Honda BRIO launched in Thailand

Asian Markets exemplify the term ‘economical’ in the truest sense, and considering the volume of sales that these so-called cost conscious regions generate, international auto makers among other consumer goods manufacturers see it as the driving force for their business. 

Speaking of demand, it’s no clandestine reality that entry level hatchbacks and the small car segment as a whole is a sheer ‘demand powerhouse’ as compared to other upper cost segments in Asia, and as we look forward to some of the best automobiles in this particular class hitting Indian shores over the next couple of months, the announcement of the Honda BRIO launch in Thailand only tickles the Indian Honda lovers nerve a little more.

Unveiled for the very first time at the Thailand International Expo in November 2010, this refreshing, well proportioned small car is the Japanese car makers latest creation inspired more than ever by its, "man maximum, machine minimum" philosophy.

While, Honda announced that the dimensions and overall weight of the 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 if literally converted would sum up to round about 5-7 lakhs here in 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.

Seeing the great potential in the entry level small car segment in India, Honda seemed quite eager to offer its potential BRIO buyers in India a peak at the car in the form of a Honda Brio India Preview event scheduled to be held on 17th March 2011 at The Grand, Vasant Kunj , New Delhi. But a series of unfortunate natural calamities in Japan has altered Honda Siel Cars India Limited (HSCIL’s) plan for the same.