With any product or service that is being either brought out in the market or is there for some time one thing that is common is that the producer or the seller will try to get as much market share as possible for the product. With Honda, the Japanese car maker, the same has been the case but then it was badly hit by the sad response that its Jazz received from the market due to the wrong pricing. But then Honda came out all guns blazing, by coming out with the Honda Brio. It was the right time for the Brio to hit the market, as this is the first car at such a price level (below Rs.500000/-) by Honda. Experts call it one of the most crucial launches for a car till date in the Indian market.

Interiors of the car

The quality of the interior in the new Brio has upped the ante for the other cars in this range and that is clearly visible once you step in the vehicle. From the inside of the seat pockets to the bottle holder that is provided in the rear part, everything has been dealt with utmost care and there is leather seen everywhere inside the car. The Airbags and the ABS are standard features in both the top and the middle variants, and the higher models also come with controls that are mounted on the steering, along with electronically functional mirrors, and audio system with both AUX and USB input.

The Fog lamps, the power windows and the alloy wheels are also present apart from the above mentioned accessories. Though it misses on the seat adjuster for the driver but still the car maker has provided with most of the things that one might expect in this car.

The beautiful Exteriors

The exteriors of the car are again a surprise for the buyer as the beautiful, glossy and rich paint that is provided on the body of the car is simply amazing and makes it look so attractive. The body panels have been fitted tightly, and they look like a great job done. The quality of rubber and the plastic that is used on the car is better than what one would find in any rival car and the hatch looks very sturdy while driving too. With a kerb weight of some 920 kilos, it comes to be a tad lighter than the Maruti Swift.

The absence of the defogger though stands out as a weak spot in the almost flawless interiors and exteriors.

Engine & Performance

The Brio is powered with the I VTEC 1.2 litre engine that is similar to what was found in the Jazz too. The engine gets a rating of 87 BHP and it produces 6000 rpm and a torque of 109 Nm. The motor is brilliant and the performance of the car is something that would definitely bring a smile to your face. With an expected launch date of May, 2014 this one certainly looks like a keep and a great car.

The past year or so has not been very fruitful for most reputed auto majors in India, but Honda Cars India has adopted smart business and engineering strategies to tide over the adverse effects of recession. The company has recorded impressive monthly profits and the secret behind its enormous success is the manufacture of iDTEC 1.5 liter engine, which runs the City and Amaze.

Amaze is Honda’s first diesel project, the car was launched in 2013 April, and the car was launched at a time when the car market scenario was on a steady decline. It was a risk to launch the Amaze, which at the end turned out to be a fortune cookie. Amaze at present is sold in dozens and in only nine months Honda has sold about 60,000 pieces of the car.

Honda has recently launched its fourth-gen City diesel model, and the pre-booking procedures for the car started last month, and till now there are about 10,000 customers in the queue waiting to grab the car. The new City is an exciting launch injected with new design technologies like Sleek Cross Motion and Exciting H design. With the new City diesel on the cars months after the launch of Amaze, car buffs would wonder if Honda will build a diesel Brio. Recently according to the buzz, the Brio diesel is expected to be on display at the 2014 auto expo. Not much information is divulged on the news of a new Brio hatch.

The new City looks bigger and more exquisite than its predecessor, filled with new design theories and as expected there is a huge waiting list for the car. Honda has to now work out methods to meet the overflowing demand of the car with adequate stocks to roll out those many vehicles. There is lot of activity in Honda’s 3 factory units, and before stepping into third factory, the company formulated methods to move its products to match the huge demand and as a result about 13,200 vehicles were manufactured on a monthly basis. Honda built a third plant to accommodate the huge queue for the City and from its two factories the production output was 440 vehicles on a monthly basis. The company has now established a fully fledged manufacturing unit at its established Tapukara unit.

2014 is an exciting period for Honda car fans; the excitement does not end with the new City. The other interesting launches are Mobilio multipurpose vehicle and Vezel SUV. It is interesting to learn that there is the buzz about Honda launching a diesel Brio hatch, and most people would expect the company to use the same iDTEC engine used in Amaze and City. As mentioned earlier Honda’s first diesel venture was Amaze and the aftermath effect was filled with incredible sales, the same formula is used in new City and Mobilio MPV. It would be exciting to view the sale portfolio of Mobilio MPV and City post launch, and if the tale is again a string of enormous successes then let’s hope a new diesel Brio hatch arrives.

Honda has recorded impressive sales with the Amaze, this is the company’s first ever diesel project and has recorded highest sales. Honda is also planning to expand its diesel portfolio with some new surprise packages such as Brio, Jazz and City.

Honda has not explored the diesel segment unlike its arch rivals Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki. There have been reports that the three diesel models will be constructed in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The Brio based Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) will be unveiled at the prestigious Indonesian International Motor Show. The launch of Brio MPV will create cut-throat competition with Suzuki Ertiga.

Honda is keen to expand its dealership network by around 60% with 250 outlets to increase its manufacturing capacity to around 300,000 by 2016.  This is a smart move by Honda India to expand its diesel portfolio after the whooping success of Amaze diesel. Some of the factors of Amaze diesel that has enabled the company to hit high margins is the trendy exterior sculpt, roomy interiors and outstanding mileage of 25.8kpl which is known to be the best in its segment.

One of the new diesel projects Honda Jazz also called Fit portrays a professional and sophisticated exterior stance; the interiors are built to meet the demands of modern day demographic and have all the possible luxury and recreational elements such as world class audio equipment with USB and Aux-in facilities and so on. The cushions are tailored with premium black upholstery which is exciting to experience a one of a kind interior atmosphere.

The car is a reliable product in terms of safety with anti-lock braking system and stability controls as standard, there are 6 airbags. The safety technique used is advanced compatibility engineering which has incredible shock absorbing capacities.

The overall dimension of the car is 162 inches in length, and can easily fit into tight parking spots. For its small dimension the interior volume in the rear compartment is pretty impressive to enjoy an amazing vacation ride with a group of family and friends.

The Amaze has been a game changer for the company especially during the current unfavorable market scenario; this is one model that has broken impressive records with 30,000 products being released within just few months of its arrival. It would be interesting to observe Honda’s new aim with its upcoming diesel projects, whether the cars will possess outstanding mileages as observed with Amaze or there would be some new inventive engine technology.

It is also a practical move of Honda to choose Brio, Fit and City for its new diesel projects, since these cars have satisfied consumers to the core, and are built with marvelous interior fitments and comfort. The launch of Brio MPV will be interesting since Honda has not ventured too much into this segment. The company seems to be a pro with new launch techniques as observed with Amaze. Let’s wait for the launch of the forthcoming diesel cars, and also customers would be curious with Honda’s new route from petrol fuelled cars.

Honda Brio is appreciated for its trendy design in the hatch segment, on the front the car is splashed with artistically designed curves. The headlights are creatively designed that actually resembles a real cat eye which is unique and inventive. The grilles are designed to perfection to the likes of an imaginative painting. The sides portray a trendy image with magnificent creases. There are no turn indicators on exterior rear view mirrors. The rear lights are designed in a novel frame fitted towards extreme sides.

The interiors offer a royal atmosphere and are designed to cater to optimum comfort satisfaction with ample head and leg room. The color theme for interiors is a professional single beige shade. The steering wheel is electronic with audio controls; the dashboard is designed to revert back old times with a retro theme. The music system is best-in-class with a range of exciting and thrilling tunes with AUX and USB facilities. There are four air conditioners inserted on dashboard, there are electronically adjustable outer rear view mirrors. The steering wheel is designed remarkably to emit a classy image with sporty elements along with silver accents and chrome.  The interiors offer all elements for a comfortable and lavish experience.

The car is designed with world class safety features with EBD, ABS along with Torsion Beam Axle and McPherson Strut Suspension systems. The car designed is executed marvelously for enhanced drive control mechanisms with its compact structure and broad wheel base. There are a couple of air bags in front and one SRS system with gas release valve that contributes to increased safety. For crash protection mechanisms the car is built with G Force Control technology. There are Pretentioner seat belt makes. Brio has undergone stringent car crash test examinations.

Honda is now constructing a diesel Brio model; the company’s first diesel project is the Honda Amaze which generates incredible mileage figures of 25.8kmpl. The launch of Brio diesel is an excellent move to increase customer choice options especially during the current unfavorable car economy scenario caused by uncontrollable factors such as rupee depreciation, inflation, rising fuel prices and so on. To combat down sliding car economy the company is launching a new multipurpose vehicle and Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

The diesel version of Brio has admirable mileage figures of 18kpl in ideal city conditions and 22kpl on highways, with an excellent fuel capacity of 35 liters. Some of the interesting features in Brio diesel are CD players, air conditioner, power steering, power windows, central locking and leather seats.

The Brio diesel is fitted with amazing features to meet the demands of Indian population. The most interesting aspect is the range of features in a small model, which might be the reason for the car to generate impressive profits to the company. The Brio diesel portrays a unique young image that would ideally compliment the classy attire of the highly qualified young demographic. Honda prioritizes on safety to the hilt and Brio has undergone safety tests. The combination of exemplary exterior, interior, comfort, engine and safety features makes driving the car a pleasurable experience.