Honda, the Japanese carmaker, is working on a new engine family that will power its future cars. Known for making some really capable naturally-aspirated petrol engines, the company has now decided to gradually move towards turbocharged powertrains. This will help the company develop small-sized engines which will be both powerful and fuel-efficient. Last year, the company had showcased three VTEC turbocharged engines - a 1.0-litre three-cylinder, a 1.5-litre four-cylinder and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder. The company is also working on a small capacity diesel engine that might power the next-generation Honda Brio.

The small capacity diesel engine mentioned above, will be a downsized version of the popular 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel unit. Just so you know, the 1.5-litre i-DTEC also powers the Amaze, City and Mobilio; and will also power the upcoming new-gen Honda Jazz. To downsize the 1.5-litre i-DTEC, the company will reduce one cylinder though the overall construction might remain similar. Since the 1.5-litre i-DTEC is already one of the most fuel-efficient engine in India, a smaller engine based on that will return an even better mileage. We expect it to be producing a mileage of over 30Km/l.

Along with a set of new engines, the next-gen Brio will also receive an all new design, up-market interiors and more features. Though the company hasn't officially said anything yet about the new-gen model, we expect it to be launched by 2016. - (Courtest: NDTV Auto)