At the local launch of the new Honda Amaze sedan in October 2018, it emerged that the second-generation Brio hatchback was not on the cards for South Africa. And now we’ve stumbled across some news that seemingly explains why.

According to the ETAuto, the Japanese automaker’s Indian subsidiary has ceased production of the Brio hatchback due to slow sales in that country. Interestingly, though, it reportedly has no plans to start building the new version, which was revealed in Indonesia back in August.

The first-generation model currently offered in South Africa is, of course, imported from India. For the record, the firm’s local arm says it will continue selling the Brio here until stock runs dry, which it earlier estimated to be as late as May 2019.

IndianAutosBlog furthermore reports Honda’s decision to pull the plug on the Brio in India may involve upcoming regulatory changes in that country, which would force the brand to invest in an upgraded body structure as well as add standard safety items such as seatbelt reminders, rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD and a speed-alert warning.

In South Africa, the outgoing Brio hatchback range comprises three derivatives, priced from R164 200 to R194 900 and each powered by a naturally aspirated 1,2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine sending 65 kW and 109 N.m to the front axle.

The new model is currently built only in Karawang, Indonesia.

Original article from Car