Honda to launch Brio VX variant with more features

Honda is planning to launch an upgraded variant of the Honda Brio, positioned above the current V model and which is likely to badged a VX. This variant is being introduced with a few more features following consumer feedback on the lack of some essential features in the Honda Brio.

The Honda Brio VX variant is likely to come with a rear demister, which is a boon on cold winter mornings and rainy days when the glass fogs up. However, Honda won’t be able to offer the Brio with a rear wash-wipe feature, as the design of the all-glass rear hatch on the Brio does not allow for fitment of a rear wiper. That’s something buyers will have to live with – but there are other premium hatchbacks in the market that don’t offer a rear wiper even on the top-end variant such as the Skoda Fabia and Toyota Liva diesel! Also read: Upcoming cars from Honda

The other feature addition the Brio is likely to get is a height adjustable driver’s seat – something that shorter drivers would find useful, as the Brio has a fairly high dashboard and steering position. It will also have more premium seat upholstery fabric. Other features that the Brio VX will come with include front fog lamps, alloy wheels, integrated stereo with USB and Aux-in, but no CD player, steering audio controls, power mirrors, windows, central locking and keyless entry. Honda may also consider adding a sports kit to the VX variant (with skirts) to differentiate it from the V variant, in the same way that Toyota does with its V and VX variants of the Toyota Etios.

The Honda Brio VX is likely to be launched in April 2013. However, if you were looking forward to a diesel engine powering the car, you will have to wait a while longer. The Brio will continue to be powered by the 1.2 litre petrol engine putting out 86 bhp of power and 110 Nm of torque. There are some Brio test cars running around with diesel engines under the hood and it is speculated that these are test beds for the 1.5 litre diesel engine that the Honda Amaze sedan, due for launch in April, will be coming with. The Brio may get the engine only later in the year, depending on market conditions and diesel car demand remaining high. Also read: Honda Amaze fully revealed, launch in April

The price for the Honda Brio VX model will probably be about Rs. 20,000 more than the Honda Brio V model.

Source: Autocar India