Opening
Honda gets Jazz-ier at a reduced price
A decision that Honda should have taken way back, but it seems that now finally the ongoing price and model wars have compelled the Japanese major to revise the prices of its premium hatch, the Honda Jazz, and it has combined this with a facelift to the car. So what all does the new 2011 Honda Jazz promise? We took the insiders' look.
Appearance Exterior
The new 2011 Honda Jazz's dimensions have not been changed from its predecessor. However, from the very first look of the car, one can easily make out the new changes that have been added in the previous model. The front and rear bumpers now sport an aerodynamic look, while the front grille has been changed to a bolder looking design. The outside rear view mirrors can now be electrically operated.
Further, the headlights in the Honda Jazz have now been given a silver and black matte finish. The other features that complement this upgrade are body colored bumpers, alloy wheels, halogen lights and rear micro antenna. Though, only the X-version would sport fog lamps.Overall, the changes in the Honda Jazz can be termed as cosmetic.
Appearance Interior
The interiors of the Honda Jazz have been revamped too. The glove box now has two separate compartments, one for storing general items and the other for storing smaller items like keys, sunglasses etc. The USB connectivity with the audio system is no longer a luxury feature as it has become standard with all the variants.
“Magic Seats” do just a fine job in the seating section. The 3 way setting on this one helps the customer to shuffle between seating and utility purpose.
The new Jazz no longer fits in the niche class and the practical approach has been increased considerably. The upholstery also has been jazzed up with steering mounted audio controls, amber colored stereoscopic dials and its likes. The safety equipment ranges from ABS Antilock Braking system with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution System), SRS air bags, ECU immobilizer and the standard seat belt reminder.
Performance Drive
The Honda Jazz has a 4 cylinder petrol engine with a power output of 90 PS@ 6200 rpm, and a torque output of 110 Nm@4800 rpm. The well known i-Vtec powers this new upgrade, which has been reconfigured for a peppy feel. It comes with a 5-speed manual transmission. The different variants offered in the car are Jazz, Jazz Select and Jazz X, while colour options available on this are Tafeeta white, Crystal Black, Rallye Red, Urban Titanium and Alabaster silver.
The new Jazz promises an efficiency of 16.7 KMPL. Honda vehicles have always been a delight to drive. The new Jazz takes the same responsibility further. The new heart makes it extremely easy to maneuver. I experienced an impressive power and acceleration in the new version, and reaching the 100 kmph mark is no longer a task with this upgrade.
The suspension on the new Jazz is quite impressive which makes the driving smooth and an enjoyable experience. Features such as auto volume by speed, instrument cluster design and readings such as distance to empty serve added advantages.
Stay tuned for a more extensive analysis of the Jazz's drive.
Tech Specs
| Technical Specifications | |
| Make | Honda |
| Model | Jazz |
| Variant | X MT |
| Engine Capacity | 1.2 |
| Max Power (PS) | 90 |
| Torque (NM) | 110 |
| Gears | 5/M |
| Power Steering | Yes |
| Power windows | Yes |
| Central locking | Yes |
| A/C | Yes |
| Music system | Yes |
| Fog Lamps | Yes |
| Rear wind shield washer | Yes |
| Defogger | Yes |
| ABS | Yes |
| Airbag | 2 |
| Average fuel efficiency | 16 |
| Ex showroom Price Mumbai (lacs) | 6.1 |
Features
| Features | STD | MT Select | X MT |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power windows | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Central locking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| A/C | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Music system | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fog Lamps | No | No | Yes |
| Rear wind shield washer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Defogger | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Electrically adjustable RVM | No | No | Yes |
| Alloy wheels | Yes | Yes | Sporty |
| Driver seat height adjuster | No | No | Yes |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dual Airbag | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Interior colour | Beige/Black | Beige/Black | Blue/Black |
| Reclining rear seat | No | No | Yes |
| Halogen Lights | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Distance to empty | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Front grille | Black | Chrome | Body colour |
| Petrol | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Exshowroom Bangalore | 564000 | 589000 | 613000 |
Competition All Specs
| Specifications |
Honda
Jazz |
Maruti Suzuki
Swift |
Toyota
Etios Liva |
VolksWagen
Polo |
Ford
Figo |
Chevrolet
Beat |
| Variant | X MT | Zxi | VX | 1.2L highline | Titanium | 1.2 LT |
| Engine Capacity | 1.2L | 1.3L | 1.2L | 1.2L | 1.2L | 1.2L |
| Max Power (PS) | 90 | 88 | 80 | 75 | 71 | 80.5 |
| Torque (NM) | 110 | 113 | 10 | 110 | 102 | 108 |
| Gears | 5/M | 5/M | 5/M | 5/M | 5/M | 5/M |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Central locking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| A/C | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Music system | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fog Lamps | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Rear wind shield washer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Defogger | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Optional |
| Airbag | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | Optional |
| Average fuel efficiency | 16 | 14.5 | 18 | 14 | 14 | 15 |
| Ex showroom Price Mumbai (lacs) | 6.1 | 5.78 | 5.97 | 5.82 | 4.84 | 4.96 |
Conclusion
With its new Jazz, Honda offers the best of features and a quality performance engine with aerodynamic designs and interior qualities. With its new pricing, the Jazz is now a potent competitor in its segment.
Thus, with its improvements and considerable reduction in price, customers who had earlier ignored the Honda Jazz due to its price, should definitely check it out. And for people who are looking for a petrol hatchback, this might be your chance to own a Honda car!
