Honda will launch the 2014 Jazz hatchback for the Indian market next year – this was confirmed by Hironori Kanayama, president and CEO of Honda Cars India. He also said that Honda will launch five new vehicles within the next three years.
Honda had earlier confirmed that they would not fit diesel mills on any of their existing vehicles. The Amaze Sedan is the Japanese automaker first diesel engined car for the Indian market and this very same mill is expected to power all future Honda diesels.
The Jazz based crossover as well as the 2014 Jazz will be the second set of diesel powered Hondas for the Indian market and will use the same 1.5-litre i-DTEC oil burner. This mill produces 100PS and 200Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a five-speed manual and fuel efficiency has been pegged at an ARAI certified 25.8kmpl. The new range of cars will also include an entry-level MUV to compete with the Ertiga and the next generation City and Civic sedans with diesel engine.
Honda also hopes to reduce the effect of exchange rate fluctuations by increasing local production and by the look of it, the Rs 2500 Crore investment to develop its Tapukara plant in Rajasthan is a step in this regard.
