The Japanese automakers are known for their secrecy. Oh, and they even go to great lengths to put us off their new product trails by some imaginative word play. Today, we have what could be a big move from Honda, of that of a diesel engined Brio. A Team-Bhpian has reportedly spotted a Honda Brio diesel on the testing rounds in Gurgaon. The giveaways, according to the spotter was black smoke under acceleration and distinct diesel clatter, both trademark signs of a diesel engine. The car was also debadged, giving no hint as to what was nestling under the hood.
2013 Honda Brio Diesel Hatchback Spyshot?
If indeed Honda has begun testing the diesel version of the Brio, it only augurs well for the embattled Japanese car brand, whose sales have been in the doldrums for quite a while in the Indian car market, given the petrol-only car models it has in its portfolio. Interestingly, the spotting comes at a time when petrol prices are at record highs in the country, with the prices having risen by the highest ever, in the history of India, when the Indian government, effected price hike of INR 7.5 on every liter of petrol. So, petrol car sales could further dip with car buyers opting for the more frugal and economical diesel engined options.
Honda has clearly emphasized that it will not be launching a diesel variant of any of its cars in 2012. So, it could be 2013 and beyond when the likes of the Brio, Jazz and the City receive diesel engines. Honda, ushering in diesel engines on its cars is a move that is vital for the brand to survive and thrive in India, which has seen a paradigm shift in car buying patterns, favoring diesel cars, in recent years. Honda, thus far has been left behind in the diesel engine race, but with the spotting of the Brio Diesel, all that could change, and change very soon.
Honda has been developing a range of diesel engines to power its models such as the Jazz, Brio and the City. However, it comes as somewhat as a surprise that the brand has already begun testing one of its new generation diesel engines on the Brio. The brand showcased its latest generation 1.6 Liter i-DTEC turbo diesel engines meant for the Honda Civic sedan, quite recently. This engine, based on Honda’s EarthDreams technology, promises the best in class torque and fuel economy with the least tail pipe emissions. The rest of Honda’s diesel engine range can also be expected to carry on the “EarthDreams” philosophy.
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