The Japanese car maker Honda made the announcement regarding the launch of new Jazz, which is expected to hit its home market in September 2013. However, the new Jazz hatchback will be introduced as the 2014 model and is expected to be based on an entirely new platform. Sources close to the development process stated that this new technology will also going to be used in the development of the compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) based on Jazz, along with the next generation City sedan.
Slated to be up for sales by September in Japan, the new Honda Jazz, in all probability, will enter the Indian car market by early 2014. This is in tandem with Honda's plan, which includes the introduction of four new models in the Indian car market. The new Jazz, a brand new utility vehicle, Brio based Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) and next-generation Jazz are the models that Honda plans to launch in India in the near future.
Notably, the launch of the new Jazz is an attempt by Honda to revamp its hold in the hatchback segment of the Indian car market. The previous version of the Jazz saw losses for the Japanese car maker, which can be attributed to the low sales. Following the losses and low sales, Honda discontinued the Jazz hatchback in the Indian auto market. Also, the Japanese car maker was compelled to sell the last few units at huge discounts, which in turn affected its profit margin further. The new Jazz, with a changed engine, plans to achieve success in the country, enhancing Honda’s fortunes in the hatchback segment.
Many regarded the lack of diesel engine as the biggest reason why the Jazz failed in India as it did not justify its hefty price tag. However, Honda is showing great awareness of the market by introducing the new Jazz with a diesel engine. It is also expected to be priced aggressively, just like the Brio hatchback and the Amaze sedan. The diesel variant of the new Honda Jazz is likely to be equipped with the 1.5-litre i-DTEC engine, which currently powers the Amaze. However, the petrol version is expected to continue with the 1.2 litre engine.
With a stretched wheelbase, the next generation Honda Jazz will be around 60 mm longer than its predecessor. The design of this new vehicle will be upgraded on both interiors and exteriors. According to a few leaked images on the Internet, the 2014 Honda Jazz will have an aggressive bumper with larger dams, a wider grille and elongated headlamps, which will surely create a buzz among the Indian auto aficionados.
