New Honda Fit/Jazz has 62,000 orders;Type R under development

Honda has announced that it has received 62,000 orders for the brand new Jazz/ Fit model within just a month of it being launched. It is also believed to be developing a Type R spec Jazz which is based on the next generation Jazz RS. 

The 2014 Honda Jazz model was launched in Japan on September 5 and has not yet reached the European or US market. Despite this, the demand is believed to have increased to about four times the typical 15,000 units per month that the company had aimed to produce. Honda has said that 19, 388 units of the same model were delivered to customers in the last month making it the third best-selling car in the Japanese Market after the Toyota Aqua and Prius C.

The Fit/Jazz was first launched in 2001 and over 4.87 million units have been sold worldwide. Launched for the Indian market around five years ago, it was the first biggest premium hatchback sold in India to compete against some sedans for interior room and boot space. However, back then, it did not do too well due to the high price and eventually Honda discontinued the model this year to increase production capacity for the Amaze sedan.

Honda cars are known globally for their reliability, fuel efficiency and are famous for their low maintenance costs. The huge demand for the Honda Fit/Jazz in other countries shows the popularity it enjoys with Honda car buyers. Not surprisingly, it is expected to come to India early 2014.

In related news, Honda’s Civic type R is nearing production and while that gets rolling, it is speculated that a Jazz Type R is also being developed. According to reports from Motoring Australia the model is based on the Jazz RS and comes equipped with a hybridised 1.5-litre engine that produces 190bhp.  It is also believed to be connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. In terms of features, the Jazz Type R is expected to have a newly tuned suspension and body kit, the likes of the one being launched by Mugen.