Honda BRIO Concept Car for Production Starting March 2011

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Not all green vehicles are electrics or hybrids. Sometimes, gas-fed super-small cars will help save on fuel and reduce carbon emissions, as well. This is one of the benefits of the Honda BRIO New Small Concept car, which will hit production lines this coming March.

Honda showcased its BRIO prototype in India earlier this year, and has unveiled its latest design at the recent Thailand International Motor Expo.

The supermini car is in line with Honda’s “new small concept.” Most manufacturers these days–particularly Asian carmakers–have small cars that cater to the young and energy-conscious market. Some examples include the Hyundai i10, Mazda2, Suzuki Alto, and even the Ford Fiesta. The Honda BRIO, at 3.6m long and 1.68m wide, will be smaller than the Honda City and Conda Fit.

So called A-class vehicles, these cars focus on compactness and energy efficiency. They also have low sticker prices, which appeal to the youth. Honda will likely market the BRIO with something in the lines of “my first Honda.”

No word yet on what powerplant will go under the BRIO’s hood, but it will likely be similar to the lower-end City’s 1.2 Liter SOHC engine. Asian emission caps for “eco cars” will mean that the BRIO should do better than 47 MPG, which should be better than the Ford Fiesta’s 40 MPG highway results.