Tag: brio

Honda Reveals Sketches of Brio-based MPV

Honda has unveiled sketches of a new Brio-based MPV in Indonesia, and the car is expected to debut at the Indonesia International Motor Show later in September. According to reports, it will be available with an updated version of City’s 1.5-litre iVTEC petrol engine, and Honda’s torque-heavy 1.5-litre 100 bhp diesel engine. 3 rows of seating for a total seating of 7 people will definitely increase its length over the 4 metre limit, so the car will not be eligible for an excise benefit.

The ‘low’ MPV or ‘LMPV’ (Codename: 2NH) has been given aggressive styling which should go down well with the masses. This is another attempt by Honda to do away with the admittedly staid designs of recent years, and the bulky LMPV seems to have enough character to push the Japanese automaker in the right direction. The front end is clearly inspired by the Brio with large inlets on both bumpers, The elongated wheelbase and low-slung roof line give it a sporty stance. A kink in the window line, attempts to reduce the MPV’s length visually and complements the dimensions of the car well . The car is flanked by very prominent character lines, and the flared wheel arches will surely grab some attention. A very interesting feature is the floating D-pillar which ends in a smooth curve halfway to the boot.

Unfortunately, this is all the information Honda has revealed as of now, but more news is expected in the coming months. The ‘low’ MPV should ideally make its India debut at the 2014 Auto Expo in Delhi. The MPV has tough competition with the Toyota Innova and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in the Indian market. But with it’s eye catching and aggressive styling, good engine options and the ever reliable Honda badge, it may just give them both a run for their money, as long as Honda are smart with the pricing. Watch this space for updates.

July 20, 2013
Honda Hikes Amaze & CR-V Prices

Honda has implemented the second phase of its price hike by increasing prices of its new Amaze compact sedan going up by Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 8,000 depending on the variant in Delhi. The price hike has also hit the company’s only SUV in India, the CR-V, with prices going up by Rs 6,000 to Rs 14,000 depending on the variant in Delhi. Both hikes were in effect since 1st June 2013.

April 2013 saw the first phase of a price hike by the Japanese manufacturer across the City (Rs. 3,000), Brio (Rs. 2,000-10,000) and Accord (Rs. 5,000) to offset the increased cost of onboard diagnostic compliance changes (OBDC) and rising freight charges due to hike in diesel prices.

We’re not looking at another round of price increases just yet. Short-term volatility s covered by forward contracts, and only very few car makers have big ticket dollar imports. Like Honda only imports a few parts for the Accord from the US. Our larger imports are either from Japan or from Thailand and if the yen and the baht also depreciate vis-a-vis the dollar, the rupee movement will be neutralized.

– Jnaneswar Sen, Senior VP-Marketing and sales, Honda

Image credit: Honda

June 7, 2013
Autogyaan: Honda Promises 30-Day Delivery Period As Amaze Bookings Open

Honda’s highly anticipated compact sedan, the Amaze will launch on April 11, and the Japanese carmaker opened bookings for the same on April 1. The Amaze is expected to cost Rs. 6-7.5 Lakh and bookings can be made at a refundable amount of Rs. 21,000.

Honda anticipates its first diesel car for the Indian market to be a great success and has reportedly already produced 10,000 units of the car so as to avoid extended waiting periods. A 30 day delivery period has been promised by Honda to those who have booked the Amaze already.

The Amaze is a compact sedan based on the successful Honda Brio hatchback. Its sub-four-metre length and options of a less than 1200cc petrol motor and less than 1500c diesel engine go towards ensuring that Honda can avail of the excise (tax on manufacturing) sops for small cars and make it affordable for the value-conscious Indian buyer. The Amaze will be powered by a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine producing 100 PS of power and 200 Nm of torque, with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Honda India’s maiden diesel car delivers a very impressive ARAI certified mileage of 25.8 km/l. Honda will also offer the Brio’s petrol engine as an option with the Amaze. The 1.2-litre i-VTEC motor produces 88 PS and 109 Nm, and comes with 5-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

We are delighted to witness a remarkable growth of 35% over last year although the market environment has been quite tough. Strong demand for Honda Brio and Honda City has been instrumental in achieving this success. The launch of Amaze this month will be a significant step in Honda’s strategy to begin a new phase of growth for our business in Indian market. We expect huge growth potential in tier 2 & tier 3 markets with this car and therefore we have been expanding our sales network to reach out to newer cities and markets.

– Jnaneswar Sen, Sr. VP – Sales and Marketing, Honda Siel

April 5, 2013