Finally, the 3rd generation Honda Jazz has arrived at our Honda's showroom and as always, it shares all the familiar colour scheme that roll out from the Pagoh factory and blue is Honda's default demo car colour. I would love to see more funky and fun colours for the lively Jazz ... especially the bright yellow, light blue and eco green which could brighten our road instead of all the white, silver, grey and black. The new Jazz shares the same platform and powertrain with the City, thus 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine mated to a torque converter CVT makes its way into the car, producing 118hp/145Nm of pulling power. However, the Jazz's Grade V which is priced at RM88k on-the-road could swing most buyer into rethinking of pay RM3k more for for Honda City instead, which add the ECON mode and cruise control features, but minus the Ultraseats. But for those that are looking at alternative brand, such as the Myvi Extreme at RM62k, then the Jazz Grade S at RM73k make all the sense instead, when the Honda name will land the buyer a lower interest rate, up-to-date technology and good resale value. Even comparing to other Korean's model at this price range, the lower end model of Jazz would beat all of them in the market segment. Adding 5-year warranty and 6 free labour services provided, the Jazz now could make its way to many new homes.
With a centre-mounted fuel tank, the Jazz is the only car from Honda that enable it ever popular Ultraseats, which provide a Tall mode for your big bonsai plant, Long mode for your Ikea furniture, Utility mode that fold all rear seats to get your exercise bicycle in and a Refresh Mode for both front passengers to get some good rest ... just remember to off the car and roll down the windows for safety sake. If Honda were to equipped the Jazz with a Panoramic roof, it would be perfect to refresh in the presence of moonlight and starry sky. The new Jazz has finally got rid of the ugly, outdated one-way pull-type door handle with the modern 2-ways handicapped friendly type. However, the designer made a big mistake in having the key hole at the door panel instead of the handle, which looks weird and give the Jazz door panel an imbalance look.
The highest specifications Jazz is equipped with all the standard safety features similar to the City, which are the Vehicle Stability Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, Hill Start Assist, 6 Airbags and ISO FIX. Yes, the rear wheels brake are drum instead of disc, and again, is well enough for this size of car. The engine compartment is huge, with lots of working space for easy servicing and a safety distance from the firewall. If this Jazz were to be equipped with Honda direct injection unit, then it could make this the perfect utility hatch to have.
As always, Honda interior is simple and elegant, which could immediately shame the Toyota's designer. Even the manual dials from the Grade S and E are downright nice and high quality. For Grade V Jazz, it uses the similar touch sensitive screen and control panel from the Honda City. In summary, the Jazz is the best B-segment hatchback, and when comfort and space are on the priority list, this is the car to put your money into. Now...9 cupholders...could be useful for those lazy driver to only approach the trash once every week. This Jazz is not going to fit 9 people legally!
Finally...looking familiar...the rear after awhile...feel like a mini Honda Stream! Here are some comparison of hatchback in similar segment.
| Jazz 1.5 | Swift 1.4 | Rio 1.4 | Sonic 1.4 | Polo 1.6 | 208 1.6 | Fiesta 1.5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 118HP/145Nm | 94HP/130Nm | 108HP/137Nm | 99HP/130Nm | 104HP/153Nm | 120HP/160Nm | 111HP/140Nm |
| Transmission | CVT 7-speed | 4-speed | 4-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed | 4-speed | 6-speed |
| Airbags | 6 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 2 |
| Traction Control | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Price | 88k | 76k | 80k | 79k | 91k | 81k | 87k |
