Honda launched its cheapest and smallest car in India, the Honda Brio on September 27, 2011. The Brio comes only in petrol – at a time when car sales are low across segments due to rising petrol prices.

But it is a Honda, and the Indian buyers have shown serious love to Honda cars when they were reasonably priced. The Brio will compete against the Chevrolet Beat and Hyundai i10, but also could tempt buyers of higher priced premium hatchbacks like the Maruti Swift or Ritz due to its sporty, powerful engine.

Highlights of the Honda Brio

Unconventional design. The front is familiar Honda, but the rear has a huge glass hatch door, and a tapering top half which may not be to everyone’s liking.

Typical Honda build quality. You are getting a real Honda, make no mistake about it. The plastics and metal are exactly what you would expect from Honda, and fit and finish are excellent.

Eco mode – a fuel saver! Note the Eco light that comes on when your driving style helps attain maximum possible fuel efficiency.

Short turning radius for easy city driving. You can see the Honda Brio taking some sharp U-turns easily – this would make the Brio very easy indeed to handle in city traffic. Parking in tight lanes is also easy because of this.

Small boot. This is the one negative we could think about this car. If you have five people and luggage to cart around, the Brio is not the car for you. But the rear seats can be folded flat to get all the luggage space you want if there are just two passengers. Also read: Honda Brio road test.

Watch the video of the Honda Brio below for a detailed look at the car! Tell us what you think in the comments section below.