Honda's diesel car attack will begin in India from April 2013

We have no doubt that Honda Cars India has some aces rolled up its sleeves to make sure they make a comeback in the Indian auto industry and grab the market share that was lost due to the unavailability of a diesel engine in the current era of ridiculous petrol prices. 

It is no secret that Honda is developing its range of diesel engines under its new 'Earth Dreams' technology series, the first engine of which, a 1.6-litre is expected to debut in the Euro-spec Honda Civic at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

We also knew that a new MPV based on the Honda Jazz platform, codenamed '2NH' is in the making and also a new MPV based on the Brio platform is in works that is expected to be ready by 2014. Then no too long ago, we also reported that a new sedan based on the Brio platform is also in development.

However, none of the above mentioned developments were confirmed by Honda Cars India - until now. In a speech delivered by Mr Takanobu Ito, CEO Honda Motor Corporation this Friday, some of the automaker's future plans came into light. The most significant of which, was the announcement of the first diesel engine for the Asian market that will mark its debut with a new entry-level sedan based on the Brio hatchback. Furthermore, the said diesel engine will be locally produced in the country and is expected to see the light of day in April 2013.

From the CEO's speech it was also derived that there is infact, a new MPV based on Brio platform in the pipeline that could also make way into the Indian market by 2014. Whereas as the '2NH' MPV is concerned, it now stands confirmed that a new Jazz model is in development that will arrive in 2013 and within two years of its debut, the new Jazz will spin off three new models on the same platform.

"In India, an all-new diesel engine will be adopted sequentially to new models starting in FY13-14." Mr Ito said. "In Asia, in order to compete in and win in highly competitive low-price markets and fulfill the diverse needs of customers, in addition to the all-new Fit Series, Honda will add sedan-type and utility-type models utilising the platform of the Brio," Ito added.

On the flip side, it was understood that the company is not planning to introduce diesel engines in any of the existing cars like the City, Jazz or the Brio. But would add them to the new line of cars that are expected to launch by the end of next fiscal year. 

Jnaneswar Sen, senior vice-president, sales and marketing, Honda Cars India said, “We will start with launching an entry-level sedan on the Brio platform next year. There will not be any diesel option on the existing models we have.”

Yes, this last bit of information seems to be highly confusing; considering that the Honda Brio diesel has so far been caught on test in the country twice. Guess, Mr Sen is trying to mislead our curious minds or may be the spy shots were misleading. Or may be there is something completely different cooking.

But whatever it is, stay tuned to OnCars.in as we dig up more information on the subject and get it across to you, as soon as we possibly can.