These two photographs circulating on the internet are believed to be the first official images of the Honda Brio Amaze, leaked before its global premiere in Thailand on the 23rd of November.
In comparison to the Brio hatch, the Brio Amaze gets a new front grille, new alloy wheels, redesigned rear door, and an all-new boot and rear fascia. The Brio Amaze is about 60mm longer and 26kg heavier than the Brio hatchback with modifications made to the rear seat. The soft components are retained, but cabin color combinations are learned to be different.
The Brio Amaze will be the first diesel Honda in India. A 1.5-liter i-DTEC, EarthDreams diesel engine lies under the nose and it carries the hope of Honda finally cracking the pro-diesel Indian market. Soon after diesel technology took over, Honda's market share began dipping and segment after segment, its leadership position in some pockets was snatched away by new launches equipped with diesel engines.
The Brio Amaze will be positioned in the B+ segment, in between the Brio and the City. It locks horns with the Swift Dzire, a segment leader, which clocked an amazing 14,000 units last month. The Brio Amaze will also be launched with a petrol engine, a re-calibrated version of the Brio's 1.2-liter i-VTEC mill.
Read more about the Honda Brio Amaze's technical aspects
Whether initially Honda manufacture the diesel engine locally at their powertrain facility in Tapukara, Rajasthan or will import it is yet to be seen. Honda could have a price advantage if the engine is completely localized.
Both Mahindra and Tata Motors are expected to unpack the sub-4m long variants of the Verito and Indigo Manza next year. Apart from the sub-four metre sedan, the Amaze, by virtue of its positioning and price, will also rival with the likes of Toyota Etios and Indigo Manza.
The Brio Amaze is very easily the most important launch for Honda since it set foot in India. You can see and buy one at a Honda dealership in India from April 2013. The Brio Amaze will be launched first in Thailand on the 23rd of November.
[Image Source - Facebook.com]
