MUMBAI: Honda Jazz 2015 is about to launch in India. Meanwhile, GaadiWale has managed to snap a top-end variant of the premium hatchback which features larger 16-inch alloy wheels, indicating that the trim level will target the enthusiastic audience.
The previous gen Jazz didn’t really take off in India due to a high price tag and lack of a diesel engine but its successor will come prepared. With a localization level of nearly 90%, the Hyundai Elite i20 rival looks set for aggressive pricing strategy and the popular 1.5-litre i-DTEC engine will have the diesel fans covered.
Underpinned by the new modular compact architecture that also caters to the new City and Vezel (HR-V), the new Jazz features Honda’s latest design language with the ‘Solid Wing Face’ front fascia. Like its predecessor, the new Japanese B-segment hatchback is characterized by a silhouette of a miniature MPV. This, combined with Honda’s exceptional prowess in interior packaging, results in excellent interior room and flexibility.
Speaking of the interior, the dashboard design is pretty similar to that of the new City. Expect the higher variants of the car to come packed up the brim with features such as touchscreen multimedia infotainment system, automatic climate control, multifunctional steering wheel, rear split-and-fold seats and many more.
Under the hood, the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel mill will produce 100 PS and 200 Nm of torque just like in the Amaze, Mobilio and the new City. The oil burner is most likely to be coupled to a 6-speed gearbox in order to arrive at an attractive fuel efficiency figure. The petrol engine of choice will be the 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine which also served the old Jazz. The motor produces 88 PS and 109 Nm of torque when mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Honda could also offer the City’s 1.5-litre i-VTEC powerhouse in the top-end trim, paired to a 7-step CVT with paddle shifters.
In addition to the Elite i20, competition will come from the VW Polo and the upcoming Maruti YRA hatchback.
