Honda Jazz: Melodic Motoring

Motoring Channel Staff - 29/August/2008

Melbourne, Australia — The new second generation Honda Jazz has been a big hit overseas, and now it's finally arrived in Australia. 

Boasting an angular new design that brings the compact car's look into the modern realm, the all-new Honda Jazz went on sale yesterday, and is offered with two different engine types in Australia, spanning three model grades.

Prices start from under $16,000 and Honda is talking up the new model's fun-to-drive character, interior versatility, and low fuel consumption as selling points. The full price list for the manual models is as follows:

Jazz GLi: $15,990 (auto: $17,990)
Jazz VTi: $19,170 (auto: $21,490)
Jazz VTi-S: $21,590 (auto: $23,920)

Honda will also offer the safety pack for $1000 on the GLi model. This adds side and curtain airbags, plus a multi-function display.

Honda Australia's CEO, Yasuhide Mizuno, is confident the new second generation Jazz will boost sales: "The first generation Jazz was an instant hit for Honda around the world.

"It has sold strongly since its introduction in Australia in October 2002 and we expect the second-generation Jazz, with its improved performance and dynamics to continue as a front runner in the light car segment," continued Mizuno.

"We know from previous experience this car will have massive appeal for buyers seeking a vehicle with personality, design excellence and, of course, Honda's advanced technology," said Mr Mizuno.

Across the world, Honda has sold more than 2.5 million Jazz compact cars since 2001, making it one of the Japanese company's most prolific models.

Some of the stand-out features include 60/40 split-fold rear seats with a clever 'one-touch' fold down action and a flat load floor. 

The car is compact on the outside, measuring 3.9 metres long and 1.69 metres wide, but boasts a large boot with 337 litres of space which expands to 848 litres with the rear seats folded down. 

All models also get tilt and reach adjustable steering wheels, an AUX jack for iPods and MP3 players, and dust/pollen cabin filters (useful in spring) and 10 cup holders. With seating for five, that's two drinks each!

In Australia the Jazz will be offered in three models, the 1.3-litre Jazz GLi, and the more powerful 1.5-litre Jazz VTi and VTi-S models.

The Jazz GLi's 1.3-litre motor generates 73kW of power and 127Nm of torque, both increases on the previous model's power and torque. But this tiny 4-cylinder engine is also very efficient, using an average of just 5.8 litres of petrol per 100km. 

It's CO2 emissions are also very low, at 138g/km, and this model comes standard with a 5-speed manual but can be optioned with a 5-speed automatic.

All the Honda Jazz engines can be fuelled with regular unleaded petrol (91 RON) and are Euro IV compliant.

The entry-level Jazz GLi gets standard features such as central locking, power windows and mirrors, and a single in-dash CD stereo, and safety equipment includes ABS and dual front airbags.

Honda's Jazz VTi is the middle model, and comes with the bigger 1.5-litre engine. This engine (which also features in the top shelf VTi-S model) cranks out 88kW and 145Nm, which also represent an increase in power compared to the first generation Jazz.

The larger 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine attains good fuel economy: 6.4L/100km on average. It emits 151 grams of CO2 per kilometer (in manual form).

The Jazz VTi has similar features to the GLi but includes the 'safety pack' as standard equipment: side and curtain airbags, the multi-information display, plus a vanity mirror for the front passenger security alarm system.

Lastly there is the $21,590 Jazz VTi-S model, where 'S' means style [or sport - Ed]. 

This model features larger 16-inch alloy wheel that set off the stylish ground effects body work, including 'sport' front and rear aprons, side skirts and a chrome tail pipe. The VTi-S model also gets a leather steering wheel and cruise control.

Honda is promising that the new Jazz models will be fun to drive, but smooth too. 

The compact cars feature independent McPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension. With changes to the suspension geometry, Honda claims to have improved "overall ride quality, handling, agility and ultimately the driving experience".

It has a turning circle of 9.8 metres, which is quite low and will ensure it's a useful city car. The steering has also been upgraded and features a new version of Honda's Electric Power Steering (EPS) system for ease of use.

Boasting more interior space, and better management of this space, as well as a sporty new style and frugal 4-cylinder engines, the new Honda Jazz will rival vehicles such as the Mazda2 and Holden Barina.

Engine Specifications:

Honda 1.3-litre 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC Engine
Power: 73kW @ 6000rpm
Torque: 127Nm @ 4800rpm
Fuel Economy: 5.8L/100km (man) 6.6L/100km (auto)
CO2 Output: 138g/km (man) 157g/km (auto)
Gearbox: 5-speed manual (optional: 5-speed auto)

Honda 1.5-litre 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC Engine
Power: 88kW @ 6600rpm
Torque: 145Nm @ 4800rpm
Fuel Economy: 6.4L/100km (man) 6.7L/100km (auto)
CO2 Output: 151g/km (man) 159g/km (auto)
Gearbox: 5-speed manual (optional: 5-speed auto)

Related Links:
- Honda Accord Euro (2008)
- Honda Accord V6 (Road Test)
- Honda OSM Concept (2008)
- Honda Civic Hybrid (Road Test)
- Honda Accord Euro (Road Test)
- Honda Crime Avoidance Sat Nav (2008)
- Mugen Honda Civic Type-RR (2008)
- Honda HF-S Concept (2007)
- Honda Civic Type R (Road Test)
- Honda CR-V (Road Test)
- Honda Civic Type R - sedan (2007)
- Honda CR-V (2007)
- Honda Legend (Road Test)