Honda created a lot of buzz in the global car market when it unveiled the Jazz hatchback sometime ago. Now, after all the hype, the model, known as the Honda Fit in some markets, has been launched in Japan. In the Japanese car market, the new Honda Jazz has been launched at a price of around 1.26 million Yen, which is equivalent to Rs. 8.36 lakh, approximately. The Japanese auto maker has worked extensively to enhance the overall quality of the vehicle, be it in terms of styling, performance or interiors. Analysts believe that the new Honda Jazz is going to be much better than its previous generation model. Industry experts feel that the launch of this hatchback in Japan is a strong indicator of the fact that it will soon be on its way to the Indian car market.
This hatchback has been launched in the Japanese auto market in three versions, which are named F, L and S. In addition, all three variants of the 2014 Honda Jazz come in both, two-wheel and four-wheel drive options. The base version of the Honda Jazz is equipped with a 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol powertrain that is capable of generating an output of around 98 bhp along with peak torque of 119 Nm. This engine variant is going to be mated to either five-speed manual gearbox or a Continuous Variable Transmission. The other petrol version of the new Jazz hatchback has been fitted a 1.5-litre direct injection engine, which produces a superb output of 130 bhp and top torque of 155 Nm. Apart from these, there is a hybrid version available that features the SPORT HYBRID i-DCD technology, which powers the 1.5-litre engine that in turn is attached to an electric motor. Incredibly, the hybrid version is capable of generating an output of around 135 bhp and renders a mileage of approximately 36.4 kmpl.
Industry experts have praised the new Honda Jazz for its superb interiors, something on which the Japanese auto maker has worked extensively. However, the real highlight of new Honda Jazz is the number of features included to upgrade the performance of this hatchback. According to sources, Mugen, the official tuning arm of Honda, has put in a lot of efforts to enhance the aerodynamics of this hatchback. Features that have been included in the new Jazz are front aero bumper and carbon fibre spoiler.
Sources have claimed that the Honda Jazz, when launched in India, will not be getting the tuning kit that has been provided by Mugen. Although nothing has been confirmed, rumours suggested that the Honda Jazz will come in two engine variants, one petrol and one diesel. While the petrol version is expected to be powered by a 1.2-litre engine, the diesel variant of the new Honda Jazz will be equipped with a 1.5-litre diesel powertrain. Honda would be hoping that the diesel version of the Jazz is able to attract buyers. The earlier version of the Jazz was not able to perform as per the levels of expectation, which led to its discontinuation.
