Japanese automobile giant Honda Motors has advanced the launch of its hatchback Brio in India. The company’s Indian subsidiary, Honda Siel Cars India earlier announced that the Brio will be launched in September this year. But, The Economic Times is reporting that Honda’s first Asia specific small car as preponed the launch by six month and according to some sources Honda Brio will be launched on March 17, 2011. The experts believe that, the heat from the soon-to-be launched Liva and new Swift has finally taken a toll on Honda’s ambitions According to sources, the bookings for Honda Brio will start from March 17 after its formal launch. But, the car deliveries will not be getting underway before August 2011.
Honda Siel Cars India refused to either confirm or deny the information. “We do not want to comment on this at the moment,” a company spokesperson said. According to the reports, Brio was slated for India debut in September this year, but now it will be launched simultaneously with its Thai sibling, popularly called the Eco-car.
Honda Brio has been developed for Thailand and Indian markets. While the basic design is same, the vehicle has been modified to meet requirement of each market.
The small car will feature a 1.2 Litre 3 cylinder highly efficient iVTEC engine which powers Honda Jazz. The Brio will be low on cost and will compete head on will the most popular small cars from India including the Hyundai i10,Maruti Swift, Chevrolet Beat, Volkswagen Polo, Ford Figo, etc.. The design and technology of the Brio are quite promising, and if the cost comes out be close to less than a Rs. 5 Lakh price tag, it is highly likely to be a high selling hatchback for Honda in India. We expect the pricing will be done right because Honda India has learn its lessons from the sales figures of Honda Jazz with which is a high priced hatchback in Indian market.
Also see – Honda’s small car ‘Brio’
More pictures of Honda Brio –
