Cruising in today

Honda unveils its first small car in India that, dealers say, will give carmakers in the B and C segment a run for their money

Honda unveils its first small car in India that, dealers say, will give carmakers in the B and C segment a run for their money

Fifty people have already signed up for Honda Jazz that rolls out today. The premium hatchback is the company's first in the small-car segment in India.

The Tata Nano made a deafening noise when it was launched two months ago, but in keeping with Honda's the Jazz is cruising in noiselessly.

As Honda showrooms buzzed like an upturned beehive with visitors and enquiries pouring in throughout Tuesday, dealers were pleased with the response. "Especially since sales are not very impressive now," said Ramadas M, manager, Whitefield Honda.

But will it be a threat to other cars in the B-segment like Skoda's Fabia, Maruti Suzuki's Ritz, Fiat's Grand Punto, Volkswagen's Polo and Hyundai's i20? The opinions are varied.

"It's one of the priciest but may prove to be a threat to both segments in India," said automobile expert M R Indresh who classifies it as a B+ segment car, between the B and C segments.

Other players in the field agree u2013 to a degree.

"Certainly, it's a threat to the i20," said K S Navin, senior manager, Trident Hyundai, Bangalore.

'It's certainly a threat'

"It's one of the priciest but may prove to be a threat to both segments in India," said automobile expert M R Indresh who classifies it as a B+ segment car, between the B and C segments.

Other players in the field agree to a degree.

"Certainly, it's a threat to the i20," said K S Navin, senior manager, Trident Hyundai, Bangalore. "Jazz will do well initially but this will not last long as we have the price advantage."u00a0

Mileage

Honda Jazz is said to give 16 km a litre, and can easily compete with other cars in the segment on this score. But the competition is confident Honda will never be able to beat them when it comes to the pricing of spares.
The mood in Maruti is similarly cautious, but optimistic.

"We will certainly face tough competition when it comes to our high-end variants. This will be healthy competition," said Manjith Bora, manager (sales), Maruti Suzuki. But, he says, "We will not be affected in the B-segment as our cars are for the common man, unlike Honda's Jazz."

All that Jazz
Honda Jazz has the look of a multi-purpose vehicle, making it different from other cars in the premium hatchback segment, which includes variants of Skoda, Volkswagen, Fiat and Hyundai.

It boasts premium features such as ABS (anti-lock braking system) and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist).
The 1198cc car has an impressive 89 bhp while the Fabia has 70/85, Hyundai i20 80 and Fiat Grande Punto 65 respectively