The new generation Honda Jazz is, surely, more promising and better than its phased out model that failed to create a buzz in the Indian market despite being a really capable product. Based on Honda’s new ‘Exciting H Design’ philosophy, unlike its previous version, the new Jazz looks like a sporty hatchback. The Jazz, at front fascia, features horizontally stretched headlamps, re-designed grille, a new bumper with large air-vents and huge faux brake vents. The turn indicators on the wing mirrors and rear headlamps with metallic inserts enhance its aggressive styling. What adds more to its masculine presence is the combination of the pronounced creases flowing across from the well-designed tail lamps towards the front and milder creases running towards the doors’ bottom.
The Jazz has always been appreciated for its interior quality, cabin space and practicality, and the new-gen model is a step ahead than its predecessor in all these departments. There is ample space for stretching legs and knees, thanks to the extended wheelbase. Boot is quite spacious too. The dashboard is simple yet very neat. It gets a multi-media screen displaying information.
Powering the new Jazz will be 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol and a 1.5-litre, i-DTEC diesel engines that also power the Amaze. Power will be transmitted to the front wheels of the car via a five-speed manual gearbox. The company might also launch a performance-oriented 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol model with a CVT automatic transmission and paddle shifters. Though, the company hasn’t officially said anything on this yet.
Now that the car’s launch is about 3 months away, let’s have a look at what auto critics say about the hatchback.
“From the brief time we spent with the Jazz, we can safely say that, just like its predecessor, it’s a promising hatchback. And unlike its predecessor, Honda is expected to be price it competitively and more importantly, arm it with a diesel engine too. With both these aspects into consideration, Maruti’s Swift, after quite long seems to have a strong, direct competitor and we think, the new Jazz has the potential to get the best-selling Maruti worked up”. – Autocar India
“The car may have been appreciated for its interior versatility and space, looks and driving feel, but the initial launch price was not something the Indian buying public could stand. The hybrid uses what Honda calls the “one-motor Sport Hybrid i-DCD that starts acceleration in full electric mode. To drive this car felt responsive and even torquey but the drive was too short to make any further comment. The regular 1.5 is what most countries get and it makes the Jazz an effortless hatch to drive whether in traffic and trundling or quickly down a fast highway.” – Overdrive
“When we say new Jazz, we mean a whole new generation of car, brimming with modern technology. The exterior design exudes spaciousness and still manage to look sporty at the same time. Versatile packaging was the strength of the last generation Jazz. The 1.5-litre petrol motor fitted in the Japanese version feels peppy. Having said that, the drive was sporty and the car felt well-planted at regular cornering speeds. We are guessing and hoping the petrol motor will be engaging to drive unlike the old car.” – Top Gear India
Rating Based On Critics’ Review – 4/5
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
ITEMS Petrol Diesel
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length (mm) 3900 3900
Overall Width (mm) 1695 1695
Overall Height (mm) 1535 1535
Wheelbase (mm) 2500 2500
Ground Clearance (mm) 150 150
Front Track (mm) 1490 1490
Rear Track (mm) 1475 1475
Fuel Tank (ltr) 42 42
Seating Capacity 5 5
Kerb Weight (Kg) 1055.00 N/A
ENGINE
Engine Type 1.2L i-VTECH 1.5L i-DTECH
Displacement (cc) 1198 N/A
Maximum Power (bhp/rpm) 87/6200 99
Maximum Torque (Nm/rpm) 110/4800 N/A
Top Speed (Kmph) 165 N/A
Acceleration (0-100 kmph) 11.2 seconds N/A
Mileage City (Kmpl) 13.0 N/A
Mileage Highway (Kmpl) 16.0 N/A
TRANSMISSION
Type 5-Speed MT 5-Speed MT
SUSPENSION
Front McPherson strut McPherson strut
Rear Torsion Beam Axle Torsion Beam Axle
BRAKES
Front Disc Disc
Rear Drum Drum
TYRE
Tyre Size 175/65 R15 84T 175/65 R15 84T
Tyre Type Tubeless Radial Tyre Tubeless Radial Tyre