In the past I have criticized the look of the Bromptons brake levers and the angle at which they are set.... but I find that they are nice and comfortable to use. I know some people have complained about poor braking performance of these bikes but I can honestly say that the brakes on my 2009 model work really well. Maybe they have upgraded the brakes?
The 2009 brakes look very similar to the previous model but use brass bushes, rather then plastic. The brake pads have been upgraded also.