow down near a speed breaker. I don't know if it is with Petrol cars but when i drove my friends Sift and Polo(both diesel cars) i was easily able to overtake other cars after slowing down at speed breakers without much effort.
2. The stock Head lights are not bright enough and sometimes i find it difficult to see the road at night. Even switching on High Beam hasn't helped.
3. Rear defogger and rear wiper: The new VXMT model has a rear defogger but missed out on the rear Wiper. Hopefully Honda releases the new Facelifted Brio which it launched in Thailand with the Chrome strip at the back and Rear Wiper

Apart from these cons, Honda Brio is definitely a value for money car. I am really glad that i made this purchase instead of going with the crowd and purchasing Swift or an i10. No offense to the owners of these cars. Its just my personal feeling.

Many thanks to all the members of TAI who have helped me to make my purchase and also answered all my silly questions. Special mention to Sudeep.roy, Nitin_k, sanjaysk for actively participating and answering my queries.

Cheers,
Rahul Krishna

 

[Ajay Sreedhar]

Hi rahul,
First goes the wishes from my side for the anniversary.You are a proud owner (lloking at your crisp write-up)

A few cons i observed
1. Brio feels underpowered especially in the 2nd gear as i find it difficult to overtake other cars after i slow down near a speed breaker. I don't know if it is with Petrol cars but when i drove my friends Sift and Polo(both diesel cars) i was easily able to overtake other cars after slowing down at speed breakers without much effort.

I never felt this. We have done around 1500 km in our brio. It easily picks up from the 2nd gear i9 bumper to bumper traffic. I hardly go to the 1st gear unless its really a long stop in the traffic.

 

[rahulkrishna]

Hi rahul,
First goes the wishes from my side for the anniversary.You are a proud owner (lloking at your crisp write-up)


I never felt this. We have done around 1500 km in our brio. It easily picks up from the 2nd gear i9 bumper to bumper traffic. I hardly go to the 1st gear unless its really a long stop in the traffic.

Firstly thanks a lot Ajay Sreedhar for your wishes. I am sure you are enjoying your ride. Honda Brio is a fantastic car. It sure knows how to love you back!!!

May be i wasn't clear enough in my opinion. Okay let me elaborate it. I din't mean to say that Brio doesn't pick up in 2nd gear. The pick up is good and i rarely downshift to 1st gear except in dead stop traffic. What i meant is that i find that other cars easily overtake me in the lower gears. For example while accelerating (in the 1st or 2nd gear) after slowing down at a speed breaker, no matter how hard i try other cars cross me without much effort. But once i am in the 4th gear/5th gear i don't experience this lag and i can easily overtake the car which crossed me before.

Like i mentioned in my previous post, i drove my friends Polo and Swift diesel and i felt that they had more power in their 2nd and 3rd gears which made it easier for them to accelerate and gain speed quickly (in lower gears) when compared to my Brio.

Its not a big drawback for me. I still love my Brio and have taken care of it with immense love. It is just my observation and wanted to mention it here.

 

[Ajay Sreedhar]

Firstly thanks a lot Ajay Sreedhar for your wishes. I am sure you are enjoying your ride. Honda Brio is a fantastic car. It sure knows how to love you back!!!

May be i wasn't clear enough in my opinion. Okay let me elaborate it. I din't mean to say that Brio doesn't pick up in 2nd gear. The pick up is good and i rarely downshift to 1st gear except in dead stop traffic. What i meant is that i find that other cars easily overtake me in the lower gears. For example while accelerating (in the 1st or 2nd gear) after slowing down at a speed breaker, no matter how hard i try other cars cross me without much effort. But once i am in the 4th gear/5th gear i don't experience this lag and i can easily overtake the car which crossed me before.

Like i mentioned in my previous post, i drove my friends Polo and Swift diesel and i felt that they had more power in their 2nd and 3rd gears which made it easier for them to accelerate and gain speed quickly (in lower gears) when compared to my Brio.

Its not a big drawback for me. I still love my Brio and have taken care of it with immense love. It is just my observation and wanted to mention it here.

Thanks for the clarification brother.

I have not observed when driving (parallely among swift and polo) considering which car can overtake the other easily. But yeah I have driven both of them seperately. I must tell you they were "petrol" engines just like our brio. I didnt find them that powerfull either. They were good. Taking nothing away from swift and polo. swift was 85bhp and the brio is 88.8 bhp. The figures tell the same too. Petrol engines are of the similar behaviour. May be you had seen a diesel variant

Will try this 2nd and 3rd gear overtaking scenario on roads and let you know buddy.

 

[nitin_k]

its more to do with your driving skills
at low speed on low gears you have low torque
its obvious you need to revv hard, get the rpm high and hardly anyone will over take you.

coming from a 1600cc S10, i know actually what you mean, but then torque is in your hand.

these 1L/1.2L engines are fine tuned to deliver more mileage as a result of our mentality "kitna deti hai"

bottom line
buy a 1400/1600cc plus petrol car and do not worry about pickup but worry about running cost.
or buy these 1000/1200cc new age cars and live with the initial hiccups but end up saving more on running cost.

choice is yours.