Honda is on a roll today, releasing information after information. The company unveiled the 2014 Honda Jazz in Japan while its Thailand subsidiary updated the Honda Brio with new features. Now the Japanese automaker’s Indonesia arm has released a teaser of the Honda Brio LMPV Concept (Low Multi-Purpose Vehicle). The Brio MPV is codenamed 2NH and will be manufactured in MPV loving countries – Indonesia and India. Sales of the Honda Brio LMPV will start in both these countries only next year.
Honda has just released one image which shows the front and side-rear sketch of the Brio LMPV. The company will pull the wraps off the production model at the 2013 Indonesia International Motor Show on 19th September. Powering the Honda Brio LMPV in Indonesia will be a 1.5-litre petrol engine which belts out 98 BHP of power and 140 Nm of torque, coupled to either a 6-speed manual or CVT autobox. The Honda Brio MPV will have a ground clearance of 185 mm, same as the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
In India the Brio LMPV will be powered by 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines, which are already doing duty on existing Honda cars. The i-DTEC engine produces 100 BHP of power and 200 Nm of torque while the i-VTEC unit belts out 116 BHP of power and 148 Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox but the petrol will be offered with a 5-speed automatic transmission as well. The way Honda has packaged the Amaze, we can expect the Brio LMPV to offer excellent interior space while measuring around 4.2-metres in length. The company states the upcoming Brio MPV will have the roomiest interiors in its class.
The front design of the Honda Brio LMPV is very similar to our rendering of the vehicle which we posted 12 months ago. The rear design seems to take cues from the BMW X3. Honda’s 2014 Auto Expo showcase is going to be interesting with the Brio LMPV, new Jazz and new City making a debut. The Honda Brio LMPV will rival the Mazda VX in Indonesia, which is nothing but a re-badged Ertiga. In India, expect Honda to give tough competition to Maruti Suzuki, with the Brio LMPV being priced aggressively against the Ertiga (just like the Amaze is priced bang against the Swift DZire).
