Honda Jazz prototype revealed in build-up to Paris Motor Show

Japanese carmaker, Honda has released images of the prototype of the European-spec Jazz hatchback in the build-up to the 2014 Paris Motor Show, which is scheduled to be held in October.

The new Jazz sports a new body shell and is 15mm longer and the wheelbase 30mm longer than its predecessor. Honda claims that this has helped in creating a more spacious cabin.

The new Jazz is a part of Honda's 'small series' range and will be built on the company's global compact platform. It will retain the centre fuel tank layout that is already found in the old Jazz. It will be equipped with Honda Magic Seats as well. It will be powered by a new 1.3-litre i-VTEC petrol engine. There will be two transmissions on offer - a six-speed manual (replacing the previous five-speed unit) and a CVT transmission.

Honda is expected to release more information about the new Jazz at the Paris Motor Show, where it makes its official debut. The car will go on sale in Europe next year and is likely to hit showrooms in India in March 2015.

For India, Honda is expected to offer the Jazz with the same 1.2-litre, 88 bhp, i-VTEC petrol engine as the Brio. The 1.5-litre, 98 bhp i-DTEC diesel motor from the Amaze and the City could be used as well.