Japan - 2014 Honda Fit/Jazz launched at 1.26 million Yen

The 2014 Honda Jazz (called Fit in some international markets) has been launched in Japan today.

The next gen hatchback is lighter in weight and more efficient than its predecessor. Honda has sold over 2 million units of the Fit in Japan since its launch in 2001.

The 2014 Honda Jazz is available in three trim levels - F, L and S. Each trim level offers both 2WD and 4WD options.

The new car is available with two petrol engine options and a hybrid powertrain. The 1.3-litre i-VTEC motor develops 100PS and 119 Nm of torque. Mated to a CVT autobox, the engine delivers an impressive fuel economy of 26kpl. The F variant can also be specified with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The 1.5-litre direct injection i-VTEC petrol motor puts out 132PS and 155 Nm of torque. This engine is also paired with a CVT gearbox and returns a claimed mileage of 21.8kpl. This 1.5-litre engine is also available in a sporty RS variant which is mated either to a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT with paddle shifters.

The Hybrid variant adopts Honda's new SPORT HYBRID i-DCD (Intelligent-Dual Clutch Drive) system which uses the combination of a 1.5-litre (MPFI, Atkinson cycle) petrol engine and an electric motor.

The power is transmitted via a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox which enables pure EV driving for a limited distance. Source of electricity is a Lithium-ion battery pack, and the combined power output stands at 137PS. At 36.4kpl, the Honda Jazz Hybrid is the most fuel efficient hybrid car.

The new Jazz starts at 1.26 million Yen (around Rs. 8.36 lakhs) for the 1.3-litre F variant and goes all the way up to 1.93 million Yen (around Rs. 12.75 lakhs) for the Hybrid S variant.