Honda launches the much-awaited all-new Jazz

Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) unveiled the all-new, third-generation Jazz model launched Tuesday at the Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig City with high hopes of firming up its image of functionality.

 

Setting off the hatchback craze locally after it was first launched in 2004, the Jazz is primed  to be a global model in the Honda lineup.

 

The bigger, new-generation Jazz promises better fuel-efficiency and improved dynamic performance. Under the new Honda design direction of “Exciting H Design,” which represents three key elements—high tech, high tension and high touch—it focuses on enhancing the human experience when riding and driving the vehicle. Its exterior design was based on what Honda calls the “Crossfade Monoform Exterior” concept, offering a fresh and sporty new style with better aerodynamics.

 

On the tale of the tapes, the third-generation Jazz measures at 3,955 millimeters long, which is 55 mm longer than the previous Jazz; and is 1695 mm wide and 1525 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2530 mm, 30 mm longer than its predecessor. With a larger cabin space, the new model is designed to offer bigger shoulder room and rear legroom, as well as cargo space.  The increase in cargo space is further maximized with the seats folded down. With its new Ultra Seat, which folds flat or flips up, the all-new Jazz gets the versatility to adapt to a wide variety of configurations to fit different passenger and cargo hauling needs. This could also mean the new Jazz will appeal to a wider market segment. Aside from the young and style-conscious upwardly mobile professionals, the new Jazz can appeal to buyers who have startup families because of the added cargo room and cabin space.

 

A new dashboard based on Honda’s “Sophisticated Futuristic Cockpit” interior concept that features a highly-visible “3-eye” design instrument cluster brings the Jazz to a new level.

 

Tech-oriented

 

Its Smart Key intelligently locks and unlocks the doors without you even touching it, and it has the Push Start System, a  push button to start or turn off the engine. It now also offers first-in-class goodies such as a 7-inch touchscreen display audio, with functions such as hands-free telephone (HFT) and audio streaming via Bluetooth connectivity. Even the air-condition controls feature a user-friendly touch panel. For added convenience, the Bluetooth HFT and audio can be operated via the controls mounted on the steering wheel.  For today’s tech-oriented car owners, the Jazz is now equipped with different ports such as auxiliary, USB and a new HDMI port that allows connectivity to your smartphone,  mirroring its display onscreen.  Aside from connectivity and various port options, there are plenty of storage spaces to fit gadgets as big as a tablet.

 

Inside the hood, the new Jazz is equipped with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine that delivers a maximum power output of  118.36 HP at 6600 rpm and mated to either an improved five-speed manual transmission or a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) developed under the Earth Dreams Technology. Its ECO Assist system, which consists of the ECON mode that controls the engine, drive-by-wire, transmission and air-conditioning performance, promises to improve fuel consumption. Its ECO coaching ambient light allows the driver to correct and adjust to a more fuel-efficient driving pattern by following the changing colors depending on the throttle input.

 

Safety features like antilock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and driver and passenger SRS airbags come standard while side airbags and side curtain airbags are added to the topline models. Some select variants also come with additional safety features such as multiview rear camera with dynamic guidelines, emergency stop signal (ESS), hill start assist (HSA) and vehicle stability assist (VSA), and motion-adaptive electric power steering (EPS).  The motion-adaptive EPS works with Honda’s VSA to detect instability on slippery road conditions, both during cornering and under braking. It automatically initiates steering inputs aimed at prompting the driver to steer in the correct direction.

 

The Jazz is going to be sold under the following suggested retail prices: 1.5V-MT at P768,000; 1.5V-CVT at P808,000;  1.5VX-CVT at P908,000 (which is available by August 2014); and 1.5VX+ CVT at P948,000.  The all-new Jazz is available in six colors:  rallye red, taffeta white (available to all variants), attract yellow pearl, vivid sky blue pearl and modern steel metallic (exclusive to VX and VX+ variants) and allabaster silver metallic (exclusive to V variants). Honda is also offering genuine Honda aero kits and accessories under the Modulo and MUGEN brands.