2011 was a big year for
Honda Siel Cars India Limited (HSCI). The launch of the updated Honda City, re-launch of the Honda Jazz at lower prices and the launch of the Honda Brio kept Honda in the lime light in the latter half of the year.
As a result at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo HSCI did not have new products to showcase. Therefore Honda decided to connect with the audience by keeping it simple and showcasing its current range of cars. As it turned out the move was a very smart one, the Honda stall was engulfed with prospective customers checking out their vehicles. And at the same time the Japanese car maker introduced prospective customers to Honda vehicles who had earlier not considered buying a Honda vehicle.
HSCI showcased their newest and smallest car, the Brio which attracted a considerable number of people. Powered by the same 1.2 litre i-VTEC engine as that in the Jazz with Variable Valve timing, however, slightly de-tuned to 88 PS to deliver a better fuel efficiency of 18.4 kilometres to a litre as per Central Motor Vehicle Rules. The interior is spacious and offers a number of storage spaces and cubbie holes to fit in anything throughout the cabin. Steering mounted controls are there on all models but the base. However, central locking and immobilizer is standard across all variants and ABS with EBD and SRS Airbags are on the top end and SMT option variant. Driver seat belt reminder is standard across all versions, however, the three point ELR with Pretensioner and Load Limiter is available only on the option SMT and VMT versions and so does the Tilt Steering. All models get Electronic Power Steering, front power windows, headlight off and ignition key off reminder and average fuel consumption display.
Earlier this year Honda re-launched the Jazz in the Indian market and slashed the price tag owing to increased localisation of components. The re-launched Honda Jazz also betters the bold design with a better looking grille, a freshly designed aerodynamic bumper, new headlights with silver and black matt finish and a new rear bumper among other cosmetic changes, the new Jazz is quite simply a glossier version of its original model. Now available in a new Urban Titanium colour in addition to its four existing ones, the new face-lifted version of the Jazz is now open for booking across Honda Siel India showrooms in the country, and will sell in three variants - Jazz, Jazz Select, Jazz X in Manual Transmission.
The recently launched updated
Honda City gets refreshed interiors and exteriors and the addition of features like a sunroof on the option variant. The City is powered by a 1.5-litre iVTEC engine, which churns out 118PS of power, and is known for its refinement. Safety features on the car include ABS with Brake Assist, Dual SRS Airbags, and G-CON. The new Honda City now comes with Cruise Control in select models.
Honda also slashed the prices of the City with the recent launch. With base model pricing of Rs.6.99 Lakh, ex-showroom Delhi and will be available in four trim versions namely, Corporate, E, S, V. The V trim version will be available in automatic transmission as well, along with an option for a sunroof.
The Honda Civic has been a great seller ever since it was introduced in the market. Its fighter jet like styling coupled with being one of the best cars to drive in its class made it hot property for those looking for a car with class and zest. Honda Siel has continuously upgraded the Civic over the years and has consistently been adding on frills to keep up with the growing competition. The current generation Civic in India is a facelifted version of the original car launched here. The car’s futuristic styling and interiors make its competitors look old school today.
The 8th generation Accord has been a great looker since its introduction in May 2008. The sharp edges, long sleek body and rather muscular stance have definitely helped in the appeal department. The 2011 facelifted gave the car a revised the front bumper, new front grille to offer a bolder chrome look, enhanced the rear with some chrome bezel around the taillights, indicators on the ORVMs and spiced up the package by offering a set of alloy wheels that feature an all new design. These changes are across both the 2.4 litre and V6 models. In addition to these changes, the 2.4 litre model also boasts of a sunroof and wooden like interior inserts as standard. These two features were earlier only available on the V6 Accord.
The Honda CR-V is a CBU import that enjoys a strong fan following globally. Its heritage lies in the essence that most people rarely take their SUV's off the tarmac, so why build something that will never be used in the manner that it is designed for. This gave birth to the idea of a soft roader, or an SUV-looking passenger vehicle that had the street presence and commanding driving position of an SUV, yet was designed essentially to stay on the road. A bit of 'light' off roading was still possible thanks to gizmos like the Real Time four wheel drive system, but the vehicle essentially remained a 'car' that looks like an SUV. No doubt the formula was a success and the CR-V has grown in popularity worldwide. Here in India the CR-V has dominated segment of petrol soft roaders.
New Jazz Models for Europe
Honda showcased its entire India model line-up at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo
