Keen pricing, magic seats,
Only supports iphone 5
Since it was first introduced in back 2001 the Honda Jazz has sold 5.2 million cars in 160 countries - with over 100,000 of those sales in Australia alone.
This week Honda Australia launched the all-new third generation Honda Jazz on the Gold Coast.
The all-new Honda Jazz will be offered in three different models VTi, VTi-S and VTi-L all powered by the same 1.5-litre petrol engine coupled with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), a manual transmission is available in the entry level VTi model only.
Honda Jazz Overview
The VTi Honda Jazz kicks off the range with a great list of standard features for a car that starts from $14,990. Buyers who opt for the entry level will be rewarded with a 1.5 litre SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, matched to a 5-speed manual or CVT with paddle shifters (add $2000), 15-inch steel wheels, LED projector-beam headlights, LED taillights, cruise control, 7” touch screen with AM/FM radio and CD player, Bluetooth® phone and audio connectivity, 2 x USB ports, HDMI, standard reversing camera, six airbags (dual front, side and full-length curtain) and the usual host of safety acronyms like ABS, EBD, HSA and TCS.
Jumping in the mid spec VTi-S will add 16” alloy wheels, upgraded fabric seat trim, folding mirrors, fog lights, climate control, six speaker audio instead of four and leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob.
The top of the range VTi-L gets the leather appointed seats, heated front seats, parking sensors, keyless entry and push button start.
2014 Honda Jazz Pricing*:
|
|
Flat paint |
Metallic paint |
|
VTi manual |
$14,990 |
$15,485 |
|
VTi CVT |
$16,990 |
$17,485 |
|
VTi-S CVT |
$19,790 |
$20,285 |
|
VTi-L CVT |
$22,490 |
$22,985 |
* excludes Dealer delivery and statutory charges
Honda Jazz Engine
The Honda Jazz is powered by the excellent 1.5 litre four-cylinder i-VTEC engine. Honda has reduced the weight of the engine and has increased the compression ratio to deliver an increase in power and torque.
Producing 88kW and 145Nm the unit provides the perfect combination of power and fuel consumption for a city based car.
When matched to the five-speed manual the 1.5-litre engine claimed fuel consumption is 6.2-litres per 100kms which is 0.4 litres more than the CVT. The CVT has claimed fuel consumption figures of 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres and 135 grams CO2 per kilometre.
Honda Jazz Interior
Honda is the master of the small car interior and the latest Jazz is no exception. Inside there is plenty of room for all passengers and their gear.
Drivers are greeted with a blue backlit three-dial instrument panel which also houses the Multi Information Display (MID) on the right, rev counter on the left and the larger speedometer in the centre.
The legendary Honda ‘Magic’ seats are fitted to all models in the Honda Jazz line-up. There are four different modes for the seats utility mode, tall mode, refresh mode and long mode. The seats allow users to configure the seats in 18 different ways, making it all most impossible not to be able to find the perfect set-up. With the rear seats in place luggage capacity is 350-litres and when folded completely flat the Honda Jazz can carry a massive 906 litres to the windows and 1492-litres when packed to the roof!
Honda Jazz Exterior & Styling
The new Jazz is a more evolution than revolution, compared to its predecessor the new Jazz is longer and wider.
Honda have delivered a sporty style across and the addition of the family grille helps give the Honda Jazz a sophisticated style.
Honda Jazz On The Road
The engineers have increased rigidity and reduced weight across the car which translate to an increase in ride quality, handling, steering and reduction in road noise.
Around the urban roads of the Gold Coast the Honda Jazz performed brilliantly. The 1.5-litre engine had enough power to zip in and out of traffic and the steering provided just enough feedback to feel connected to the road.
We did find the brakes a little unnerving as there was a at least 2 centimetres in brake peddle movement before the brakes started to work.
CarShowroom.com.au had the opportunity to sample the Jazz on secondary roads the new suspension set-up did a great jump. We hit a number of decent size potholes and the ride and balance of the Jazz remained relaxed, the noise level in the cabin was also acceptable.
Honda Jazz Issues
Hondalink still only available on iPhone 5 only, those with Android will need to wait at least another 6 months.
Brakes had a little bit too much give before they started to feel like they were working.
Honda Jazz Competition
The small car market has so many competitors that there is no clear winner. The aggressive starting price of the Honda Jazz certainly gives it the edge over some of its rivals.
Mazda is getting ready to update the ageing Mazda2 (priced from $15,790) range and when it lands in Oz later it could take the crown for car of the year.
Other small cars that should be considered if include the excellent Ford Fiesta(from $15,825), the top selling Toyota Yaris (from $14,990) and the Hyundai i20 (from $15,590) and Kia Rio (priced from $15,290)
Honda Jazz Verdict
The Honda Jazz has always been a CarShowroom.com.au favourite and the latest edition is no different.
The hybrid is still a 6 to 12 months away but the three model line-up that has been launched this week, offers buyers a great level of standard equipment and a very keen starting price.
The hybrid is still a 6 to 12 months away but the three model line-up that has been launched this week, offers buyers a great level of standard equipment and a very keen starting price.
