2009_Honda_Fit_Sport

Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) is all set to launch its hatchback- Jazz on 10th June, 2009 and will be strapping a 1.2 litre intelligent -Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) petrol engine onto the aforesaid model. Furthermore, the premium hatchback will also be having a 70 per cent indegenisation initially, which will be having more local content in phases. Based on the Honda City platform, the 5-door compact car is speculated to be priced above Rs. 6.50 lakh (although not confirmed yet), and would be rolled out from the company’s Greater Noida facility.

With a premium tag, it promises to create a new segment by offering riding comfort and safety features like sedans, apart from fuel-efficiency. Once launched, it will be pitted against other super-hatches like Skoda Fabia, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Ford Fusion and Hyundai i20, and yet-to-be-launched Fiat Grand Punto in the Indian market. It is widely believed that Jazz is coming in early in view of the importance of small cars in India and the enthusiastic response to the car at the January'08 Auto Expo in Delhi.

According to Masahiro Takedagawa, president and CEO of Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI), the Jazz will be a premium segment hatchback and the company does not expect that it will overcome the sales numbers of the City sedan in India. He added by saying that Jazz will have an engine specifically made for the Indian market.

The Jazz will be Honda's first small car offering for the domestic market which means that it will conform to the specifications of being under four metres long with optimal engine capacities of 1.2 litres and 1.5 litres apiece for the petrol and diesel versions. Jazz gets the premium tag due to the company's focus on making it luxurious and safe by adding features like airbags, active headrests, pre-tensioner seat belts, ABS (anti-lock braking system) and G-CON Technology (an advanced passive shielding that offers the occupant a survival zone in case of an unavoidable collision). Honda, however, believes that customers would be willing to pay for the additional features.

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