TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Honda spreads its Brio

On Honda's stand at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show is the new Brio -- a good-looking and spacious Light segment car offered in India and Thailand. It uses the Fit/Jazz platform and boasts more interior space than the likes of Suzuki Swift. Indeed, Honda claims it has the most knee and legroom in its class.

Honda's smallest offering locally is the Jazz, however execs are considering whether the Brio could be a good fit for Australia.

"The shift towards downsizing in Australia hasn't stopped," Satoshi Matsuzawa told carsales.com.au in Tokyo. "Each market has its own requirements – like its culture – and Australia's is changing."

Matsuzawa-san cited the Japanese market's appreciation for super small 'kei' cars as an example of divergent needs across Honda's sales arena. The brand's interests in the USA with model offerings like the MDX large SUV is another instance of Honda's willingness to adapt its product to suit market-specific requirements.

This week carsales.com.au drove the all-new Honda N-Box and despite its tiny 660cc power unit, we discovered a well-executed and surprisingly spacious option. A turbocharged version is also available.

The Brio implements Honda's latest efficiencies in its design process: 'MM' packaging. The principle is "man-maximum, machine-minimum" in an effort to bring more spirit and "enjoyment of mobility" in its vehicles.

The hatch can seat five passengers... at a pinch. However, cargo room is quite decent and the rear door is an attractive one-piece glass design which reduces weight.

Currently only available with manual, it's anticipated the second generation version will offer an automatic transmission. To that end, it's the second gen Brio that would be most likely for consideration for our market... Stay tuned.

More Tokyo Motor Show news on carsales.com.au