Honda today lifted the wraps off the Brio, a small city car designed for emerging Asian markets such as India, China and Thailand. Previewed last year by the Brio concept, Honda’s new model measures 3,610 meters long and 1,680 meters wide, making it 290mm shorter than the Jazz supermini and only 1 centimeter narrower.

The Brio uses a 1.2-liter i-VTEC engine sourced from the Jazz, which delivers 90 horsepower and an average fuel consumption of 5 liters/100 km (47 mpg US), while respecting the Euro 4 emission standards. The engine can be linked to a manual five-speed gearbox or a CVT transmission.

All models for Thailand feature two front airbags, disc brakes, ABS and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution). India will get a slightly different version of the Brio, adapted for the market’s needs, which will be launched later this year. The automaker expects to sell around 40,000 units of the new Brio this year in Thailand, with a starting price of €9,400 ($13,180).

“The Brio will meet the driving and lifestyle needs of people who are looking for a stylish and compact, yet spacious and fuel-efficient car that carries a brand that they can trust for its advanced and safety technologies,” said Atsushi Fujimoto, Honda Thailand president.

By Dan Mihalascu

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