New Honda Jazz overview: Class meets cool

• Eye-catching, contemporary styling ensures strong visual appeal
• Larger cabin offers class-leading interior space, flexibility and versatility
• All-new body and chassis links reduced mass to increased rigidity
• Longer wheelbase aids stability, while enhancing ride and handling
• Extensive active and passive safety features include six airbags across the range

The all-new Honda Jazz has arrived in South Africa. Combining a striking new exterior design with a more compact footprint, offering more interior space, enhanced interior appointments and greater overall efficiency, this third-generation Jazz represents a significant step up from its highly successful, and hugely popular, predecessor.

While the all-new Jazz ups the game on almost every level, it also remains true to its core attributes of value and functionality.

Spacious, flexible interior

Honda’s Magic Seat system, which has been a key feature of the Jazz from the word go, is retained in this latest, third-generation model, and delivers a level of flexibility unique in this segment. In addition, significantly enhanced rear legroom allows the Jazz to comfortably accommodate three rear occupants.

Interior appointments reflect Honda’s focus on tactile quality, high comfort levels, and intuitive ergonomics. The dashboard layout has been designed to ensure an efficient interface between the Jazz and its occupants, while high-quality materials and finishes are consistent throughout the cabin.

All-new construction

An all-new monocoque construction links reduced weight to higher strength and rigidity, which in turn allows substantial upgrades of the suspension and steering systems. The new chassis accommodates a longer wheelbase, which benefits ride quality, directional stability and handling.

The new construction also incorporates Honda’s latest-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) front body structure, which has been designed to meet and exceed the most stringent crash safety standards, and thus offers further enhanced passenger protection in the case of a collision.

Assertive, contemporary styling

The exterior styling is unmistakably Honda, and reflects an expressive and athletic design that highlights both the contemporary style and the dynamic capabilities of the new Jazz. Compared to its softer, more rounded predecessor, the new Jazz looks linear and aggressive, with a streamlined front end, steeply raked windscreen and sculpted flanks.

Short overhangs, a tapering roofline and pronounced wheel arches are further design elements contributing to an overall impression of dynamic poise and capability.

The new Jazz will be offered in a choice of six vibrant colours: Taffeta White, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Carnelian Red Pearl, Urban Titanium Metallic, Sunset Orange, and Golden Brown Metallic.

New Honda Jazz range: A Jazz for every occasion

• Seven models ensure there’s a Jazz to suit a variety of needs and pockets
• Four trim levels, two engines and two transmission choices
• Comprehensive convenience and safety features standard across the range

The new Honda Jazz represents a quantum leap as far as stylish design, intelligent space utilisation, upmarket interior execution and dynamic capability are concerned. It also sets high standards for occupant safety and tactile quality.

South Africa is one of the first markets globally to receive the new Jazz, and will be offering the newcomer in no less than seven derivatives, spanning four trim levels, as well as a choice of two engines and two transmissions.

Jazz 1.2 Trend

The 1.2 Trend may be the most affordable member of the new Jazz line-up, but it is by no means a basic, entry-level model. The compact hatchback shares the dynamic exterior styling with the rest of the Jazz range, including the streamlined shape, powerful front-end design, electric folding mirrors and striking detailing.

Colour-coded bumpers are standard, while the door handles, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors and grille are finished in contrasting black. The 1.2 Trend runs on 15-inch steel wheels fitted with full-size wheel covers, and shod with 175/65 R15 tyres. A full-size spare wheel is standard.

The spacious, well-appointed interior exudes an air of elegance and sophistication not usually associated with entry-level models. The sculpted front seats and 60/40 split rear seats are upholstered in attractive, durable black fabric.

The legendary Magic Seat system, which allows the rear seats to be tipped up vertically to create a generous loading area behind the front seats to accommodate tall objects, is also a stand-out feature on this third-generation Jazz, and is standard on all models.

Of course, the 60:40 split seats can also be partly or completely folded down to extend the luggage compartment, and if the front passenger seat is also folded forward, the Jazz can accommodate objects up to 2.36 m long.

The smart, soft-textured dashboard includes a three-dial instrument binnacle incorporating a speedometer, rev counter and multi-information display. The latter displays vehicle-related data such as instant and average fuel consumption, remaining range, travel time, and more.

The dashboard is also home to a front-loading, single-disc CD receiver with RDS tuner and two loudspeakers. The MP3/WMA-compatible audio system is fitted with both auxiliary and USB inputs to allow convenient connection of external music players.

Further proof of the 1.2 Trend’s comprehensive features list is the standard fitment of Bluetooth connectivity, allowing hands-free use of compatible cellphones via the dedicated buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.

Air-conditioning is another standard feature, together with remote central locking with auto locking and selective unlocking, as well as an integrated alarm/immobiliser system.

The Jazz 1.2 Trend doesn’t compromise on safety. It all starts with the latest implementation of Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) construction, which manages collision forces to minimise the impact on the passenger safety cell.

Passive safety features include dual front, side and curtain airbags, inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters for front occupants, and height-adjustable seatbelt anchors. Child seat tethers are fitted to the rear.

These features are augmented by an array of active safety systems that includes ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and emergency braking assistance (EBA). The Trend also benefits from Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assistance (VSA).

Powering this most affordable member of the new Jazz line-up is a new 1 199 cc in-line four-cylinder engine fitted with Honda’s i-VTEC variable valve timing system and programmed electronic fuel injection.

Maximum power output comes to 66 kW at 6 600 r/min, combined with a torque peak of 110 Nm at 4 800 r/min. Drive is to the front wheels, and the Trend is offered with a five-speed manual transmission only.

The 1.2 Trend accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 13.5 sec, and reaches a top speed of 175 km/h. The combined-cycle fuel consumption is just 5.6 litres/100 km, with associated CO2 exhaust emissions of 135 g/km.

Jazz 1.2 Comfort

One step up from the 1.2 Trend is the 1.2 Comfort. It features the same 1.2-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine as the Trend, but offers a choice between a five-speed manual and Continuously Variable Transmission.

The CVT can be operated in fully automatic mode, or in manual override mode for those who enjoy changing gears manually by using the shift paddles on the steering column.

The 1.2 Comfort Manual has a zero to 100 km/h time of 13.6 sec, while the CVT version covers the sprint in 14.3 sec. Top speed is 175 km/h for the manual, and just slightly slower at 174 km/h for the CVT model.

Combined cycle fuel consumption for both models is 5.6 litres/100 km, while CO2 emissions come to 135 g/km for the manual-gearbox version, and 136 g/km for the CVT derivative.

Externally, the most obvious differences between the Trend and Comfort models is the comprehensive colour-coding, which includes the door handles and exterior mirrors. The 1.2 Comfort also swaps the Trend’s 15-inch steel wheels for alloy versions.

The Comfort’s equipment levels are even more comprehensive than those of the Trend. The cabin layout, intuitive ergonomics and silver-embellished black fascia are identical, as are the instruments, the comfortable seating for five, and the versatile seating and cargo options made possible by the Magic Seats.

The integrated audio system is fitted with two front and two rear speakers, while audio controls are situated on the multifunction steering wheel. Cruise control and Hill Start Assist are standard features of the 1.2 Comfort CVT.

The rest of the standard features list is identical to that of the Trend.

Jazz 1.5 Elegance

For those seeking more power than the 1.2 Models offer, the Jazz 1.5 Elegance is fitted with a larger four-cylinder engine producing more power and torque.

The 1 497 cc i-VTEC unit is a carry-over from the previous Jazz, and is rated at 88 kW of maximum power, together with a 145 Nm torque peak – substantially more than the 1.2-litre powerplant.

The result is nippier performance, with the 0-100 km/h acceleration test despatched in just under 10 sec, while top speed increases to 180 km/h. However, despite the larger engine and enhanced dynamics, the fuel consumption remains frugal at 6.0 litres/100 km for the combined cycle.

As in the case of the Comfort, buyers of the 1.5 Elegance can choose between a conventional five-speed manual gearbox, and a Constantly Variable Transmission. In the case of the latter, the 0-100 km/h sprint time is 10,6 sec, while top speed remains 180 km/h. The CVT-equipped model’s combined cycle fuel consumption figure is 5.8 litres/100 km,

The exterior of the 1.5 Elegance appears largely identical to the 1.2 Comfort, including the 15-inch alloys, and the substantial colour coding. However, the grille gets a glossy finish, and front fog lamps are included. In addition, the exterior mirrors are automatically retractable and fitted with integrated indicator repeaters.

The most telling interior difference is the presence of a five-inch display in the dashboard, which acts as an intuitive interface between the occupants of the Jazz and elements such as the audio system, Bluetooth telephony, the trip computer, and more.

The standard features list is also very similar, but the steering wheel and gearshift knob gain leather trim, while fully automatic climate control replaces the Comfort’s manual air conditioning.

Jazz 1.5 Dynamic

The 1.5 Dynamic is the flagship of the new Jazz line-up. It employs the same drivetrain as the 1.5 Elegance versions, and thus also offers the same choice of five-speed manual gearbox or Continuously Variable Transmission. As a result, performance and fuel consumption figures are identical, too.

The exterior of the 1.5 Dynamic is distinguished by 16-inch alloy wheels shod with 185/55 R16 tyres. Privacy glass is a further, unique feature, as is the fitment of rear parking sensors.

Inside, the most obvious upgrade is the infotainment system’s larger seven-inch touchscreen display, complete with HDMI input and app-inspired interface, located in the centre of the fascia.

Pricing

The new Honda Jazz range goes on sale in February 2015 through Honda Motor Southern Africa’s national dealer network.  All models except the entry-level Trend benefit from a four-year / 60 000 km service plan included in the price, while services on all models are at 15 000 km intervals.

Jazz 1.2 Trend Manual	R179 900
Jazz 1.2 Comfort Manual	R204 900
Jazz 1.2 Comfort CVT	R221 900
Jazz 1.5 Elegance Manual	R234 900
Jazz 1.5 Elegance CVT	R249 900
Jazz 1.5 Dynamic Manual	R249 900
Jazz 1.5 Dynamic CVT	R264 900