Making it worth the wait, Honda has released the first images of the Jazz (Fit for Japan) prototype. It is set to debut at the Paris Motor Show next month and this dekko in advance has certainly been the right step to generate interest in this car.
Dimensionally, this third-generation model is bigger than the car it replaces – it is 15mm longer and 30mm has been added to the wheelbase. Its suspension, also being new, is expected to make the ride more refined and comfortable. This change in dimensions has been attributed to the usage of the new global compact platform. The new platform is already used in the current Civic and recently unveiled HR-V.
Externally, the Jazz is getting the brand’s new solid wing face identity, with the grille and headlights merging at the front, a feature most recently seen on the HR-V. While the exterior is being given a slight makeover, the interior too gets updated with more space for rear seat passengers via Honda’s magic seat arrangement system among other changes.
Under the hood the new Jazz will be housing a 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre Earth Dreams diesel engine. It will be connected to either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission.
The latest-generation Honda Jazz is now on sale in Japan, North America and Indonesia. The car made its India debut at the 2014 Auto Expo and is expected to be launched here by mid next year.
In terms of the Indian market the Honda Jazz, as we had said earlier, is expected to be launched in 2015 in both petrol and diesel guises. It will also be locally manufactured here. The car will be the sixth addition to the Honda line-up in India and will be positioned under the Amaze. We received the car in its second iteration in 2009, but then the market conditions and pricing was not favourable to this spacious five-seater hatchback. It was soon discontinued to make way for the Amaze, which made good use of the chance and has garnered great sales for Honda.
Now, Honda has decided to give it one more chance in India and this time it will probably be rethinking its strategies, pricing included. When the 2015 Jazz arrives next year, it will have to jostle for space among the Hyundai Elite i20 (just released), the Fiat Punto Evo and the facelifted Volkswagen Polo, all of which have got an easy headstart over it in the B+ segment.
Source:WCF