The Jazz hatchback from Honda stole Indian hearts way back in 2009 when it was launched. Though it had the looks to die-for, the hatchback failed to get the intended response, mainly because of its high price tag. The company tried slashing prices later on, but by then the Jazz hatchback had lost its sheen amongst other popular hatchbacks that were offered in the country at a lucrative price tag. Honda Cars India has also been known to be facing with delivery issues pertaining to its popular vehicles like City and Mobilio. In order to cut down the waiting period for City sedan by more than half, the company has started a second production shift at Tapukara plant to double production from 5000 units to about 10000 units.
Speaking on the plan to delay Jazz launch to next year, Hironori Kanayama, President Honda Cars India Limited (HCIL), said, “Last year, we have announced that we would come up with Mobilio and Jazz within this financial year. However, the demand for Mobilio is exceeding our expectations and hence we have started the second shift at our second plant at Tapukara in Rajasthan. The demand (for Mobilio) seems to be so strong that the launch of Jazz is slightly adjusted. Though we have not taken a decision as yet, we expect the launch of Jazz sometime during the next fiscal.”
Honda has not spoken on the pricing aspect of the upcoming car yet, but based on anticipation, it is likely that next-gen Jazz may be offered somewhere around Rs. 5.0 Lakhs – Rs. 8.0 Lakhs. Technical specification about the Jazz hatchback has not been known for now, but the hatchback shall be avialable in petrol as well as diesel trims. It is to be seen if Honda retains the older 1.2 Liter engine or uses a new 1.5 Liter Petrol and 1.5 Liter i-DTEC diesel engines in the upcoming car.
