Honda Jazz, Ford Endeavour, Kawasaki Versys 1000 launch, Suzuki Swish launch, Mercedes CLA review - IAB Retrospect

Here is part 2/2 of IAB Retrospect for the week, while part 1 can be found here. Click on the images to read the respective stories.

1. India-made Honda Jazz exports commence

Honda Cars India has begun exporting the 2015 Honda Jazz to South Africa ahead of its launch in India. The car, manufactured in Tapukara, Rajasthan, is available in 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel guises in South Africa.

Prices start at 179,900 Rand and go all the way up to 264,900 Rand, which in the Indian currency equates to INR 9.54 lakh to INR 14 lakh. The new Honda Jazz is expected to launch in the Indian market in the first half of the year.

2. Ford Endeavour spied fully undisguised

Following its motorshow debut in Guangzhou in November 2014, the next generation Ford Endeavour (Ford Everest outside India) was spotted completely undisguised in Australia.

Ford confirmed last year that the new Endeavour would launch in India in 2015, and the car comes with a new infotainment system and terrain management program.

3. Kawasaki Versys 1000

Japanese bike maker Kawasaki has launched the new Versys 1000 motorcycle. Showcased at the 2014 INTERMOT show, the bike is priced at INR 12.90 lakhs, ex-showroom, Pune.

In comparison to the previous generation, the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 gets a new fairing, and reworked suspension both at the front and rear. It uses an in-line four, 1043 cc engine (that powers the Ninja 1000 and the Z1000, but in a different state of tune) making 120 hp and 120 Nm of torque.

4. 2015 Suzuki Swish launched

The 2015 Suzuki Swish has been launched at INR 56,482. Powered by a 125 cc engine that makes 8.58 hp and 9.8 Nm of torque, the Swish now gets a new digital instrument cluster, new headlamp, maintenance-free battery, tubeless tyres, etc.

The scooter gets new body graphics, and is available in four colour combinations. It comes with 20-litre underseat storage, a 6-litre fuel tank, and optional disc brake up front.

5. Mercedes CLA Class review

The Mercedes CLA is based on the same platform as A, B, and GLA Class models, and we drove the car in Goa to get a first hand feel of what the newest Merc in India has to offer.

Engine options include a 2-litre turbocharged petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel. The former makes 181 hp and 300 Nm of torque, while the diesel makes 143 hp and an identical 300 Nm of torque. Both come mated to a 7-speed automatic 7G-Tronic gearbox.

Prices for the diesel start at INR 31.5 lakh, while the petrol is available for INR 35 lakhs, ex-showroom, New Delhi.