Honda Mulls on India Specific Engines

India's premium mid-size car leader Honda Motors is exploring possibilities to introduce new products with India specific engines. The yet to be introduced Honda Jazz, has been fitted with an engine designed specifically for the Indian car market. Jazz will hit the roads in June, this year.

This was revealed by Honda Siel Cars India vice president (marketing) Mr. Jnaneswar Sen to media persons. Honda has already launched Jazz in United Kingdom with the India specific 1.2 litre petrol engine that delivers 89 bhp.

This is a deviation from the earlier policy of Honda to introducing mainly European models in India. It also suggests that Honda is keen on improving its market in the country, which is one of the largest car markets of the world, after U.S and China. Mr. Sen was quick to clarify that apart from Jazz there were no immediate plans to introduce India specific products in the country, in the near future.

Jazz will be positioned in the group of Skoda Fabia and soon to be launched Maruti Suzuki Ritz hatchback. The new Honda car will be available with a starting price of Rs 7 lakh. Based on pricing it will compete with Tata Indigo, Maruti Suzuki D'zire. Jazz will come with options for equipments like -navigation system, in car-entertainment, electric power steering, sporty wheels and others gadgets. It will boast of Honda's signature safety systems like airbags, ABS and G-Con technology. According to Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) Jazz has a mileage of 16.1 km/l under standard testing conditions.

Currently, Honda offers five products in India- Accord, Accord 3.5l, City, Civic and CR-V. The Jazz will be the first small car to roll out from the marquee. Mr Sen did not rule out bringing in more India specific car but clarified that new products will be introduced after a careful study of the market.

Source: http://www.carazoo.com/newcars/carreview/Maruti_Suzuki/Swift_DZire