The compact petrol engine would be available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions.
In an attempt to have a go at small car giants Maruti and Hyundai, Honda is reportedly working on a new hatchback to be positioned below its current entry level Indian model, the Honda Brio.
The Honda mini car would be powered by a new 1.0-litre petrol engine that is also on the anvil, reports Financial Express. The newspaper's sources say that the motor in question would be available in both guises - naturally aspirated and turbocharged.
The naturally aspirated version is expected to power the new hatchback which would be ready in 2017. While further details of the motor are unavailable for now, it is likely to be a three-cylinder derivative of the Brio's 1.2-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC unit, imitating Maruti's K-Series family.
The 1.0-litre engine, the newspaper's sources say, will be aiming to be set a fuel efficiency record among petrol motors in the country. Honda's 1.5L i-DTEC diesel engine launched last year is the current record holder in the three segments it is used in.
With Honda's Greater Noida plant in Uttar Pradesh and Tapukara Plant in Rajasthan having their capacities earmarked for the Mobilio (Greater Noida), Amaze (Tapukara) and City (Tapukara from September) and the upcoming Jazz, the new small car could be manufactured at a possible third manufacturing plant which could come up in Gujarat.
However, responding to the newspaper's query, Honda Cars India's spokesperson refused to comment on future product developments and has stated that there are no current plans for a sub-Brio model.
Competitors: Hyundai Eon, Maruti Wagon R, Maruti Alto
Expected Price: INR 3.5 - 4.5 lakhs, ex-showroom
Launch Date: 2017 (unofficial)
[Source: Financial Express]
