Rumor of Honda Jazz based crossover

Japanese automaker Honda could be the latest amongst the increasing crop of car makers wanting a pie of the fast expanding compact SUV and crossover range. The Honda Jazz hatchback, a spacious and practical car that has been a big seller for Honda across the globe could be the base for the crossover.This is pretty much what WhatCar has managed to glean from sources in the know about this project. For now though, it remains to be seen when the Jazz based crossover will debut in markets across the world as there has been no time frame revealed just as yet.

2012 Honda Jazz Hatchback used as an illustration

The next generation Jazz is said to be due in under three years and given the growing competition in the compact crossover segment, the Jazz based crossover should also be on the anvil before the next 3 years if Honda intends to strike the iron when its hot. The compact SUV and crossover market across the world is all set to boom, to say the least. Renault has the Duster. Ford is about to launch the EcoSport. Hyundai is said to be putting together a i15 based crossover and General Motors has just given us a glimpse of the upcoming Trax.

Maruti Suzuki could put the XA-Alpha into production while Mahindra, in association with Ssangyong could unveil the least priced compact SUV in the world competing with entry level hatchbacks. So there, the segment will show plenty of action in the coming years and Honda, it appears, will naturally want a pie of the growing action. Given that the Honda Jazz based crossover is speculated to compete with the likes of the Mini Countryman and the Nissan Juke, a length a tad over 4 meters could be a possibility.

If such a product has a possibility for a launch in India, Honda might even build a sub-4 meter version. Honda is developing a new range of small capacity turbo diesel engines, engines that will be crucial for the brand’s success in not just in Europe, but in India as well. So, new products like the Jazz based crossover could partake one of these small capacity diesel engines. For now, the possibilities remain endless, given the potential such a product has, in both emerging as well as mature car markets. With that, its time to keep a close eye on possible developments around what seems to be an exciting new rumor surrounding Honda.

Courtesy: WhatCar