The Japanese auto maker, Honda has announced to launch the 2014 Jazz hatchback in the Japanese market in September 2013, and the same model will also come to the Indian car market. The next-generation Honda Jazz is based on an all-new platform, which will also feature in the next-generation City sedan and a compact Sports utility vehicle. Honda is also planning to launch four new products in India within the next three years. The next-generation Jazz hatchback will be the first to make its way to India, followed by a new City sedan, Brio based MPV and a Jazz based compact SUV.
This introduction of new Jazz in Japan, indicating that Honda may also launch the vehicle in India by early 2014. Honda India has already discontinued the previous generation Jazz, and is now aiming to increase its localization to price its vehicles competitive. The lack of diesel engine and high prices are the major reason behind the low sales of Jazz. Even, the company sold its last units at high discounts, which further affects the profit margin of Honda India. This has forced the Japanese maker to remove the Jazz from its Indian lineups.
Recently, the press shots of new 2014 Jazz has been leaked out, which suggest that the vehicle will be longer than the current model. It will be 60mm longer, and has a stretched wheelbase. The next-generation Jazz will be powered by the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, which also does duty in the recently launched Honda Amaze compact sedan. The petrol model will retain the same 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine.