Next generation, 2014 Honda Jazz: This is it!

Honda has released the first official images of the hotly awaited 2014 Honda Jazz hatchback, which represents the all new-next generation model. The 2014 Jazz, also known as the Fit in certain car markets, will go on sale in Japan from August 2013. The global model will be showcased at this year's Tokyo Motor Show, after which the car will begin sales in many markets across the world. 

The 2014 Jazz is the third generation version of the highly successful hatchback, which has sold over 4 million examples since its introduction in 2001. Plenty of details about the 2014 Jazz have been revealed over the past few weeks. The car gets longer in terms of wheelbase, thus liberating more space on the inside. The additional space on the inside will only reaffirm the Jazz's positioning as a practical and versatile hatchback. 

The India-spec Jazz is expected to come with both petrol and turbo diesel engine options. The addition of the 1.5 liter i-DTEC turbo diesel engine, first seen on the Amaze compact sedan, will finally give the Jazz the right ammunition to take on the other B+ segment hatchbacks in India, a segment dominated by diesel power in terms of sales. Honda could have its task cut out while positioning the 2014 Jazz in India, given the Amaze's price positioning. 

So, a certain amount of overlap between the pricing of the 2014 Jazz and the Amaze compact sedan is a distinct possibility. Other details emerging about the 2014 Honda Jazz through MotorTrend, suggests that a 6 speed manual gearbox could replace the 5 speed unit on petrol versions, with the 4 speed automatic gearbox making way for a CVT automatic unit. It remains to be seen whether these changes would be carried over to the India-spec model.

Key changes on the 2014 Jazz concern its ride and handling. The hatchback has been bench marked against the Volkswagen Polo, a move aimed at improving the ride and handling. Revised suspension and a re-calibrated steering are the two results of this bench marking. Initial reports suggest that the 2014 Jazz is a much better handler than the outgoing version.

A raft of new features on the inside and an all-new driver-focused dashboard are other notable aspects of the new model. In terms of design, the 2014 Jazz comes with cues inspired by the new Honda family face, seen on the likes of the 2013 Civic and the new CR-V SUV. Sharper looking design elements abound with a blend of curves to soften the sharp lines. On the whole, the 2014 Jazz is more evolution than revolution in terms of looks. The hatchback will be built in India from next year, with a high level of localization likely.