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Honda Brio: what’s special in this hatchback?

After leading the mid size segment for more than a decade now, the Japanese auto giant Honda is all set to mark its debut in one of the most competitive compact hatchback segment in the country with launching Honda Brio in the Indian market very soon. Honda Brio is expected to be the biggest car launch of the season as a large number of buyers are waiting the car to hit Indian roads. Brand Honda has always been one of the most respected car brands in the country thanks to the sublime quality and safety standards adopted by the company. Thus, car enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for the car to hit showrooms.

The Honda Brio model will be launched in the price segment of sub Rs 5 lakh, where it will be fighting for space with the likes of Toyota Etios Liva, Maruti Swift, Ford Figo, Volkswagen Polo, Chevrolet Beat, etc. However, while the Brio will be marking its debut in only petrol version, almost all of its competitors are available in both gasoline and diesel versions, having an upper hand over Brio in the country. Considering the high demand for diesel variants of the cars in the Indian auto market, the car maker may roll-out a diesel version of the Honda Brio car, a few months after the launch of petrol version of the car.

The Honda Brio model was displayed in a concept version at the Delhi International Auto Expo in January 2010, where it had received an overwhelming response from the visiting car enthusiasts. Since then, the car is much awaited among the car lovers in the country.

The Honda Brio model will come powered by a 1.2L i-VTEC 4-cylinder petrol engine, the same power train that has been doing duties in premium hatchback Jazz. The car is expected to be delivering a peak power of 88 bhp at 6000 rpm along with a maximum torque of 109 nm at 4600 rpm. With this, a five speed manual transmission will be standard across all variants. The car is claimed to be delivering a high fuel economy of 20 km per liter.

Now the question may arise in a common man’s min that what the Honda Brio car bears different when a series of compact hatchbacks are already available in the market. The answer is, a lot. The most talked about feature of the Brio model is Full glass rear hatch, which has been used for the first time in a car in the Indian market. The fascinating rear glass not only enhances the rear profile of the car but also proves very handy in parking or reversing the car. Moreover, its unique design also contributes in enhancing the boot space.

The new Honda Brio car is blessed with a range of new age comfort & convenience features that is comprises of beige-black theme, electrically adjustable outside rear-view mirrors, quality is top-notch, din music system, steering mounted audio controls, all power windows, front seats will have integrated headrests, etc.

As standard in all Honda Cars, the new Honda Brio model will be blessed with new age safety features like Airbags and ABS (antilock braking system) across all variants. However, the company may decide to offer the base model without these expensive safety features to offer the car with a highly competitive price tag. This move is expected to be taken considering the sluggish sales figures of premium hatchback Honda Jazz in the Indian market, due to its highest price tag in its segment.

The new Honda Brio will be launched in three variants in the Indian market including Brio E, Brio S and Brio V models. While the base model will be carrying standard features, the middle and top model will be blessed with a range of additional comfort, convenience and safety features. The car is expected to be offered in a number of shades including White, Black, Red, Green, Blue, Grey and Silver.

Blessed by a futuristic design and power packed performance, the Honda Brio hatchback is expected to turn around the company’s fortunes in the Indian market. It will be interesting to see that who wins the battle between the cars of two Japanese arch rivals Honda (with Brio) and Toyota (Etios Liva), in the compact hatchback segment.

See Honda Brio Review