Honda Brio

Honda revealed the Brio prototype at the Thailand International Motor Show earlier this week. Conceived as a commuter vehicle for use in urban areas, the new Brio follows the New Small concept the Japanese automaker unveiled at Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi.

Slated to be introduced in Thailand and India next year, the Brio aims to further Honda's "man maximum, machine minimum" concept. Measuring in at 3610mm long, 1680mm high and 1475 mm wide, the car's compact exterior dimensions are paired with an efficiently packaged interior to ensure sufficient cabin space.

Honda will develop unique versions for Thailand and India to reflect different customer needs in those markets. The company has also said it will leverage the resources it has cultivated through its motorcycle business and utilize local sourcing of parts and materials such as sheet steel.

The first Brio models will be launched in Thailand in March 2011.

Audi A6

Audi today unveiled the new A6, the fourth generation of the its D-segment sedan. Measuring 4920mm long, 1870mm wide, and 1460mm tall, the new A6 is shorter and lower – but wider – than its predecessor, and has a longer, 2910mm wheelbase. The new car also features lighter body panels and improved powertrains.

The new A6's design undeniably lends itself to the Audi family. The familiar shape of the old A6 is still present, but the car has been thoroughly reworked. The obligatory Audi LED lighting has also been revised inside the more angular and aggressive headlights, that frame a more upright and prominent grille. The middle flank of the car is virtually untouched between generations, retaining the prominent shoulder and feature lines. Around the rear, the car gains a more squared-off trunk and rear deck, in keeping with Audi's current design language.

The interior of the A6 is a formal affair, with Audi's superlative perceived quality and attention to detail present in abundance. According to Audi, 'the salient element is the "wrap-around" dash inlay', that encircles the driver and the front seat passenger. The curved dash panels form just part of an interior with immaculate attention to detail, with a clear, succinct dial binnacle and detailed switchgear providing a quality feel.

Rinspeed Bamboo

Set to debut at the 2011 Geneva motor show, the Bamboo is Rinspeed's latest concept, offering some insight into the creative mind of CEO Frank M. Rinderknecht. Somewhat tame in appearance to previous concepts, the Bamboo urges that 'anyone not blinded by horsepower orgies, chrome tinsel and top-speed frenzy should take a closer look'.

The exterior of the car is said to evoke feelings and memories of the South of France in the sixties. Its clean, uncluttered minimal bodywork features very little detail other than the taught shoulder line that falls into the rear light cluster. The semi-covered rear arch and lack of front grille are, by Rinspeed's own admission, resemblant of a 'grown-up golf cart'.

The Bamboo, as the name suggests, makes extensive use of the material throughout the interior. The seats and many other interior features are made from a bamboo fiber, whilst the simplistic styling of the exterior is likely to be carried over to the interior.

The electric Bamboo concept measures in at 3889mm long, with a wheelbase of just over 2000mm, suggesting that interior space is generous. Rinspeed says the 54Kw motor delivers sprightly performance whilst offering a 105km range.

Chrysler 300C

The Detroit Motor Show will see Chrysler unveil its 2011 300C. Whilst benefiting from an extensive exterior refresh, the platform on which it is based remains unchanged, meaning that this 2011 model is little more than a face-lifted variant of the car that joined us in 2004.

The exterior of the 300C loses some of its forbearer's sinister styling; its imposing face has been substituted in favor of a softer, more rounded style, intersected only by the muscular wheel arches. The large Bentley-esque grille of the original has been reduced in size and is now framed by smaller lights that encase more intricate details. In side profile at least, the high shoulder line, weighty C-pillar and relatively narrow DLO remain to retain the familiar silhouette. The rear of the car has also undergone a mild redesign, receiving obligatory LED lighting in more upright and defined clusters, while the rear bumper sports a more sculpted look.

Inside, the car follows in the footsteps of the smaller 200 and aims to offer a more upmarket feel. Plusher and more tactile materials are used in abundance and the dash receives major alterations to accommodate a larger LCD monitor that forms the main focal point for the interior. A clearer dial binnacle and extensive use of softer leathers round out the interior updates.