2015 Honda Jazz - 5 things we know
Here are 5 things we know about the all-new 2015 Honda Jazz, one of the most anticipated product launches this year.
1. Engines:
The India-spec Jazz will launch with a 1.2-liter i-VTEC petrol engine and a 1.5-liter i-DTEC diesel engine. On the Amaze, the petrol motor makes 88 PS and 109 Nm of torque, while the diesel develops 100 PS and 200 Nm of torque. The petrol will be paired to a 5-speed manual or a CVT, whereas the diesel could get a 5- or 6-speed manual transmission.
2. Features borrowed from the City:
The Jazz is based on the City's platform, and hence borrows plenty of features and parts from the sedan. Features such as the wing mirrors (with turn signals and power folding function), the multifunction three-spoke steering wheel, a 15.7 cm touchscreen AVN (Audio Visual Navigation) system, a touch panel for the automatic climate control, and the 3-pod instrument cluster are derived from the City.
3. New benchmark for fuel efficiency:
The diesel variant of the Jazz is expected to set the new benchmark for fuel efficiency in the premium hatchback segment. The Maruti Swift facelift is the current title holder at 25.2 km/l, and the Jazz diesel has the odds for it to break this figure. For reference, the heavier Honda City (the City is roughly 15-20 kg heavier than the Jazz in international markets) delivers 26 km/l.
4. Competitive pricing:
Unlike the previous Jazz, Honda Cars India will not resort to premium pricing for the hatchback as localization levels have increased to a feasible 90 percent. The local development cost of the Jazz is also understood to be low owing to the sharing of platforms and parts with the City, which is 90 percent localized too.
5. July launch confirmed:
Honda Cars India have confirmed a July launch for the Jazz. However, reports state specifically that the new Jazz will launch on July 8, 2015. Honda is understood to be juggling production of its other models in order to cater to the Jazz.
Rivals: Tata Bolt, Maruti Swift, VW Polo, Fiat Punto Evo, Hyundai Elite i20
Expected Price: INR 5-8 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date in India: July 8, 2015 (reported)
India-spec Honda Jazz - Teaser Gallery
Honda Jazz (European spec) - Image Gallery