2014 Honda Jazz/Fit spotted in India for the first time

Honda is preparing itself to launch the Jazz/Fit for the Indian market next year. It was shown at the 2014 Auto Expo and has now been spotted undisguised at the company's yard in India hinting that the launch is near.

The Honda Fit, christened as the 'Jazz' for the Indian market, was launched first in the Japanese market in September last year. The hatchback quickly gained popularity in the Japanese market and in just a short time became the country’s top-selling car.

.This is the third generation of the popular hatchback whose overall length is 3,955mm, 36mm less in comparison to the previous generation Fit. The manufacturer has increased the width by 8mm to 1,702mm. The height remains unchanged at 1,524 mm, but the wheelbase has been increased to 2,530 mm compared to the 2,500 mm in the previous generation hatchback. The vehicle has always been big in proportions and now with an increased 30mm wheelbase, the cabin space has also increased.

The Honda Fit in China is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine which churns out 130bhp and 155Nm of torque. The transmission options include either a five-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. India will however not get the 1.5-litre mill and instead, the car will be offered with the 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol unit and the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine.

The new i-DTEC unit has had tasted quite a fair bit of success with the Amaze, City and the Mobilio in India. This will be the first time Honda will offer the Jazz with a diesel engine in our country as the earlier model was offered only as a petrol version.

The last time, the Jazz didn't find a good demand as it was priced considerably high than the competition. This time hopefully, the manufacturer should price it in a way to give the other premium hatchbacks a tough fight. The Jazz will go up against the Volkswagen Polo and the Hyundai i20.

Honda Jazz