Honda has confirmed that it will be out in force at
the Geneva Motor Show this year with its latest production, concept, and racing
models. The only world debut to speak of will be the unveiling of the Jazz
X-Road, a rugged version of the little hatchback that Americans know as the
Fit.
Adopting a more off-road appearance, the X-Road
model features black plastic moldings around the wheel arches and side sills,
with silver-tone reinforcement under the front and rear bumpers. The treatment
is not unlike what you might find on a Volvo Cross Country model, but in
an entirely different segment.
A 1.3-liter engine drives 103 metric horsepower
through either a manual or continuously variable transmission to a special set
of 16-inch wheels. This will mark the first time the Jazz X-Road will be shown
at a motor show anywhere in the world.
The Japanese automaker has also confirmed that it
will showcase the new CR-V at the Swiss expo, bringing hybrid power to the
European market for the first time.
Honda’s most recent show cars will be on display as
well, including the Urban EV concept (previously shown in Frankfurt), the
Sports EV concept (from the Tokyo Motor Show), and the NeuV technology concept
unveiled at CES.
The company’s racing models will also be present,
headlined by the new Civic Type R TCR that will compete in the new FIA World
Touring Car Cup. The NSX GT3 will be on
hand as well, along with Honda’s MotoGP, SBK, and Dakar racing bikes.
