Since Honda Motor Southern Africa (Honda SA) became an official subsidiary of the Tokyo-based manufacturer in 2000, the innovatively packaged Jazz (first introduced in 2003) has played an integral role in the brand’s growing popularity on the local market.
Multiple Top 12 Best Buys category winner
In recognising the brand and product’s excellent performances in numerous customer-satisfaction indexes and initial-quality studies, CAR has named the Jazz the Best Light Hatchback in our annual Top 12 Best Buys awards programme no fewer than on five occasions.
The third generation of the Jazz is now available in South Africa. With a fresh and edgy exterior treatment that blends a stronger, more incisive design language with an aerodynamic profile, the Indian-built newcomer is more compact than its predecessor even though it features a longer wheelbase. At 3 955 mm, it is 41 mm shorter, yet the wheelbase has grown from 2 495 mm to 2 530 mm.
Width and height have remained almost identical, but the impression is of a lower, wider, sportier car than before. Inside, black upholstery with soft-touch charcoal finishes emphasise the upmarket treatment of the cabin, while silver accents add a further air of sophistication. And for the first time in the history of the Jazz range, the rear seats can recline for added passenger comfort…
Up front an all-new dashboard and instrument panel feature blue backlighting and a trio of clear, circular dials – the latter of which displays vehicle-related data such as instant fuel consumption and remaining range. All models boast a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, air-conditioning, auxiliary and USB connections for the audio system as well as Bluetooth hands-free cellphone connectivity.
More of those Magic Seats
Intelligent packaging has always been integral to the Jazz’s spacious and versatile interior. With the third generation, rear legroom has increased by 122 mm and there is 253 dm³ of luggage capacity available (when the 60:40-split rear seatback is upright).
Furthermore, the newcomer’s Magic Seats (operated via easy-to-use levers), in conjunction with rear doors that open to 80 degrees, offer a multitude of loading options.
In Utility Mode, the Jazz offers a flat load floor that can accommodate objects of up to 1,72 metres in length. With the larger section of the rear seatback folded forward, there is enough space to load a surfboard or two (26-inch) mountain bikes standing upright.
The available load length is even greater in Long Mode where the front passenger seat is slid fully forward and its seatback completely reclined – affording a 2,4-metre long loading space.
The locking base action of the Magic Seats further enables Tall Mode. By xing the seat bases at 90 degrees to their normal position, users can create a second load area between front and rear seats that can accommodate objects up to 1,28 metres in height.
Model lineup
The local line-up consists of four trim levels – Trend and Comfort for the 1,2-litre model, as well as Elegance and Dynamic for the 1,5-litre model.
1,2 Trend
Engine 1,2-litre, 4-cyl, i-VTEC with variable valve-timing technology
Power/Torque 66 kW at 6 600r/min; 110 N.m at 4 800r/min
Transmission 5-spd manual
Performance (0-100 km/h, top speed) 13,4 secs; 175 km/h
Fuel consumption 5,6 L/100 km
Trim colour-coded bumpers; door handles, exterior mirrors and grille finished in black and 15-inch steel wheels with covers (a full-sized spare is supplied).
Interior spec MP3/WMA-compatible audio system with USB and auxiliary ports, two front speakers, CD front-loader and RDS functionality.
1,2 Comfort
Engine as above
Transmission 5-spd man/all-new CVT automatic with shift paddles
Performance (0-100 km/h, top speed) 13,6 secs & 175 km/h (manual); 14,3 secs & 174 km/h (CVT)
Fuel consumption 5,6 L/100 km (both)
Tech spec CVT with manual override mode, cruise control, hill start assist
Trim adds full colour coding to the exterior, plus 15-inch alloys and a pair of extra (rear) speakers.
1,5 Elegance
Engine 1,5-litre, 4-cyl, equipped with i-VTEC variablevalve-timing technology
Power/Torque 88 kW at 6 600 r/min; 145N.m at 4800r/min
Transmission 5-spd manual/CVT
Performance (0-100 km/h, top speed) 9,9 secs & 180km/h (manual); 10,6 secs & 180km/h (CVT)
Fuel consumption 6,0L/100 km (manual); 5,8L/100 km(CVT)
Exterior trim Largely identical to the 1,2 Comfort, apart from a gloss-black grille, front foglamps and integrated indicators in the (electrically adjustable/foldable) side mirrors
Interior spec Same as the 1,2 Comfort’s, but with leather trim on the steering wheel and gearknob, climate control, as well as a five-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
1,5 Dynamic
Engine as above
Exterior trim 16-inch wheels, privacy glass and parking sensors at the rear
Interior spec Elegance’s specifi cation, plus a larger (seven-inch) touchscreen with an auxiliary HDMI socket
Safety and security
Standard equipment on all models are: front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist (with automatic hazardlight activation), vehicle-stability assistance and motion-adaptive electric power steering. An alarm/immobiliser, remote central locking and auto door locking (with selective unlock) are also fitted.
After-sales support
The seven-model Jazz range is produced in Honda’s state-of-the-art Tapukara facility in Rajasthan, India. A three-year/100 000 km warranty, which includes one year’s roadside assistance, is standard and all models, apart from the 1,2, Trend, are covered by four-year/60 000 km service plans from new.
Prices
1,2 Trend Manual R179 900
1,2 Comfort Manual R204 900
1,2 Comfort CVT R221 900
1,5 Elegance Manual R234 900
1,5 Elegance CVT R249 900
1,5 Dynamic Manual R249 900
1,5 Dynamic CVT R264 900