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With the Honda Jazz, before the turn of the decade, the Japanese auto giant decided to offer Indian masses a small car that was more than a hatch. And so in 2009, India witnessed the entry of </strong> <a href="http://www.cardekho.com/carmodels/Honda/Honda_Jazz" target="_blank"><strong>Honda Jazz</strong></a> in premium hatch segment. Now, when the market is completely changed and people are more inclined towards premium hatches like Hyundai Elite i20 and VW Polo, Honda wants to re-enter into the segment with its second generation Jazz – Honda Jazz is likely to be priced between Rs 5.5-7.5 lakh. The premium hatch will get its place between Brio and City sedan in Honda’s portfolio alongside Amaze and is likely to grasp big piece of sales in premium B segment in India. Let’s find out whether Honda Jazz will make you cancel your deal for Hyundai Elite i20 and VW Polo.
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Outer design </br> The new Honda Jazz will continue with the same part-MPV and part-hatch theme similar to its predecessor. Conceptualised as Crossfade Monoform Exterior. The external style of the car is mainly targeted towards the 20-40 age group who are looking for a family hatch or a city commuter. With sedan City-like solid wing face grille and headlamps along with lower mesh grille on bumper, Jazz looks funkier and sharper than before. The edgier facade of the car is further enhanced due to the presence of wing mirrors with integrated turn indicators and 15-inch alloy wheels for the top-end variants. In addition to this, the black finished B-pillar and few character lines give the side profile, a radiant look.
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Dimensions </br> On the dimensions front, new Honda Jazz is 55mm longer in overall length and 30mm longer in wheelbase over its predecessor, thereby giving more cabin space inside the car.
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Interior layout </br> The new Honda Jazz reminds us of the City sedan style. With big and light weight doors, entry in this Honda car has been made easier than in the previous model. Once in, you will either be welcomed by beige seats, roof and pillars or black roof pillars and fabric seats with white contrast. Due to large wheelbase, space in the car will be the best in the segment. Carrying the same City dashboard, Honda Jazz also comes with thick 3-spoke steering wheel placed behind the instrument cluster. The centre console in Jazz has been offered as per the variant's needs. The top-end VX trim will sport 6.2 touchscreen display unit coming with DVD/MP3/AUX/USB/iPod connectivity, while the V variant gets a 5-inch non-touchscreen audio system with all connectivity option except DVD and navigation.
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Extras </br> Additionally, Honda Jazz comes with the City-borrowed automatic climate control and few more features like low fuel warning light, an electronic tripmeter, a tachometer and external temperature display have been provided. But, if you are expecting smart entry with push start button or rear AC vent, Honda will disappoint you at this point.
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Power </br> On power front, learning from the past mistakes, the 2015 Honda Jazz will get its energy to run from the 1.5-litre diesel engine doing its duty in City and Amaze sedans. Mated to 6-speed manual gearbox, the said engine can belt out 100PS max power and 200Nm torque. There will also be petrol engine option in the form of 1.2 liter i-VTEC motor that produces 90PS and 110Nm of max torque. Though, no word on mileage has been said, yet we expect it to be around 25kmpl. This shows Jazz being the most performance oriented car in the segment.
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Price</br> Prices of the new Honda Jazz will be released only on its launch on 8th July but as of now, it is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 5.5-7.5 lakh. In this price range, it would surely be giving stiff competition to its counterparts Elite i20 and Volkswagen Polo in the segment.
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Honda Jazz is a versatile hatch that has plenty of things to offer. The class-leading cabin space, ample storage capacity, diesel engine option, enhanced design and brilliant fuel efficiency, all are expected to work in favour of Jazz. Things will be more clear only on the introduction of Honda Jazz in the country, so let’s wait and watch a new game to be played in the premium hatchback segment.
