Next-gen Honda Brio coming in 2018, may get diesel engine

It is probably the worst-kept secret that Honda is working on the next-generation model of the Brio hatchback, and that it could replace the current model in the market when launched in India. The latest news is the new Brio will be ready to hit the market in 2018 and, interestingly, could get a diesel engine under the hood.

A report on Mint recently said Honda is readying a slew of models for the Indin market, aiming for a bigger share in the market, and is likely to launch the new-generation Brio in 2018. Honda is also readying a new-generation CR-V and an Amaze compact sedan. The company is reportedly also working to bring a Jazz-based crossover to India by 2017.

Coming back to the new Brio, the details are scanty at this point of time, but various reports indicate the next-gen Brio would do away with its quirky rear styling and replace it with a conventional tail-light unit. The hatchback is also expected to get upmarket interiors.

Mechanically, while the next Brio is likely to continue with its four-cylinder 1.2-litre i-Vtec petrol engine mated to five-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmission, reports suggest the model could also get a diesel engine — a 1.1-litre three-cylinder motor.

The Brio is the most affordable car of Honda in India. Launched in 2011, the entry-level hatchback has not got any major update on the exterior for almost five years.