Bangkok--24 Mar--Bangkok Public Relations
Showcases Honda’s fun-to-drive and sporty cars highlighting advanced technologies, stylish designs, practical features, safety and fuel-efficiency
The Brio, the new stylish eco-car from Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd, today makes its first public appearance at the 32nd Bangkok International Motor Show 2011. Its arrival at the motor show will allow many customers who have keenly followed its product development journey to take a closer look at Honda’s design and technological innovations in the Brio.
Mr. Atsushi Fujimoto, President of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co. Ltd, said, “Even before making its world debut here, the Brio has generated so much excitement among many of our customers who wanted to know the uniqueness of this eco-car from Honda. We believe this new initiative will meet the driving and lifestyle needs of those who are looking for a stylish, compact but spacious and fuel-efficient car that carries a brand that they can trust for its advanced and safety technologies.”
The Brio, which made its world premiere in Bangkok last week (March 17), will reinforce Honda’s position in the passenger car market and set a new standard for eco-cars in terms of design, packaging, cabin comfort, safety and fuel-efficiency.
Incorporating Honda’s advanced technologies aimed at preventing collision and protecting the driver and occupants, the Brio features dual airbag systems for both driver and front seat occupant. It also has a high performance body that satisfies the safety standards for both front and side impacts as specified by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)’s regulations 94 and 95, respectively. It is also equipped with anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual SRS airbags, electronic brake distribution (EBD), and front pretensioner seat belts.
Available in S and V version, the Brio is powered by Honda’s 1.2-litre, four-cylinder i-VTEC engine delivering 90 horsepower. The E20-compatible engine delivers 20 km per liter of fuel and meets the stringent Euro-4 emission standards. Prices range from Bht. 399,900 (version S, manual transmission), Bht. 469,500 (version V, manual) while the CVT automatic transmission is priced at Bht. 508,500.
“Demand for compact, clean cars with affordable price tags will set a mega trend in the auto industry over the next few years. Also, due to escalating fuel prices, consumers’ interest has shifted toward compact, fuel-efficient cars — in the compact, sub-compact and A-segments — which altogether reached nearly 300,000 units in sales, representing 85% of the total passenger car sales in 2010,” said Mr. Fujimoto.
In addition to the Brio, Honda is showcasing its wide range of cars in Thailand to cater to the diverse needs of its customers including the best-selling City, Jazz, Civic, Accord, CR-V, and the Freed.
In 2011, Honda has set an annual sales target of 145,000 units which supports the auto industry forecast of 850,000 units. For the Brio alone, Honda is expecting domestic market demand to reach 40,000 units within the first year of launch.