Honda unveils big plans for small race

Honda Siel Cars India Ltd on Thursday unveiled their concept car Jazz II generation and a more fuel-efficient 2-litre version of sports utility vehicle, Honda CR-V at the ongoing 9th Auto Expo 2008. The Jazz II generation car was adjudged the 'Japanese Car of the Year 2007-08.'

Addressing the media, president and CEO Honda Siel Cars India Ltd, Masahiro Takedagawa said, 'We are conducting the feasibility study for Jazz II generation and will take a final decision on it soon. The car will be pitted against Hyundai's Getz and Chevrolet's Aveo Yuva Sports.'

Honda Siel has also showcased the Civic Hydrid — a car that will have a petrol motor and electrical motor which can be used interchangeably making it very fuel efficient.

'The Civic Hybrid will not be manufactured in India. We will import them from our manufacturing facilities in Japan and the United States of America. We are waiting for the homologation this will take about three months after which we will start importing the car for our customers,' Takedagawa said.

Sources, however, said the car could be priced in the premium segment and could cost anywhere above ₹20 lakhs.

Speaking about Jazz II generation Takedagawa said the nearest rival to the car (When we start manufacturing it) would be the recently launched Skoda Fabia.

The new 2-litre version of Honda CRV, Takedagawa said, 'is a fully loaded version and after customer feedback we decided to make the car more fuel efficient. The car is in no way less than the existing 2.4 litre Honda CRV.'

Honda Siel also displayed the new Accord, which will replace the existing Honda Accord by the middle of this year. 'As per the Honda philosophy we change our car designs every five years. The existing Honda Accord has done five years the world over,' Takedagawa said.

'The new Accord will have absolutely new looks, new design. It will be roomier and have very upgraded safety features including six air bags and will be far more fuel efficient than the existing Accord. It will roll out from our plant in Surajpur in Uttar Pradesh that has been expanded and upgraded recently,' Takedagawa said.