HONDA will enter the burgeoning UK small car sector in April next year with the J-BX which could become the fourth model to be built at the company's Swindon plant. The J-BX was one of three new models - all destined for the UK - unveiled by Honda at the Geneva Motor Show, but company bosses were keeping tight-lipped as to where the vehicle will be built, although initially it will be imported from Japan.

There has been widespread speculation that a fourth model will be built at Honda's Swindon factory - the Accord, Civic five-door and Civic Aerodeck are already rolling off the production line - and with the J-BX designed to meet specific European requirements it could be built at the plant.

A Honda spokeswoman declined to comment on the speculation but did say that if the vehicle was built at the plant production facilities would have to be expanded. The alternative would be to follow Toyota's recent move and build a new factory elsewhere in Europe.

The three-door J-BX can accommodate four adults and has a small boot. Powered by a 1.3-litre 65bhp engine at 5,000rpm. It will be the first time that Honda has sold a B-sector car in the UK.