Honda unveiled a prototype of its new small car, the Brio, at the 27th Thailand International Motor Expo 2010. The introduction of the car is a significant step for Honda in rapidly growing Asian markets. The prototype unveiled on Tuesday is meant for the Thai market, but it won’t differ significantly for India. Honda had showcased a concept version at the Auto Expo in January.The Brio is an attempt by Honda to enter a segment dominated by Maruti Suzuki Swift. When launched in India before the 2011 festive season, the car will sport a starting price of less than Rs 5 lakh. It will be the first time that Honda enters the volume segment and will pit the Brio against not just the Swift, but the Ford Figo, Volkswagen Polo, Nissan Micra, Hyundai i10 and the Toyota Etios hatchback (which will be introduced early next year).
The car will be exported to other countries from India. Takanobu Ito, the president & CEO of Honda Motor Company, said: “The new model is critical to our business in Asia.” Developed to conform to Thailand’s Eco Car programme initiated by the government, the Brio is designed to meet strict emission norms and fuel efficiency targets. At 3.61 metres in length, it’s a tad shorter than the Chevrolet Beat and Swift, but a little longer than the i10. Honda’s small car will feature a 1,200 cc petrol engine, like the one on the Honda Jazz.
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