2011 Honda BRIO Destined For Developing Markets

HONDA BRIO

Following news last month of its coming, Honda has today revealed the 2011 BRIO Prototype, a new sub-light hatch developed for sale in Asian and developing markets.

Revealed at this week's Thailand International Motor Expo, the BRIO is based on the Honda 'New Small Concept' that bowed 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 3610mm long, 1680mm wide and 1475mm tall, the BRIO is only slightly larger than competitor Hyundai's diminutive i10 hatch and only a touch smaller than the i20 already available in Australia.

• Click to read TMR's review of the Hyundai i20
  
• Click to read TMR's review of the Suzuki Alto
  

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 sub-light car.

In Thailand, the BRIO will sell for around AUD$13,500.

Australia

An Australian launch for the BRIO has not been confirmed. If the BRIO were to make its way to Australia, it would compete in the slowly growing sub-light segment against the Suzuki Alto, Holden's Barina Spark and, if it arrives, the Hyundai i10.