Brio, which is pronounced as Br-ee-o is the Italian word for ‘cheerful’ and ‘energetic’. So does this new baby from the Honda stable fit the bill? Yes, says Nupur Kherdekar in this review... Ditto is her ‘wow’ for the just launched Enfield’s Classic 500
The baby Honda has finally hit the roads. Brio, which symbolizes being energetic and cheerful is Honda’s first small car marking their entry in the small car segment. “This is the first time we’re entering the small segment, so as of now our plan is to take things the way they come. We have a lot to learn and a long way to go. Brio will however make our presence be felt in the thriving small car segment as well,” said Jnaneswar Sen, Senior VP Sales and Marketing, Honda Siel Cars India.
Let’s have a look at what the exteriors of Brio have to offer. Based on a ‘double triangle’ design concept which includes Dynamic and Sporty Styling, the Brio also is designed to have a wide stance to ensure stable and robust driving. This baby Honda gets a 9/10 for styling. The urbanely designed ultramodern and functional rear hatch, the front bumper, the light weight alloy wheels and the tail gate spoiler add to the aerodynamics of the Brio improving the fuel efficiency. The design of the rear hatch also provides superior visibility.
The 3610 mm long, 1680 mm wide, and 1500 mm tall Brio offers enough leg and head room for all the passengers, thereby enhancing the other interior features. There is ample space inside to keep stock up to 2.5 litres of water. The boot easily accommodates two big suitcases and a small hand bag. And for all the knick knacks the spacious glove box and door pockets suffice.
Honda brings luxury wrapped in a bundle that starts from Rs. 3.99 lakhs, for first time buyers, buyers who want to upgrade to a more powerful small car and for second or third car buyers.
Brio is quite rightly ‘love at first sight’! However, not having a diesel version is only rough terrain that Brio is likely to hit.
Brio Specifications
Engine Type: SOHC i-VTEC
Displacement (cc): 1198
Max Power ps (kw) @ rpm: 88(65) @ 6000
Max Torque (Nm @ rpm): 109 @ 4600
Transmission: Manual – 5 Forward and 1 Reverse
Ground Clearance (mm): 165
Fuel Capacity (litres): 35
Fuel Efficiency: 18.4km/litre
Price
Model Ex – Showroom Ex – Showroom
Mumbai (Rs.) Navi Mumbai (Rs.)
Brio V 5.42 lakhs 5.16 lakhs
Brio S (O) 5.21 lakhs 4.97 lakhs
Brio S 4.62 lakhs 4.40 lakhs
Brio E 4.19 lakhs 3.99 lakhs
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 just got a 150cc edgier with the launch of the Chrome Classic and the Desert Storm.
The only major evolution from the Classic 350 is the 500 cc Twinspark unit construction engine which is articulately designed to add an extra element of thrill to the ride. These two have not only gone notches up when it comes to the engine capacity and type, but subtle aesthetic changes have also been made in order to make the thrill in the ride a lot safer and pleasurable.
It also looks like the current six to twelve month waiting is likely to be relieved starting 2013. Dr. Venkatesh Padmanabhan, CEO, Royal Enfield announced the setting of a new plant in Q1 of 2013. “We have already acquired 50 acres of land near Chennai for our second plant. It will only be ready by 2013’s first quarter. This plant will be built on global standards with world class technology and there will obviously be no compromise on the quality,” he said.
“We’re not targeting the buyers of the high end luxury bikes. We are trying to capture the market that is coming from the lower-end biking experience level. Our efforts are constantly targeted in bringing luxury and the joy of riding to this large-volume segment that is rising in India,” added Padmanabhan.
Chrome as the name suggests will be launched in two colour variants, Royal Maroon and Black. The Desert Storm is a matte finished sandy variant which is distinctively looks to target the Royal Enfield Classic Battle Green starved Indian market. Incidentally, in their original style the Classic Chrome and Desert Storm are single seaters, however, they can be modified to twin capacity if you want a pretty lady to ride along!
Classic 500 Specifications
Engine Type: Twinspark, 4 stroke,
Single Cylinder.
Displacement: 499 cc
Fuel System: Keihin
Electronic Fuel Injection
Max Power: 27.2 bhp @ 5250 rpm
Max Torque: 41.3 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Gear Box: 5 Speed Constant Mesh
Ground Clearance: 135 mm
Fuel Capacity: 13.5-15.5 litres
Fuel Efficiency: 30-40kms/litre