Honda BRIO Prototype

19 March 2011 Update:
For confirmed Honda BRIO pricing and specifications for Thailand, please click here.

Honda has unveiled the BRIO Prototype at the 27th Thailand International Motor Expo.

Although it’s being described as a prototype, the BRIO is scheduled for launch in Thailand in March 2011, while India will get a unique version of the car towards the end of next year.

The BRIO is designed primarily for urban use, hence the diminutive dimensions: it’s 3,610 mm long, 1,680 mm wide and 1,475 mm high. Despite the small size, Honda is keen to emphasise that there’s still plenty of room inside thanks to clever packaging.

In order to sell well in its target markets, the BRIO is going to have to be affordable to buy and cheap to run. According to Honda, the Thai model will achieve 56.4 mpg (5.0 l/100km) and it’ll cost around 400,000 Baht (approximately £8,500 / €10,165 / US$13,240).

Cost competitiveness will be even more critical if the BRIO is to succeed in India. Honda has recognised this, stating that ‘local customer needs for a small car will be reflected and local content will be increased to create a model that achieves a good balance between vehicle performance and price’. There’s no word yet on what that price might be, but the rumour is something like Rs. 4.50 lakh (approximately £6,300 / €7,500 / US$9,800).

As well as India and Thailand, the BRIO is also due to be sold in other Asian countries. The chances of it being exported to Europe appear slim at the moment, but the Honda could make an interesting competitor to existing budget models such as the Chevrolet Spark, Suzuki Alto / Nissan Pixo, Kia Picanto and Volkswagen Fox.