Honda had dropped some hints by making some significant announcements on its upcoming cars at the inauguration of Honda’s second facility in Tapukara. As per sources, the Mobilio MPV is expected to launch by the third quarter of 2014 which means that the Mobilio MPV can go on sale in India anytime between July and September. Based on the latest update from sources, the Mobilio MPV shall undergo full scale production at Greater Noida plant in volumes of about 45,000 units. Honda had showcased the Jazz hatchback during the recently held Auto Expo event. The hatchback is expected to be rolled out from Tapukara plant in Rajasthan with about 20,000 units annually. The Jazz hatchback is expected to be launched in the Indian market by first quarter of 2015.
Honda’s absence in the MPV segment in India is conspicuous; the company had been counting on its sedans and Brio hatchback until now. Indian automotive industry has seen abrupt change in trend from being a hatchback hub to a market where car makers are experimenting with new products. Compact SUVs and MPVs have struck a chord with the customers and are in demand. Honda’s foray into the MPV segment is being awaited by Honda car enthusiasts. For now, Honda is enjoying the response for its diesel powered sedans, Amaze and new City.
The Mobilio MPV is available in Petrol and Diesel variants. The petrol version shall be powered by 1.5 Liter petrol engine. The diesel variant also gets a 1.5 Liter turbo diesel engine. Both the engines have been mated to 5 Speed manual gearbox. The upcoming Jazz hatchback is expected to be available in two fuel options – 1.2 litre petrol and the new 1.5 Litre diesel engine. The petrol engine generates about 86PS with 109Nm of torque, whereas its diesel counterpart generates about 100PS with 200Nm of torque. Both the engines may be mated to a five-speed gearbox as seen in petrol versions of Amaze and Brio models.
Source: Autocar Pro
