Honda Australia has introduced an updated Jazz for the 2018 model year, bringing some cosmetic and changes in equipment to the practical Japanese hatch, keeping it fresh-faced alongside the newest models like the 5-door Civic and fifth-generation CR-V.
The exterior alternations are kept to low roar, with new front and rear bumpers, front grille and bi-LED headlights on the top-spec VTi-L to match the standard LED daytime running lights. There’s also new 16-inch wheel designs for the top two grades and a Phoenix Orange pearlescent finish, bringing the paint palette to a total of 7.
It all contributes to a subtly bolder exterior for the gussied-up hatch. Honda may choose to term it as ‘sporty’, but we won’t go that far. After all, it’s a Jazz, so let’s not kid ourselves. Inside, Honda has also kept the changes to rather low key, relegated to new 7-inch touch screen infotainment system and some sharper trim details.
In the VTi-S and VTi-L, though, there’s built-in satellite navigation. Bluetooth is present, expectedly, but the Jazz still miss out on the more advanced unit found in Honda’s newest models, unfortunately, and thus doesn’t support tighter smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
New buyers can also opt to have the Luxe Pack (available for all grades) fitted for an extra $1,498, adding niceties such as black alloy wheels, door visors, bonnet protector, alloy pedals, carpet mats, door sill garnish and a luggage tray.
Unsurprisingly, the trusted 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated i-VTEC petrol four-cylinder returns, producing 88kW and 145Nm at their respective peaks. It can be mated to a 5-speed manual in the base VTi, but Honda’s Earth Dreams CVT takes over as the sole transmission option in the VTi-S and VTi-L.
- Jazz VTi - Manual - $14,990
- Jazz VTi - CVT Automatic - $16,990
- Jazz VTi-S - CVT Automatic - $19,990
- Jazz VTi-L - CVT Automatic - $22,990
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