Honda Jazz
Honda JazzHonda Cars India

As electric and hybrid cars gain popularity across the world, Japanese carmaker Honda could soon be rolling out an electric powertrain for its popular premium hatchback, the Jazz. According to emerging reports, Honda's officials have hinted at eco-friendly powertrains for its small cars, and it could become a reality by 2020.

Since Jazz is a popular model of Honda in India as well as in the global market, it could be one of the first models in the company's line-up to get electric powertrain, Gaadiwaadi reports. While this might initially be only for the European market, the chances of it coming to India cannot be ruled out. The development, however, may not happen any time soon.

In India, the Jazz is currently offered with a 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine that powers Amaze and Brio. It can generate power of 90bhp with a torque of 110Nm at 4,800rpm and a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel motor, that can pump 100bhp of power and 200Nm torque. The transmission is taken care of by either a five-speed manual or a CVT with paddle shifters in the petrol variants and six-speed manual transmission in the diesel Jazz. The petrol Jazz promises to give a mileage of 19kmpl while the diesel variant is rated to return a mileage of 27.3kmpl. Launched on July 8 2015, Honda Jazz has had a successful journey in India so far.

Soon, Honda's India line-up is expected to be joined by the new crossover SUV, WR-V, which is based on the Jazz platform.