28 June 2001: The just-announced Honda Jazz is expected to arrive in Ireland 'early next year' according to the local distributors.

Frank Kennedy of Honda Ireland says that 'all going well', the new high-spec Jazz should be on Irish roads just as soon as it is available elsewhere in Europe. The new car will be on sale first in Japan later this month where it will be named Honda Fit.

The Jazz will debut in Europe at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September this year. New 1.2l and 1.4l 4-cylinder petrol engines, both featuring i-DSI, will power this compact 5-door hatchback, which is said to have class-winning fuel efficiency.

The roomy interior provides accommodation for five occupants and sets new benchmarks for space, flexibility and refinement as demonstrated by the revolutionary rear sear arrangement.

Frank Kennedy says that pricewise, the new Honda is likely to be at the upper end of the supermini segment. Supply quotas may also affect availibility.