The recent rise in demand for compact Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) has come as a surprise to many experts. In a market dominated by hatchbacks, compact SUVs have made a name for themselves and are being purchased by a high number of customers. Several reasons, according to analysts, can be attributed to the success of this segment. In the first place, compact SUVs combine the comfort of a sedan, performance of a utility vehicle and compactness of a hatchback.
However, the biggest reason that has attributed to the rise in demand is the aggressive pricing strategy of auto makers, something that has attracted a high number of buyers. Despite many cars present in the segment, two models have raced ahead of others in terms of popularity, sales and market presence, Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster. Due to the success of both these models, a lot of compact SUVs are expected to launch in India in next few years. One car that has made news and is being seen as a potential threat to both these models is Honda Brio MPV.
Honda, the Japanese car maker, has been riding on the success of Earth Dreams diesel technology and Brio platform. Due to the excellent performance of Amaze compact sedan, the firm has, virtually, reinvented itself in India. The Honda Brio MPV was unveiled in Indonesia a few months back and has got a good response from critics, tabloids and media. It is being said that Honda will be looking to launch this model in India after introducing it in Indonesia. This model will be sold in Indonesia under the name Mobilio and is expected to be launched in early 2014. Reports suggest that the Indian launch would follow soon, considering past patterns and strong rumours. Experts have tried to discuss and analyse the kind of impact Honda Brio MPV might have in India.
Although it would be unfair to compare Honda Brio MPV to Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster, the possibility of these models competing is highly plausible. Honda, in India, is on a mission to become a brand that caters to mass buyers and it has managed to achieve the same to a certain extend through Amaze. There is a good chance of this car being marketed in the same way as the compact sedan, in order to attract buyers. Sources claim that Honda Brio MPV will be launched in India in both diesel and petrol versions. While the i-VTEC engines from Honda have earned acclaim for a long time now, the Earth Dreams diesel powertrains have also found a similar liking among critics. Brio MPV has a stylish design that has generated tremendous hype among buyers in Indonesia, leading to around 4500 advanced bookings, sources have claimed. One key aspect that will influence the performance of this model in India is the pricing strategy adopted by Honda, something that affects the eventual buying decision of a customer.
Both Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster have managed to strike the right chords with customers in India. Ford EcoSport, on its part, has been loved for its modern day design, advanced features and safety features. Most of all, the American car maker adopted an aggressive pricing strategy for the EcoSport, attracting numerous customers. On the other hand, Renault Duster is claimed to be as the first car in this segment to have performed well. The compact SUV from the French car maker has been appreciated for its powerful engine, comfort and performance-oriented features.
Honda is known throughout the globe for producing top class vehicles that have best-in-class features that are technologically advanced. Brio based MPV, when launched in India, is expected to do well, considering Honda's performance in the recent past. Whether or not it will be able to register sales figures similar to that of EcoSport and Duster models, remains to be seen.
