Next-gen Honda Brio previewed with the Honda Small RS Concept at IIMS 2018

19/04/2018 - 14:04 Honda Brio, Honda Dhruv Saxena

Honda has showcased a new hatchback concept at the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2018 that opened to the media today. Dubbed Honda Small RS Concept, the vehicle previews the next-gen Honda Brio.

Honda Small RS Concept (Next-gen Honda Brio) at IIMS 2018 — The Honda Small RS Concept is designed by Honda R&D Asia Pacific.

The face of the concept is similar to the Honda Mobilio facelift introduced in Indonesia in January 2017. It features a similar headlamp shape and grille. The latter is finished in black and bears an 'RS' logo. There are LED strips on the front bumper along with a black spoiler like element. When viewed from the side, the A and B-pillars and the front window area seem identical to the current Honda Brio.

B-pillar onwards, however, the Honda Small RS Concept is a completely different car. The all-glass rear hatch has been replaced by a conventional bootlid. The rear bumper gets dual exhaust tips and a diffuser along with a large roof-mounted rear spoiler. It features 5-spoke black alloy wheels that are quite similar to the Honda CR-V's.

Although the front end does bear some resemblance to the 2018 Honda Amaze, overall, both cars appear to have followed a different path, at least in terms of design. The Honda Small RS Concept seems quite close to final production form. This could mean that the next-gen Honda Brio could be unveiled in the coming months.

Breaking convention, Honda unveiled the sedan counterpart i.e. next-gen Amaze before the Brio hatchback. While the hatchback may not be a priority for HCIL, but all markets combined, the Honda Brio remains an essential model in the company's lineup as it is a stronger seller than the Honda Amaze.