Honda is planning to launch a compact crossover version of the Honda Jazz. Well placed sources have told Japanese analysts that the model will be targeted primarily at Europe and the US, and it is hoped up to 400,000 units per year could be produced.
The new model will be spun off a next-generation version of the Jazz, due by the middle of the decade. Unlike with previous Jazzes, Honda is giving its regions greater autonomy to engineer the Jazz outside of Japan to suit local markets.
The European version of the crossover is likely to be built at Honda’s Swindon plant in order to negate the strength of the yen.
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I think most manufacturers
I think most manufacturers will be looking at a Supermini sized faux 4x4 following how well the Juke has done, which just means all the more credit to Nissan for defining the niche.
The wife currently drives a
The wife currently drives a Nissan Note, but really wants a 4x4. Perhaps this could be her next car??
Ready-made Replacement?
Well presumably this is in part a response to the success of the Juke... Question is do you really mean 4x4 or just SUV (4x4 looks). Don't expect much 4x4 ability from this new Honda.
The Juke's looks are OTT and
The Juke's looks are OTT and the boot too small. The favoured Daihatsu Terios is longer imported. Toyota have the Urban Cruiser, but has the same issues as the Juke. You are probably right in that the Honda will be a 2WD SUV. But a CR-V style 4x4 system would be far more desirable.
Harry P wrote:The wife
What about a Yeti? or Countryman? The Hyundai IX35 is surprisingly good value too, the base model is less than 18k and comes fully loaded. Loads of options out there.
With this be a return of the HR-V? One of the first non 4x4 SUV type cars, with being front wheel drive until the wheels slip and sends power rearward.
Lets hope they don't bring back those "joy machine" adverts though
Return of the HR-V
Yes, HR-V would be the logical choice of nameplate. And if I remember, the original version was quite appealing and successful, especially when compared with the Honda Logo on which it was based.
Go make it Honda!
Never mind the crossovers
Bring back the Honda coupes of old!