Honda’s all-new small car will be christened the Brio. Showcased at the Auto Expo in Delhi earlier this year, Honda’s small car concept (codenamed 2CV), will compete against arch rival Toyota’s small car Etios.
Honda will showcase a prototype of the Brio, which will be very close to the production version, at the 27th Thailand International Motor Expo, starting November 30, 2010. Based on a completely new platform, the Brio will be an entry level compact car that will be four meters long with an engine similar or smaller to the 1.2-litre motor of the Jazz. Honda is working on a 3-cylinder version of the same motor, but without the VTEC technology.
Expected for an early 2011 launch, the ‘2CV’ will boast of cutting-edge technology that would help return good fuel economy. Honda is hopeful of producing a car that will be the most economical car in its segment. While Honda has completely denied a diesel engine for its small car, the company has hinted towards a Hybrid version of the '2CV', following feasibility reports.
Interior packaging on the car is expected to be in line with the Jazz, so expect it to be high on comfort and space. If Honda could price the Brio competitively – unlike the Jazz – it could have a winner in its hands. Fitted with safety features like ABS and Airbags, Honda wants to tactfully price the Brio and has set a price target of under Rs 5lakh. Let's hope they achieve it!
Thanks to: Autocar India