Honda's small car likely in two to three years

Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) is likely to introduce a small car in the country in the next two to three years, a top company official said here today.

"However, the engine specifications and the name are yet to be decided," HSCI Vice-President, Marketing, Jnaneswar Sen told reporters after unveiling Jazz, the company's premium hatchback, here.

Referring to Jazz, he said it is loaded with values that are associated with Honda-global design "like great driveability, fuel efficiency and safety."

The response to the launch of the Jazz across the country has been encouraging, he said, adding 1,000 units had so far been booked since the launch of the car on June 10.

Sold successfully in over 130 countries, the Honda Jazz has won over 40 international awards, Sen said, adding that it was made on the company's sedan "Honda Civic" platform.

He said Tamil Nadu contributes around eight per cent of overall sales of Honda Siel cars in India.

Honda Siel Cars Zonal Head-South (A V Prabhu Kumar) said the localisation content in Jazz model was 77 per cent. It would be available in three variants -- the Jazz, Jazz 'Mode' and Jazz 'Active' -- and in six colours, Habanero Red, Deep Sapphire blue, Sherbet Blue, Alabaster Silver, Taffetta White and Crystal Black Pearl, he said.

The ex-showroom prices in Chennai would work out to Rs 7.18 lakh for Jazz, Rs 7.48 lakh for Jazz Mode and Rs 7.53 lakh for Jazz Active, he said.