Rumour: Next-gen Honda Brio will get 1.2 L diesel engine

Japanese carmaker, Honda is working on a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder diesel engine. A downsized version of the current 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder i-DTEC powerplant that is being used in the City, Amaze and Mobilio, it is likely to be used to power the next-generation Brio hatchback.

The 1.5-litre diesel engine has proved to be a fuel efficient engine and has been largely responsible for Honda's sedans products selling in high numbers. While the Amaze and Mobilio, which are based on the same platform as the Brio, used this engine, the hatchback was left out and as a result fell behind rivals on the sales charts. With the introduction of the 1.2-litre engine, Honda will hope that the Brio manages to sell in higher numbers. The smaller size of the engine should also enable the company to keep its cost down.

Honda is expected to launch the next-gen Brio in 2017. It will be pitted against the Hyundai Grand i10 and other B2 segment hatchbacks. However, if it has to succeed, Honda will need to address the diesel engine's rather poor NVH levels and make the Brio a better value for money proposition by offering more equipment.

Source: Autocar India