All-new Honda Brio coming in September (Upcoming Cars)

WHEN: September, 2011
HOW MUCH: Rs 4.5 lakh onwards
ENGINES: 1.2-litre, 90 PS, petrol
COMPETITION: Toyota Etios Liva, Nissan Micra, Maruti Swift

Honda's all-new hatchback Brio will be launched in the Indian market this September. The Brio is based on a shortened Jazz platform, and uses the same 1.2-litre iVTEC engine as well. The Brio will be launched into the ultra-competitive hatchback segment, where it will compete with the likes of the best-selling Maruti Swift and Ritz, Nissan Micra, Hyundai i10, Ford Figo, Toyota Etios Liva and the VW Polo.

The Brio's USP will be its fun to drive character and the cache of the Honda badge. The car is both shorter and lighter than the Jazz, so expect sprightly performance and good fuel economy from the car. On the inside, clever packaging and good space utilisation mean the cabin will be comfortable for 4 adults, with enough space for luggage for a weekend getaway.

A lot of the car's success will have to do with its price. Honda is aiming for a Rs 4.5 lakh ex-showroom price for the base version, with the top-end variant likely to retail for close to Rs 6 lakh. At least 3 variants will be available at launch. Honda may also consider equipping the Brio with ABS and airbags as standard, as is the case in other markets abroad, which might push the price up further.

One limiting factor for the new Honda Brio is its lack of a diesel engine. With rising fuel prices, more and more hatchback buyers want a diesel option, and this means the Brio will never figure on those customers' radar.