When the new Jazz goes on sale in the autumn, Honda will be following-up one of the most successful models in supermini history when its all-new Jazz goes on sale this Autumn. And at a time of rising fuel prices and financial instability, a range of low emission, high economy petrol engines makes the new model an attractive option for the increasing number of motorists looking to downsize.
By enhancing its strongest qualities, Honda engineers have taken the innovative design and versatility of the current Jazz to the next stage. Greater flexibility, more interior space and lively, but economical engines raise the bar even further in a class that’s struggled to match the Jazz for customer satisfaction and reliability.
The hugely-popular Jazz was always going to be a hard act to follow – simply because of the resounding success of the current car. As well as attracting consistently strong demand from customers in every year since its 2002 launch, the Jazz has also won over 30 industry awards, making it one of the most celebrated models ever.
The sequel builds on this success, with a more stylish, contemporary exterior design to appeal to a broader audience. A slightly larger body style brings better visibility and means Jazz is even more spacious.
And the famous Honda Magic Seats are back – but now they dive down in one action, making carrying large loads even easier. Their versatility is equalled by a new Double-Trunk boot feature in the luggage bay that can be configured in four ways to accommodate different-sized loads. Total luggage space in 1.4 models (with Double Trunk) now measures a huge 399 litres, greater than some MPVs and bettering all in the B-sector.
Two new, low emission petrol engines are designed to appeal to customers who might be downsizing, as well as those looking to achieve fuel economy comparable to diesel models. Adopting Honda’s i-VTEC variable valve timing technology, the 90PS 1.2-litre and 100PS 1.4-litre engines deliver lively performance with exceptional economy.
The 1.2-litre engine achieves an exceptional 55.4mpg (combined), while CO2 emissions are also improved, at 120g/km. It’s a similar story with the new 1.4-litre engine. Compared to the previous i-DSI unit which produced 83PS and 119Nm, power is up to 100PS and torque is 127Nm with fuel economy from 54.3mpg (combined) for the manual model. CO2 exhaust emissions are as low as 123g/km.
There's also the option of Honda’s next-generation 6-speed i-SHIFT automated manual transmission on the 1.4-litre engine – a first in this class. Ride comfort has been much improved through a number of suspension revisions, which contribute to the ‘big car feel’ of the new Jazz. Meanwhile, a longer wheelbase (by 50mm) and wider front track (by 35mm) give the car greater agility. Stopping ability has been increased with larger brake front callipers, and the brake pedal has been tweaked to improve feel. Front ventilated discs and rear discs are matched with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist.
The overall height of Jazz remains the same (1525mm) but the length of the car has increased slightly by 55mm (to 3900mm) and it is also slightly wider, by 20mm (to 1695mm). Getting in and out is now much easier, thanks to wider-opening rear doors which open in three steps – just like their front counterparts – for added convenience in tight parking spots. Once inside, the cabin is now even more spacious for driver and passengers, with greater headroom and an improved driving position.
The slightly increased exterior length and width have helped improve passenger space. Rear seat passengers now have 37mm greater kneeroom, while the distance between front and rear passengers is up by 30mm.
Visibility gets a considerable boost, too. Reduced width A-pillars, a larger windscreen and quarter windows three times the size of those in the previous model make for more relaxed driving, while retractable rear headrests ensure the view out of the rear window is now totally unobscured.
