Honda, at last, has unveiled the prototype of the Brio small car which is expected to be launched in the Indian market in during the next year’s festive season. The vehicle that will be launched in the Indian market will be very similar to the prototype showcased in Thailand.

The Honda Brio would be equipped with a 1.2-liter petrol engine, which is also featured in the Jazz. The prototype displayed at the expo had an automatic transmission. In the later stages, Honda would also bring additional engine and transmission options in the future. Two years down the lane and we would not be surprised to see the Brio equipped with a small diesel engine. Honda has earlier expressed its desire to bring diesel cars in the Indian market.

Honda Brio prototype is being developed with Honda’s advanced technologies and is easy to use in urban areas. The Honda BRIO prototype has a very compact body (length 3,610mm x width 1,680mm x height 1,475 mm), but is adequately spacious.

For the Indian model, Honda would incorporate more local ingredients to give the car both performance and price leverage.

“Honda would like to expand the joy of mobility to more customers in India, Thailand and other Asian countries through the introduction of a new small vehicle with compact and highly efficient packaging by utilizing our own experiences cultivated by our motorcycle business here in Asia,” said Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor.

The Honda Brio is expected to be priced at around 5 lakh rupees. The Indian automobile market has grown enormously and most global car manufacturers have taken advantage of the situation. Honda, with its Brio, is trying to enter into a segment that is ruled by Maruti Suzuki Swift in India. It is the first time that Honda is entering into a volume segment and will place the Brio not only against the mighty Swift, but also Ford Figo, Volkswagen Polo, Nissan Micra, Hyundai i10 and the upcoming Toyota Etios hatchback, which will be introduced early next year.