First look at the Honda Jazz 2015
Launched in 2001 and known as the Honda Fit in the international arena, the Jazz first came to India in 2009. Blame the timing or the pricing gaffe by Honda, the Jazz did not do well in the first round despite of being a great car per se. And the curtains came down on this car in February 2013.
Honda did not give up on this car and is re-launching the car in India in this month. This time around, things seem to be in favor of Honda. The Indian car market is now mature enough to accept premium hatchbacks in the range of Rs. 7-9 lacs and we presume that Honda has learnt from its previous mistakes.
So the question remains - How does this car plan to beat its competitors?
On the outside, Honda has not changed much, the car is an amalgamation between a hatchback and MUV. The front is fitted with a Piano Black Bar with the Honda logo. You could be forgiven to think it is the City from the front.
It is the back design which gives an MUV feel to the Jazz and resembles the Mobilio to a great extent.
The BEST part of the Jazz is the interiors. You are transported to a world of luxury. The fit, finish and quality is that of an European car and not an Indian car. As with the previous car, the USP of this car is the interior space.
The new Jazz is fitted with i-DTEC engine from its Earth Dreams Technology series which powers the Amaze, Mobilio and City as well. The petrol version is fitted with 1.2 Petrol engine, again shared by Brio and Amaze.
The ride quality is supported by the MacPherson set up as the front suspension and gives a smooth ride at high speeds as well as low speeds. Both the diesel and petrol engine are good to drive in the city as well as the highways.
With the information currently available, the Honda is also set to give its competitors a run for its money – ONLY if Honda plays the pricing card right !!!
- Automobile Analyst
Jainee P. Gordhandas