TheEconomicTimes reports that Honda has fast forwarded the development of diesel engines for India. One can expect the Honda diesels as early as 2013. The article states that the first car to get the diesel engine will be the Brio.

Another juicy scoop that the article reveals is that Honda is developing a sedan based on the Brio’s platform codenamed the Honda 2TP which will be released next year. Later, somewhere in October 2013, Honda will come out with the much awaited diesel Honda City. The all new Honda Jazz will be sold with a diesel heart sometime in 2014.

Read more about what to expect from the Honda Brio-based sedan

The Brio, Brio-based sedan and the Jazz will get a 1.2L diesel engine whereas the City will get a slightly bigger and more powerful 1.5L diesel engine, according to this report.

Honda India will invest Rs 3,000 crore of fresh funds of into new products and capacities. The funds will be used for setting up new manufacturing lines at Tapukara in Rajasthan where it also plans to build a components and diesel engine plant.

The new generation Civic (Code – 2HC) and CR-V (2WL) models have been launched in other countries and the next gen Accord (2GA) shown as a concept in Detroit earlier this year, is likely to come out early next year. The duty structure on imported models has resulted in increase of CR-V and Accord prices. The lines at Tapukara could be utilized to assemble these models in the future to avoid further spiraling of the price.

[Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com]

The next generation Honda Accord will be unveiled later this year based on the Accord Coupe Concept shown in America earlier in 2012. But that does not bother the Chinese operations who subscribe to the idea that the globally renowned D Segment model has not passed its prime. They have put it under the scalpel once again to turn back the years.

The new car gets so much more chrome on its front and rear fascias. Chrome strips have been implanted under the fog lamps and the grille’s chrome content now flows in the headlights. The door handles are soaked in chrome and the rub rails unfortunately slipped into the firing line!

Honda has included a bit of chrome on the rear bumper and placed it on new wheels.

It is reported that the new Accord will use the same engines and break cover in the second half of 2012.

[Source - Auto.163.com]

BMW has even unveiled a separate brand called ‘i’ especially for launching ultra fuel efficient vehicles. Honda, on similar lines, has unveiled the EarthDreams technology that would make future Honda cars very fuel efficient.

What is Honda EarthDreams?

Apart from being a really kickass brand name, the Honda EarthDreams technology is a set of realistic approaches that will help Honda boost the fuel efficiency of its vehicles and lower CO2 emissions while maintaining the fun-to-drive aspect. With this technology, Honda aims to become industry leaders in fuel efficiency over the next three years.

What does the Honda EarthDreams consist of?

The EarthDreams technology comprises of

• New petrol and diesel engines
• CVT gearboxes
• A fresh “two-motor” hybrid system, electric SH-AWD for efficient performance
• Compact electric powertrain for EVs

New Petrol engine: The new VTEC engines get enhanced variable valve timing and lift control system for better thermal efficiency and reduced friction. The new VTEC also shifts to Atkinson cycle which provides high efficiency. Honda claims that the new VTECs have 5% improved economy and 5% better output, along with 10% more torque.

New Diesel engine: Honda will be replacing the 2.2L diesel it uses in Europe now for a thoroughly modern downsized unit – a 1.6L that’s aiming for best in class acceleration and fuel efficiency. The engine will churn out 120PS of power at 4,000rpm and 300Nm of torque. The new diesel engine features an optimized thermal management system, a high-efficiency turbocharger and reduced engine block weight.

New CVT gearbox: The CVT gearbox is smaller and lightweight with a reinforced belt. The expanded gear ratios helps fuel efficiency improvements of 5% to 10% compared to the conventional CVT

SH-AWD: Honda is also developing a new SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system. It is essentially a four-wheel drive without a link between front and rear axles. Each rear wheel gets its own 27 hp, 70 Nm electric motor.

The best part is that some of these technologies will be arriving as early as next year in the international markets. In India, it will take some time to realize the full potential of these technologies.

[Source: world.honda.com]

Over to you Mr Shrie!

The UAE market previously sourced the Honda CR-V from Japan until last year’s twin disaster that sent supply into a downward spiral. After the disasters Honda gradually moved supply for the UAE from Japan to USA. Now the new Honda CR-V, New Civic, Accord and Oddysey (MPV) are shipped from USA.

The 2012 Honda CR-V continues to be powered by the same 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, with power now bumped up to 188 hp and a meaty torque rating of 222 Nm. A 5-speed automatic transmission, carried over from the previous model, is standard. Honda talks of on an improved all-wheel-drive system that sends most of the drive to the front wheels but can send torque to the rear wheels anytime, unlike the old system that used to wait for the front wheels to lose traction before shifting to the rear axle. The CR-V is a mild off-roader and cannot do serious mud plugging.

The cabin has space for five and retains the textured hard-plastic demeanor but that is not to say that the interior is unattractive.

The new CR-V in the UAE is offered in three flavors – LX, EX and EX-L (Leather).

The LX gets 17-inch alloys, a 4-speaker stereo with CD and AUX port, mirror-mounted indicators, ABS, stability control and front airbags. The higher EX and EX-L models get 18-inch wheels, a 6-speaker stereo with USB/AUX ports, cruise control, HID headlights, fog lamps, dual-zone auto AC, sunroof, Bluetooth pairing, rear camera and an “i-MID” LCD display.

The EX-L additionally gets side/curtain airbags, leather interior and electrically powered driver seat.

The design evolution may be similar to cars like the Swift or the Safari Storm when they moved to the next generation, wherein the original formula may not be reinvented as it is still working its magic.

Even if Honda decides do the corollary and provide the Jazz a complete makeover, they will have to update the front fascia to the latest design language. Though not all Honda models wear exactly the same face, some of the elements are integrated into them identically.

Honda has announced a new concept named “S Concept” at the Beijing Auto Show and though this is not a compact hatchback, speculations are on as to whether the same face and some of the character lines will feature in the new Jazz. Note that the Honda S Concept does not preview the next generation Jazz, it could be the preliminary idea a much larger vehicle for Chinese families.

Honda has released a few lines detailing the Concept stating that the “S” stands for “Stylish,” “Smart” and “Surprise.” Honda has announced the car is ready to be launched next year in China followed by global markets.

[Images downloaded from NetCarShow.com]

The reason is that most emerging markets share more or less the same characteristics. Thus, it makes sense for manufacturers to launch the product in multiple emerging markets to reap the economies of scale. Car penetration levels in these countries is less and making affordable cars is building a future as the customer can come back when he’s upgrading.

However, in a surprising twist, Honda has ruled out the launch of Brio in Brazil.

Alfredo Guedes, manager of corporate communication for Honda Brazil, commented that the Brio is a product designed for the Asian market, and may not be suitable for the Brazilian market from many perspectives.

However, Honda has plans to introduce a compact car in Brazil. It would be a completely new hatchback designed specifically for Brazilian market, similar to the Hyundai HB that is the Brazilian counterpart to the i20. Unfortunately this is a long-term plan, nothing for the next year.

[Source: NoticiasAutomotivas.com.br]

Reports in the Japanese media have explained the design changes through artist renderings. It may not change its outline but detailing could be slick and more aerodynamic. The character lines are sharper, the chrome-bar grille with the Honda emblem is borrowed from the Brio and LED clusters pep-up the headlight assembly.

The daylight opening is largely similar to the current model. There could be a sense of masculinity in the way the bumpers are designed if this report is accurate. As one reads further into the report, the transformation of the Swift comes to mind.

There may not be alterations to the footprint of the 2013 Honda Jazz but performance is expected to improve significantly. The Jazz is among the most spacious hatchbacks not only in India but around the world. It has been lauded for the flexibility the seating arrangement offers and is a smash-hit in the tuning business. Here in India, the price correction is a step in the right direction, but the domination of diesel and breakages in supply lead to the car playing catchup.

Returning to the subject, Honda could have put the Jazz through a strict diet resulting in fuel economy gains. The new Jazz looks fresh and with a diesel engine under works, Honda’s assault on the B+ Segment certainly puts the i20 and Swift in a spot of bother.

[Source - AutoInTrends.com]

In fact, the Ford EcoSport, which we are so kicked about, initially started testing in Brazil. But now there is a reverse scenario.

The facelifted Honda was first launched in Thailand and then in India quite a while back. Now, the City heads westwards to Brazil. Our good friends at Autossegredos have caught a lightly camouflaged test mule of the City in Brazil.

Honda only made minor modifications in the City which include:

• Front chrome grill
• New front bumper
• Rear bumper with reflectors
• New tail lamps
• ORVMs with turn indicators
• 10 spoke alloy wheels on the top model (V) and 5 spoke alloy wheels on the lower models

There will certainly be changes made to engine because the fuel that used in Brazilian markets has a high percentage of ethanol. The City will compete against Chevy Cobalt, Nissan Versa and Fiat Siena . When on sale, it will cost 54 000 Brazil reais which is somewhere around INR 15 lakhs.

[Source - AutosSegredos.com.br]

Thus the Brio has a daunting task of keeping up with the family. At the same time, the competition is fierce. The Swift, i10 and the A Star offer very good drivability.

So does the Brio have what it takes to be a sporty hatchback? Let’s find out:

What powers the Honda Brio?

The Brio inherits the 1.2L engine from its elder cousin Jazz. However, Honda has reduced the power and torque figures to make sure that it does not compete with Jazz. In the Brio, the 1.2L Petrol i-VTEC produces 87 BHP (@ 6000 rpm) and 109 Nm of torque (@ 4,600 rpm). This healthy dose of power combined with just 930 kg of weight means the Brio’s acceleration is quick. In fact, it is the only car in its segment to cross 100 kph within 13 seconds

Crank the engine and its quickly settles in the idle state. The 5 speed manual is very smooth with precise gear gates and a short throw to give you a sporty drive. The light clutch and a generous low end torque are a boon for city traffic. But that’s not the USP. The USP of the Brio is its high revving i-Vtec which just loves to be throttled.

The Brio loves to be in the high rev band all the time. The peppy engine coupled with a wide base means you are bound to have a lot of fun behind the steering.

Despite the light weight, the Brio’s high speed stability is definitely admirable

How does the Brio handle?

The Brio’s steering is an electronic unit which awesomely light to operate at low speeds. At high speeds, it weighs in fantastically to give you adequate feedback. Changing lanes while tackling traffic is such an easy job in the Brio. It is indeed an extremely easy car to drive.

The Brio’s suspension set up is a bit on the softer side which makes for a bouncy ride. Slight undulations on the road do unsettle the Brio and driving it on concrete roads is very choppy. The 175/65 R14 MRF tyres do a fairly decent job of gripping the tarmac. But when pushed to its limits, there is a good amount of tyre squeals thanks to the generous amount power the engine is putting on the infrastructure. We recommend wider profile tyres to get maximum out of your Brio. The brakes are crisps and fantastic.

One really interesting test we did was to check the ground clearance. Honda cars are notoriously famous for underbody contact on the Indian roads. We put the Brio through some really bad roads and we are glad to tell you that the 165 mm of ground clearance of the body did not touch the ground at all.

What about Fuel economy?

The best fuel economy that we got was 14.03 kmpl. The Brio has an ‘ECO’ meter which is very addictive to drive. Essentially, it analyzes a lot of factors such as throttle position, engine revs, gear selected to calculate the fuel economy. If you are getting maximum miles per drop of fuel, then it lights green. It’s a hugely helpful display for amateur drivers to get the best mileage out of their Brio.

What about safety?

The Brio comes equipped with acceptable amount of safety equipments:

• i-SRS Airbags which Honda claims is better than conventional ones.
• ABS with EBD

Things that I did not like about the drive:

• The choppy ride works against the Brio. It should have been more compliant like the other Hondas
• There is a fair bit of wind noise at high speeds.
• Sharp turns unsettle the Brio which is fun if you are a driving enthusiast but not so much for a lay man.
• Lack of diesel means it caters to a increasingly niche market

The Brio is a super-fun car to drive and probably the easiest to drive in its segment. The awesome visibility coupled with sharp reflexes make it a perfect city car. The size works against the Brio because people may think it’s a cramped car. But when you get on the inside, things are pretty clear.  If Honda can ramp up the production and sales outlets, the i10 and Wagon R have a worthy competitor.

The Japanese car maker does not intend to manufacturer the Brio in Indonesia just yet. It will be assembled  in the company’s Thailand plant and exported to Indonesia.

If all goes well, Honda will start manufacturing the Brio in Indonesia by 2013.

Honda will launch the Brio in Indonesia at the Indonesia International Motor Show in September.  The automaker is targeting at least 2,000 units for the first year. The Brio which will be sold in Indonesia will run a 1.2L, 3 cylinder engine derived from a 1.2L, 4 cylinder engine of the Indonesian Jazz. It has a fuel efficiency of 20 km/liter.

Honda is betting big on the Brio in Indonesia. The company is also installing a new plant behind the old Honda factory located in the Industrti Mitrakarawang, West Java. The old factory Honda only has a production capacity of 60,000 cars per year alone. The new plant is designed to produce 120,000 cars taking the total production of Honda cars in Indonesia to 180,000 cars per year.

[Source: us.oto.detik.com]