The Honda Jazz has been a global success for Honda with over 2.5 million sold since its debut in 2001.
The Jazz is produced in five countries and sold in over 115, ranking it alongside the Civic as one of Honda’s most widely sold models.
Now, some six years later Honda Australia introduces the second-generation Jazz with new levels of styling, performance, driving dynamics and ride quality while maintaining its renowned packaging, functionality and versatility, making this new Jazz Honda’s most refined light hatch ever.
Three variants are offered – a 1.3-litre Jazz GLi and two 1.5-litre i-VTEC models, Jazz VTi and VTi-S. All are Euro 4 compliant and run on 91RON standard unleaded fuel.
Jazz GLi comes with a raft of standard features, including power windows and mirrors, central locking and single in-dash CD stereo. The entry level Jazz has a
comprehensive array of safety equipment – ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), dual front airbags and front seatbelt pre-tensioners are standard.
An optional ‘Safety pack’ is offered comprising side and curtain airbags, and a multiinformation display which includes a speed alarm, trip computer and seatbelt
reminder for all passengers.
The mid-range Jazz VTi gets the larger, more powerful 1.5 litre engine in addition to side and curtain airbags, the multi-information display, a security alarm system and a vanity mirror for the front passenger.
The top-of-the-range Jazz VTi-S is given the sports makeover with sport front and rear bumpers, side skirts and 16 inch alloy wheels.
Honda has infused more power into the new Jazz range demonstrating that spirited performance and light car dynamics need not be dull. Two engines power Jazz – the GLi features Honda’s advanced 1.3-litre SOHC engine, (now with i-VTEC technology) to provide the best balance of fuel economy and lively performance. It now delivers 73kW (up 12kW) and 127Nm, (up 8Nm).
The 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine delivers fuel economy figure of 5.8 litres per 100kms and produces just 138gCO2/km when fitted with the manual transmission.
Jazz GLi has a 5-speed manual or optional, 5-speed automatic transmission, (unique to the segment) with Honda’s Grade Logic Control.
Both the Jazz VTi and VTi-S are powered by a 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine that has an output of 88kW (up 7kW) and 145Nm (up 2Nm). Fuel economy is similarly frugal, achieving a combined 6.4L/100km and just 151g/km in manual form.
Both VTi and VTi-S are available with 5-speed manual transmission and Honda’s new 5-speed automatic transmission, that also allows the driver to manually
operate the gears via paddles on the steering wheel (VTi-S only).
While the second-generation Jazz retains the same suspension layout as the previous generation, (McPherson strut front and Torsion Beam rear for maximum
packaging efficiency), significant improvements have been incorporated to enhance the overall ride quality, handling, agility and ultimately the driving experience.
The rear H-shaped torsion beam has been re-designed and has also received new larger bushings, improved spring lever ratio and extended trailing arm lengths.
While the Honda designed McPherson strut compact front suspension has been improved thanks to new castor geometry and bushes, the turning circle is 9.8
metres (GLi and VTi).
An upgraded version of Honda’s Electric Power Steering (EPS) is standard across the Jazz range.
The overall utility of the Jazz has been one of its strengths and the secondgeneration Jazz has lost none of its flexibility, making it one of the most user
friendly cars in the light car segment.
Once again Honda’s engineers were meticulous in maximising useable room ensuring not a millimetre of available space is wasted.
Honda Managing Director & CEO Mr Yasuhide Mizuno said the arrival of the second generation Jazz has been widely anticipated by Honda, its dealers and
customers alike.
“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.â€
“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.â€
information and image ©copyright Honda Australia
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