Jazz launched with 77 percent local content

Honda launched its stylish new second-generation Jazz hatchback in Mumbai on June 11. Prices range from Rs 7.43 lakh (ex-showroom- Mumbai) for the base version, increasing to Rs 7.73 lakh for the mid-level Jazz Mode variant, and Rs 7.78 lakh for the top-end Jazz Active.

The new model is powered by a 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine which produces 89bhp and has a claimed fuel efficiency of 16.1kpl.

This engine has been specially developed for the Indian market to help the Jazz meet Indian small car norms and thereby attract lower excise duty.

Given the premium pricing, Honda has modest sales expectations for the Jazz and is targeting sales of around 2,000 units per month.

The Jazz will compete against other premium hatchbacks models such as the Skoda Fabia and Hyundai i20. The company is hoping to create a new niche for premium hatchbacks in the country, which it refers to as the ‘J segment’.

The Jazz is being built at Honda’s brand-new factory in Rajasthan and is based on the company’s ‘Global Small Platform’, which is also the basis for the City saloon.

The company has loaded the Jazz with safety equipment, including ABS brakes with EBD and dual SRS airbags, which are standard equipment across the range.

Honda has achieved significant localisation of 77 percent on the Jazz and imports the remaining parts from its operations in Thailand. Among the parts imported at present are the Anti-Lock Braking system with EBD and the SRS airbag system.

The Jazz has sold 2.8 million units globally since its debut back in 2001 and is one of Honda’s best-selling models.