Honda Brio

The new Honda BRIO is expected to be launched in India in July or August 2011, and should be priced around the Rs 4-5 lakh bracket

While, Honda announced that the dimensions and overall weight of the recently launched Thai BRIO model would differ marginally from the one expected to enter India, the overall specifications and features will remain pretty much the same.

The dimensions of the efficiently packaged Brio now in Thailand are 3610mm in length, 1680mm wide and 1485mm height and will sell in two variants, namely S and V, both of which are equipped with a 4 cylinder, 1.2 liter, i-VTEC engine that produces 90PS of power.

Mated to a five speed gearbox, the ‘made for Thailand’ BRIO also comes with a CVT gearbox option, which will be available only on the V variant. Honda has provided safety technologies including dual SRS front airbags, disc brakes, anti-lock braking system and electronic brake distribution as standard in all versions.

Thai prices range for the BRIO swings between 4- 5 lakh Baht in Thailand, which is exactly what we think will be the BRIO's price in lakhs when we it comes to India. Having qualified as a eco-car in Thailand, the fuel economy (100km/5 liter) and subsequent pricing of the BRIO in India will be its most demand defining features. Expect the car to be come into India sometime in July or August 2011.

The next global small car for emerging markets from Honda, the Brio is an exercise in efficiency, design and value. Based on the recently shown prototypes in Thailand, the Brio is expected to offer Honda’s smart approach of maximizing cabin space, albeit in its smallest package outside Japan yet.