In order to mark presence in the highly competitive premium hatchback segment, Honda Cars India is readying the new generation Honda Jazz. Scheduled to go on sale in the first quarter of 2015, the new Jazz will be equipped with some segment leading features and highly fuel efficient engines. Adding to it, the petrol-powered model will offer CVT transmission. The company has imported the paddle shifters from Thailand for the new Jazz. It will be the first hatchback in its league to feature CVT with paddle shifters.
Honda will offer the next Jazz hatchback in both petrol and diesel fuel options. The petrol version of the hatchback will be powered by a 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine that is good for 87bhp. This engine is clubbed to a 5-speed manual gearbox or the CVT. The oil burner is the fuel efficient 1.5-litre i-DTEC turbo diesel engine that also powers the new City, Mobilio and Amaze. This engine is paired to a five-speed gearbox, and churns out a maximum power output of 100PS and 200Nm of torque.
The 2015 Honda Jazz CVT is likely to cost around Rs. 1 lakh more than the regular manual variant. The next generation Honda Jazz is expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 5-8 lakh. It will rival against the likes of Hyundai Elite i20, Fiat Punto Evo and Volkswagen Polo.
