CVCC1974
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Recently debuted in Brazil. Basically a jacked-up GE8 Fit + plastic cladding a-la Subaru XV/Outback/2013 Crosstour. Looks good, I wonder if it offers 4WD just like they do in Japan.
Source:
http://revistaautoesporte.globo.com/Salao-do-Automovel/noticia/2012/10/honda-traz-versao-jovem-fit-twist-para-o-salao-do-automovel.html
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Fan Koni
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Interesting how Honda is doing so much on the current platform since the new one is just around the corner.
I guess this shows the announcement of the different "localized" versions for the new gen is really going to bring a lot of variety.
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DrWhiner
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On the outside, the Twist sports plastic cladding on the front and rear bumpers and over the wheel arches and side sills, a matte aluminum finish for the protective guards, mirror caps and the taller roof bars, bigger 16-inch alloy wheels, a re-styled front grille, dark headlamps and clear tail lamp fixtures.
The interior of the car is said to remain largely unchanged sans the new upholstery, the waterproof floor carpet in the boot area, and the chrome accents on the dashboard, air vents and handbrake.
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/10/new-version-of-honda-fit-with-crossover.html
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xBeastx
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Honda needs to stop loading up with cars just before a new generation releases. With the "heavily refreshed" 2013 going on sale in America late November, what will happen to the thousands of 2012 Civics still on lots? Same thing with the 2012 US Accords. I guess those cars will be for the people who don't really care about all the new tech stuff and want a great deal on what's technically still a "new" car.
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Restless
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and just today these models were announced:
VW Taigun - for sale in 2014
Suzuki Swift 4x4 - for sale in 2013
Concept of Nissan Extrem.
All fighting for "small urban SUV" of choice.
Add Opel Mokka which goes for sale end of this year ...
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P54
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http://world.honda.com/news/2012/4121022Sao-Paulo-International-Motor-Show/index.html
Honda Unveils "FIT twist" Exclusively for Brazil at Sao Paulo International Motor Show 2012
- Further Strengthening Automobile R&D Capability in Brazil -
SĂO PAULO, Brazil, October 22, 2012 - Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda. (HAB), the Honda automobile production and sales subsidiary in Brazil, today unveiled “FIT twist” at the 27th Săo Paulo International Motor Show 2012 currently being held in Săo Paulo, Brazil (press days: October 22–23 / public days: October 24 – November 4, 2012). The “FIT twist” is scheduled to go on sale in Brazil next month.
FIT twist
Key world premiere models on display:
The “FIT twist” is a Fit derivative model developed exclusively for the Brazilian market, and it is the first model developed by the local automobile R&D team in Brazil. While maintaining the ease of use and driving comfort of the original Fit, the “FIT twist” offers a sportier vehicle image with a bold design realized through adoption of an exclusive front grill and roof rails as well as an exclusive seat surface material.
Honda also unveiled its lineup of new flex fuel*1 vehicles, which are popular in Brazil, including CR-V Flex and Civic 2.0 which are scheduled to go on sale in 2013.
*1
Mixtures of ethanol-gasoline fuel with various ratios from 100% gasoline to 100% ethanol
Strengthening local automobile R&D capability in Brazil:
HAB will invest 100 million Brazilian reais (approximately 4 billion yen*2) in its automobile R&D division in the next two years to strengthen the R&D facilities and equipment. A new facility will be built before the end of 2013, and the number of associates who will work in the area of R&D will be increased to the hundreds.
The strengthening of the local R&D capability in Brazil is a part of Honda’s initiative to reform its global operations, which includes pursuit of “concurrent development by all six regions of the world,” where each region will participate in product development concurrently and at the same level. Through further localized R&D activities, to include design development that incorporates local needs and the expanded adoption of locally sourced parts, Honda will develop and introduce new models that fulfill the needs of customers in Brazil.
Starting from 2014, HAB will renew its lineup of small cars including the Fit and the City. HAB will also introduce a new compact SUV model, which is one of the fastest growing segments in Brazil.
*2
Calculated based on the exchange rate of 1 real = 40 yen
Evolution of Acura brand in Brazil:
Honda also announced its plan to introduce the Acura brand in Brazil in 2015. For the purpose of introducing the Acura brand for the first time in South America, three models, Acura NSX Concept, Acura RDX and Acura ILX are being exhibited at the motor show as reference models.
Comment of Takanobu Ito, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.:
In the press conference at the motor show, Takanobu Ito, president & CEO of Honda said: “For more than 40 years since we began our motorcycle business in Brazil in 1971, we have been offering the joy of riding, with more convenience and comfort for people’s daily lives. To introduce more attractive automobiles more quickly to the Brazilian market, Honda will further strengthen its R&D capability in Brazil, including adopting locally optimized design to create products that directly respond to the voice of Brazilian customers.”
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cyisalwayshungry
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I like the roof rack!
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CVCC1974
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Fan Koni wrote:
Interesting how Honda is doing so much on the current platform since the new one is just around the corner.
I guess this shows the announcement of the different "localized" versions for the new gen is really going to bring a lot of variety.
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Maybe Brazil won't get the 3rd-gen Fit soon enough? Just like VW Golf over there, they still sell the MK-IV model from late 90's, where Europe will have MK-VII very soon.
http://www.vw.com.br/pt/carros/golf.html
So they let the local R&D develop their own cars using the older Fit platform (cheaper to build maybe? recycled manufacturing tools?). I still remember that ASEAN market got their 1st-gen Honda City sedan in 1996 based on the 4th-gen EF Civic platform from 8 years earlier.
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NealX
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That's a pretty cool variation on a pretty cool car. Bring it!
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mobis21
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I've voting. COOL. I know it's just cosmetic, but I like it.
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danielgr
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If you read the press release you'll see that Honda plans to roll-on the new Fit on time with the global plan (2014).
Releasing this model now still seems to make sense because Honda has nothing on the small SUV segment for a couple of years and the development/production investment are likely to be tiny. I would expect this special model to die when the global Fit-based SUV reaches the dealers. IMHO right now it's just a place holder in a booming market.
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Restless
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Any idea if ground clearence is incresed over "simple Jazz" ?
It does look increased on the photo...
Oh, and looks like Hyundai also is introducing small SUV for Brasil - HB20X http://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/news/hyundai-reveals-hb20x-crossover/14430/
Lets hope Honda will start offering this small SUV soon enough, or else it will look "late to the show"
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CVCC1974
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danielgr wrote:
If you read the press release you'll see that Honda plans to roll-on the new Fit on time with the global plan (2014).
Releasing this model now still seems to make sense because Honda has nothing on the small SUV segment for a couple of years and the development/production investment are likely to be tiny. I would expect this special model to die when the global Fit-based SUV reaches the dealers. IMHO right now it's just a place holder in a booming market.
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Yes I read the press release (Ito-san's speech on Sept 21) that the all-new Fit & its platform derivatives will roll-out globally within 2 years after 1st introduction in Japan by late 2013. That means it's possible this Fit Twist will be around for another 3 years from now before the all-new Fit-based SUV comes to Brazil. Makes sense that they decided to build it right now.
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danielgr
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CVCC1974 wrote:
danielgr wrote:
If you read the press release you'll see that Honda plans to roll-on the new Fit on time with the global plan (2014).
Releasing this model now still seems to make sense because Honda has nothing on the small SUV segment for a couple of years and the development/production investment are likely to be tiny. I would expect this special model to die when the global Fit-based SUV reaches the dealers. IMHO right now it's just a place holder in a booming market.
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Yes I read the press release (Ito-san's speech on Sept 21) that the all-new Fit & its platform derivatives will roll-out globally within 2 years after 1st introduction in Japan by late 2013. That means it's possible this Fit Twist will be around for another 3 years from now before the all-new Fit-based SUV comes to Brazil. Makes sense that they decided to build it right now.
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| Starting from 2014, HAB will renew its lineup of small cars including the Fit and the City. |
That said, indeed they don't say about the small SUV there, so maybe the Fit Twist will stay a bit longer than the regular Fit while waiting for the SUV. Either way this thing should be rather short-lived.
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