Riding high on the success of the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, Honda Car India is now aiming to increase its diesel portfolio in the market. The company launched its first diesel powered car- Amaze in 2013, which has received an overwhelming response from buyers. Now, the Japanese maker has three diesel powered cars in India, and, all three are doing good business in the market. If media reports are to be believed, Honda is working on a smaller 1.2-litre 3-cylinder diesel engine. This engine will power the next generation Honda Brio, which is likely to go on sale in 2017.
The 1.2-litre diesel engine will be a downsized version of the fuel efficient 1.5-litre i-DTEC unit which powers the City, Amaze and Mobilio. The company would reduce one cylinder from the current engine, which would make it cheaper and fuel efficient as well.
The fuel efficient 1.2-litre i-DTEC motor will give Brio a competitive edge over its competitors. The Brio platform is very versatile, which already accommodate Mobilio and Amaze, and will also be used for a compact SUV. The current Brio is powered by a 1.2-litre i-VTEC motor that churns out 87bhp of top power. Moreover, the next generation Honda Brio is likely to get more premium interiors loaded with advanced features and a conventional tailgate.
