Honda Brio Diesel caught doing test rounds once again; this time with a diesel-like grunt

At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Japanese car maker Honda pulled the covers off the new 1.6 litre diesel i-DTEC EarthDreams powertrain unit targeted at the mass market. It became quite obvious back then that it will not be too long before the company will offer this new unit in its cars in India. The car maker has confirmed that its heavily anticipated Brio diesel variant will be launched by this year's festive season. Since then, the car has been spotted doing test rounds in proximity of the company's manufacturing plant in NCR. Though it does not differ much in looks from the petrol variant but it certainly emanates the distinctive grunt of a diesel car.

Honda Brio Diesel caught doing test rounds once again; this time with a diesel

 

The recently spotted test mule of the model caught doing test runs also produced the noise typical to a diesel car. This prototype was quite nimble as it tried to escape when the onlookers tried to follow it. Even though the exact specifications have not been revealed by the company, the Brio diesel is expected to come with a leaner version of the 1.6 litre EarthDreams. However, in order to be eligible for the tax concessions provided by the government, the Japanese company needs to install a powertrain unit smaller than 1.5 litre in the small car. The unit is also supposed to deliver ample power, as it will be slotted in Jazz as well, which already shares the 1.2 litre petrol unit with Brio.

With an eye at sales volumes in the Indian diesel car market, Honda is looking all set to bring forth its smallest car with a fuel efficient engine. As per the reports, the next diesel car from the stables of the car maker will be the diesel variant of the popular Honda City. However, this engine may come with more power and better displacement specifications, in all probability, identical to the one revealed at the Geneva Motor Show. The last one in the series of Honda's diesel cars will be the Jazz Diesel.

As of now, the City is the top grossing sedan in its segment and the existing Brio has also been generating good volumes in the entry-level hatchback segment. One of the leading automotive brands in India, Honda is known for its dependability and luxury. The introduction of diesel line-up in its portfolio will only add to its sales volume and pose a formidable challenge to its rivals.