I actually trust the Mitsubishi 1.2.

My only worry would be about the long-term durability of the CVT, as well as the rest of the hardware.

The Brio is on the small side... masikip, actually, but I feel like the 1.3 liter engine and the 5AT are tried and proven, and I like the attention to detail Honda has paid in the engine department... with the full-sized radiator and twin fans. Can't prove it, but I feel it will hold up longer than some of these newer systems with more lightweight radiators and single fan setups... at least you have a back-up in case one fan fails.

If the girl is driving alone most of the time... the Brio hatch is a better deal. Zippy. Cute. Definitely a good car for a single girl.