Honda has launched the facelifted Honda Fit hatchback at the ongoing 2014 Beijing International Motor Show. This is the same hatchback which is sold in India by the name of Jazz. In China, new generation Fit is available for sale at 73,800 yuan, which is equal to Rs 7.17 lakh. Tweaked Fit hatchback will be produced in China by Honda and its Chinese partner Guangzhou. Honda Fit is armed with a 1.5 litre petrol engine capable of producing a maximum power output of 130 Hp at 6,600 RPM and a top torque of 155 Nm at 4,600 RPM. Honda Fit will be available in a five-speed manual or a CVT transmission.
Honda has trimmed the length of new Fit by 36 mm, the hatchback now measures 2,460 mm.Width has been enhanced by 8 mm to 1,702 mm while no change has been made to the height of the hatchback. Wheelbase has been improved substantially by 30 mm to 2,530 mm as against the previous 2,500 mm allowing increased space in the cabin.
Unlike the Fit hatchback, Jazz will be powered by a 1.2 litre i-VTEC petrol engine for the domestic market. The 1.2 litre i-VTEC petrol motor belts out a top power and torque output of 87 Bhp and 110 Nm respectively. This is the same engine which is currently powering Amaze and Brio. Honda Jazz was launched in India as the B segment hatchback in 2009, however owing to the low sales, Honda discontinued production temporarily in early 2013. Honda Jazz was a victim of high price tag, though the company slashed price in 2011, but it did not do any good to the hatchback. Lack of diesel variant in Jazz line-up also worked against the hatchback.
Honda displayed new Jazz at the 2014 Auto Expo early this year, the vehicle is expected to be launched in India in both petrol and diesel variants. Jazz’s diesel variant will be powered by the 1.5 litre i-DTEC diesel powertrain engendering a pinnacle power and torque output of 100 PS and 200 Nm respectively. Honda will equip new Jazz with a number of features including front and rear power windows, steering mounted audio controls and several others. The company is likely to begin production of 2014 Jazz at its Tapukara manufacturing unit effective beginning of third quarter, however launch is speculated to take place early next year.
