What consumers expect from the new Honda Brio

The Brio is Honda's new global small car for emerging markets and it is expected to be fuel efficient, well designed and value-for-money. Going by the prototypes recently unveiled in Thailand, the Brio embodies Honda's smart approach to maximising cabin space, in its smallest package outside Japan yet.

Though Honda announced that the dimensions and overall weight of the recently launched Thai Brio model would be marginally different from the one expected in India, the overall specifications and features will remain pretty much the same.

"With features like adjustable steering and pedals, power outlet for charging, remote keyless entry, ABS with EBD and the very competitive price, the Brio will surely give its rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Nissan Micra and Ford Figo a run for their money," believes Tushar Mathur, an MBA from Delhi.

"I expect a lot from a car that has a Honda badge on it, from a fuel efficient engine to great features including safety ones. I am expecting the Honda Brio to be a more evolved car. It has to be an eco-friendly vehicle given the present environmental conditions," says Mumbai engineer Arun Chaudhary.

Expected to be launched in India in July 2011, the Brio is expected to be priced around Rs 4-5 lakh. It will be sport a 4-cylinder, 1.2-litre, i-VTEC engine that produces 90PS of power.

"90PS of power with 125Nm of torque will definitely be a feelgood factor for the hatch. But it should not prove to be another Jazz which will be a setback for Honda in the hatchback market," says Infosys Delhi manager Shubhanshu Shukla.

The general consensus of consumers from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune is that the new Honda Brio is a funky offering replete with styling, gadgets, accessories, high mileage, adequate power, low maintenance costs, sporty steering and seats.

Given the positive feedback, the Brio seems set to be another success story for Honda.