The all-new Honda Jazz – launched

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The 3rd Generation Jazz is here and it’s quite a looker. Like all Jazz-es before it, it pays special emphasis to versatility, functionality and affordability (well, relatively anyway considering car prices here). And it looks like it has managed to take the ante up a notch. But first, some numbers; 13,000 of CKD Jazz, both Hybrid and petrol versions sold in the last 2 years since its introduction, 30,573 units in total since the Jazz started selling here in 2002, making it the best selling model among all the models sold here. Today, the forefront model being positioned by Honda Malaysia is probably the City but that does not make the Jazz any less important.

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Like the City, the new Jazz comes with a host of current technological features and modern design which appeals to almost all walks of life, be it a college student or families. At the launch ceremony, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Yoichiro Ueno said, “The all-new Jazz will provide the best overall value package in its segment with the 3 variants (S, E and V) that we are introducing. This broad range is in line with our commitment to provide affordable products with excellent value for money for everyone. This would be a great opportunity for all Malaysians to own a Honda!”

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Design

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A new design identity called the H-design is boldly featured as the new central theme, taking the same cues as the new Honda City. Up front, the halogen headlights are City-like sleek and joined by a larger central grille. The front bumper has been redesigned to be simpler with a prominent inverted ‘V’ separating the front fog light housing and lower central air intake.

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Targeting the young, the new Jazz also comes with 2 choices of body kits; a Modulo (with a central grille panel that looks like a mustache) and a Thailand-fitted Mugen kit.

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In terms of dimensions, the new Jazz is almost identical to its predecessor, measuring 3,955mm in length (up 55mm), 1,694mm in width and 1,525mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,530mm (up 30mm). Depending on the variants, you will find a different set of rim design and size. The entry level S Grade gets 15″ steel wheels with cover while the intermediate E Grade has 15″ alloys. Both are wrapped with 175/65 tires. The top spec V Grade offers one size bigger at 16″ and has 185/55 tires.

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The rear on the other hand sees the introduction of a huge rear license chrome garnish that not only adds styling points, I would probably try to angle it downwards a bit so that those who install HIDs on their reflector headlamps will get a chance of tasting their own medicine. If you look closely, you’d find an itsy tailgate spoiler located where the 3rd brake light is. . But between them all, the key highlight would have to be the rear combi lights; high quality LEDs that’s curvy to match the sloping side profile of the car. The tapered, 2-piece tail lamp lends a slim top and a firm bottom, much like how pear shaped skirts that we see so often among office ladies in the city center. Not too fussy, not too simple.

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Performance

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For all the variants we see, only one engine is offered with the Jazz: a 1.5litre  SOHC i-VTEC powerplant producing 120PS @ 6,600rpm and 145 Nm of torque @ 4,600rpm which is identical to its predecessor model except the maximum torque arrives earlier. Paired to this engine is the newly designed Earth Dreams Technology CVT which, like anything new from Honda promises better fuel economy without sacrificing driving dynamics.

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Cabin Convenience  

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The new Jazz cabin layout is very similar to the 4th generation City; simplified and clean with emphasis on the “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum” philosophy. By retaining the central fuel tank , cabin space is maximized, especially so with the versatile Magic Seats with four configuration modes. The result is an increase in passenger space, shoulder and rear leg rooms, as well as cargo space. .

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Safety

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With 3 grades to choose from at different prices, you can expect the following active and passive safety features;-

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S Grade

• G-Force Control Technology (G-CON) Body
• Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body
• Dual front airbags (total 2 airbags)
• ABS
• EBD
• BA
• Front seat pretensioner seatbelt with double load limiter
• Driver and assistant seatbelt reminder
• Rear seatbelt 3-point ELR (x3)
• Rear seat ISOFIX
• 4-corner reverse sensor
• Ultrasonic sensor
• Security alarm with immobiliser

Specifications

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S-Grade Exterior

• Halogen headlights
• Front fog lights
• LED Taillights
• Body color door outer handle
•  RR Micro antenna
• Black front grille
• High gloss black rear license garnish
• Front intermittent wiper system
• Rear wiper system

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The new Jazz Grade S has a retail price of RM72,800, the Grade E at RM79,800 and Grade V costs RM87,800 (OTR inclusive of insurance) and comes with a 5-years unlimited mileage warranty.

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Truth to tell, there is a lot of debate going on regarding the pricing of the Honda Jazz vs the City. With the price tag that’s so similar yet vasty different in the amount of metal you get, the common argument is why not get a sedan with room to grow for the young family? And it’s a fair comment, especially considering you only need to sacrifice, what? a meal for two at Sushi Zanmai each month to afford the sedan?

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Having said that, there will be some who prefers a hatchback for its ease of parking, manoeuvrability in the city and not favouring the default choice of a Perodua MyVi. And the Jazz have had lots of success in its previous incarnations to instantly appeal to the younger crowd. But the difference is unlike the 1st generation where it only had to contend with the Suzuki Swift and the Myvi, the new Jazz has to carve a niche among other players such as the Volkswagen Polo 1.6 and the Ford Fiesta. And, as mentioned, that not-so-insignificant cannibalisation of the City. It will still sell but perhaps not in as much numbers as before.

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