Honda Jazz Crossover Spotted Testing in Brazil for the first time; could be introduced in India before 2017
The crossover hatchbacks are becoming increasingly popular in our country thanks to the blend of comfort, off-road capability and driving pleasure they are widely recongnised for in our domestic market.
The four hottest premium hatchbacks in India are Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz and Volkswagen Polo. We already have a crossover derived from Toyota Etios hatch and Fiat Avventura based heavily on the Punto whilst the Hyundai i20 Active has garnered good sales numbers since it arrived in the spotlight.
Honda is evidentally looking to foray into the crossover hatchback segment as apparent from the spyshots of its Honda Jazz based crossover. The 2016 Honda Jazz crossover prototype was caught testing for the first time around the streets of Brazil and gives us a glimmer into the Japanese manufacturer’s take on the relatively new segment.
First and the foremost thing is the nomenclature: the crossover from Honda is more likely to be called as the ‘Honda Jazz Twist’( Fit Twist in Brazil) for the international markets. It’s not the first time Honda is trying to bring up a Jazz-based crossover though as the Brazilian market has already have an exclusive product up for sale.
It could only make sense to retail the now-spotted crossover in India as the Brazilian road conditions and the capacity of the market are more in-line with what has been seen in our homeland. As it’s the initial testing times, the spotted test mule was heavily camouflaged but elements like larger alloy wheels,redesigned bumper, roof rails, black underbody cladding, skid plates at front and rear. Its rugged stance will be boosted by the increased ground clearance to stay in theme with a crossover.
The soft crossover based on the new generation Jazz hatchback could be powered by the same engine line-up currently offered for the Honda Jazz. The European-styled hatchback is available with a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine derived from the flagship City sedan. It’s mated to a six-speed manual transmission whilst developing 100PS of maximum power and 200 Nm of peak torque with a claimed a fuel efficiency of 27.3 kmpl. The petrol unit displaces 1, 200cc and comes with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
The Honda Jazz Twist (Fit Twist) will go up against the likes of Hyundai HB20X in the Brazilian market whilst no plans have yet been announced by Honda on when or if the crossover will make to the Indian shores. If launched, it will have a fierce competition with the Volkswagen Cross Polo, Fiat Avventura, Hyundai i20 Active and Toyota Etios Cross.
Source: AutoSegredos.com
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