Honda Jazz set for India debut

Honda Siel, which is all set to launch its premium hatchback ‘the Jazz’ on June 10, is likely to price it around Rs 6.5-6.8 lakh, making it the most expensive ‘super-mini’ on Indian roads. The Jazz, based on the same platform as Honda’s City, will be cheaper than the best-selling sedan, though foreign exchange fluctuations have forced the carmaker to price it much above competing models such as Skoda Fabia and Hyundai i20. The Jazz, know as the Fit in Japan, was the best selling car in that country last year. Honda Siel has also finalised its second small car for the Indian market. Honda Siel CEO Masahiro Takedagawa is flying to Japan in two weeks to get the formal approval from the Japanese parent. The new small car, a global car based on a new platform, will be developed for India, and will be exported to other markets. Honda claims it will offer better fuel efficiency compared with other hatchback compacts available in India. Honda has already started production of the Jazz on May 28 at its Greater Noida plant. The Jazz will be fitted with a 1.2 litre petrol engine that will crank out 90PS power.