Honda Cars India Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Japanese auto maker Honda Motor Co., has revealed intentions to introduce a new mini Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) in the domestic passenger car market sometime in 2014. The company is developing the new MPV on its Brio platform, much on the similar lines of what it did with the Honda Amaze entry level sedan. Therefore, the upcoming Honda MPV would be sharing a DNA similar to its Brio and Amaze siblings.
The yet-to-be launched Brio-based MPV looks promising for steering sales of the Japanese auto maker in the Indian auto market, considering the success achieved by its Brio and Amaze models. The Brio premium hatchback contributed to the bulk of Honda sales recorded in the 2012-13 fiscal, whereas the new Amaze is currently sitting on top with over 22,000 record bookings in less than a month of its launch in the country. Therefore, the prospect of a Brio-based MPV augurs well for the Japanese auto maker.
A major reason for the impressive sales performance given by Amaze model was its availability in both petrol and diesel powered options. Hence, the company would be looking to cash on its newly found success formula by launching its upcoming Brio-based MPV in both fuel versions.
The Honda MPV would share platform with the Honda Brio model, while incorporating the same power-mills featured in Amaze sedan. The petrol and diesel versions would be powered with the same 1.2 litre i-VTEC and 1.5 litre i-DTEC engines, respectively. The Honda i-VTEC petrol motor is rated with a peak power output of 87 bhp, whereas the i-DTEC oil burner churns out a class leading power of 98.7 bhp. This 1.5 litre i-DTEC engine is laden with the Honda Earth Dreams technology and also delivers an impressive mileage figure of 25.8 kmpl (certified by ARAI).
Upon its arrival on the Indian turf, the Honda Brio MPV would compete against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Mahindra Xylo, Nissan Evalia and the Chevrolet Enjoy, which is set for its Indian launch on May 9, 2013. At present, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga remains the market leader and contributes to bulk of the sales recorded in the MPV segment. Considering the stunning reception witnessed by the Amaze entry level sedan from the domestic buyers, Brio MPV definitely looks like a new big potential offering from the Japanese auto maker. Experts feel that Honda MPV’s competitive pricing coupled with premium looks and availability in both petrol and diesel powered models, could lure Indian buyers away from Ertiga.
