Honda has revealed its 2011 BRIO Prototype, a new sub-compact city-car developed for sale in Asian and developing markets. Shown at this week’s Thailand International Motor Expo, the BRIO is based on the Honda ‘New Small Concept’ that was on display at the Delhi Auto Expo only 11 months ago.
The BRIO has been designed to a new philosophy at Honda, dubbed “man maximum, machine minimum” – a credo that calls for ensuring interior space, safety and comfort is the highest priority. Measuring 3 610 mm long, 1 680 mm wide and 1 475 mm tall, the BRIO is only slightly larger than competitor Hyundai’s diminutive i10 hatch and only a touch smaller than the i20.
Honda says the BRIO will be a mass-production car, offered as an entry-level model in differing specifications for both Thailand and India – although other developing markets are likely to follow. The Thai model is scheduled to launch in March next year, with a fuel consumption rating of just 5.0 l/100km. Despite offering fuel economy figures, Honda has yet to reveal any technical details or features for its new city-car.
A South African launch for the BRIO has not been confirmed. If the BRIO were to make its way to SA, it would compete in the growing city-car segment against the Suzuki Alto, Chevrolet Spark, Hyundai i10 and the like.
