2015 Honda Jazz First Review

The original Honda Jazz did not really move the market as much as Honda expected it to. In fact, even though it looked great, had a lovely engine, handled well, had great interior space and a lot more going for it, the high price point with which it was introduced to the Indian market virtually killed it off completely. The new Honda Jazz on the other hand will have a trump ard up its sleve that might help it do well even if it is priced at a light premium – a diesel engine.

On the exterior front, the Jazz does seem to share quite a bit with the Honda City, an obvious observation considering the fact that the Jazz is based on the same platform and does share a lot of parts with the City. The aerodynamic and purposeful design of the entire car is integrated with powerful lines flowing from front to rear, over the hood and roofline, and around the sides giving it a very balanced look. The large grille that fuses seamlessly into the headlamps reminds us of the likes of the current European-spec Civic. The muscular bonnet and pronounced wheel arches also looks quite nice. We assume the Indian spec Honda Jazz will have more chrome on the front grille as compared to the European spec version.

The real design attraction though is certainly around the rear though. Although the Jazz stays true to its predecessors in terms of general design language, the sporty bumper and the large chrome accent piece across the boot lid certainly looks attractive. The extended tail lights too add a dash of style to the Jazz. Although unconfirmed yet, we can also expect there to be a sportier styled RS version of the Jazz just like the Mobilio before it.

On the interior front, the Jazz borrows the City’s well styled and luxurious dashboard in totality. The large central screen combined with the touchscreen AC controls and the start-stop button will also make an appearance on the Jazz. Compared to the earlier Jazz, the increased interior room and visibility create a sense of airy spaciousness, which is complemented by upgraded, soft-touch materials that raise the feeling of quality. The rich and sophisticated black with silver accented design of the interior surfaces and controls, and blue backlit instrument dials are stylish and functional. Expect the top of the line Jazz to be well equipped with additions like a sunroof, a start-stop button and of course, leather seats.

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Expect two engine options on the 2015 Honda Jazz. The 1.2-litre petrol engine will make 90PS of peak power and 109Nm of torque. Considering the fact that the Amaze petrol with the same engine gives about 18kmpl we expect ARAI figures for the Jazz to be around the same mark. On the diesel side, the 1.5-litre i-DTEC engine that we have become so used to in the recent past will continue to make 100PS of power and 200Nm of torque. Expect upwards of 25kmpl on the Jazz diesel in terms of fuel economy figures. We also expect the Jazz to have a petrol engine and automatic gearbox package combined with the likes of paddle shifters.

We wouldn’t be surprised though if Honda decided to equip that particular variant with the 1.5-litre engine and a fancier bodykit to take on the likes of the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI. The diesel of course will get either the 5-speed or the 6-speed manual gearbox. We do hope Honda does not restrict the Jazz in terms of top speed capabilities the way they have on the Amaze.

Expect the Indian Honda Jazz to offer a great ride and respectable handling while being spring slightly on the softer side as compared to its European and American counterparts. We also expect the Jazz to come with the same 175/60 R15 tyres mounted on 15 inch wheels instead of a larger and sportier 16-inch variant.

If the Honda City’s setup is anything to go by, the Jazz will be easy to drive with its light steering feel but will be more entertaining and involving than the likes of the Hyundai Elite i20. Expect the Honda Jazz to be priced between Rs 5.5-8.0 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi to take the fight straight to the Hyundai Elite i20, the Volkswagen Polo and of course, the upcoming Maruti Suzuki YRA.