Honda Jazz

The Honda Jazz, known for its spacious cabin and reliable Honda engineering, was a popular choice among Indian families for a long time. While it is not currently sold in India, understanding what made it special can help you appreciate what to look for in similar cars today. Let us take a deep dive into what the Jazz offered.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Honda Jazz available in India typically came with a dependable petrol engine, known for its smooth performance and fuel efficiency.

• Engine Type: 1.2-litre i-VTEC Petrol
• Cubic Capacity: 1199 cc
• Maximum Power: 90 PS at 6000 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 110 Nm at 4800 rpm
• Fuel Type: Petrol

Design Overview

The Jazz always stood out with its unique 'man maximum, machine minimum' philosophy, giving it a very practical and spacious feel.

• Exterior Design:
  • Sleek, aerodynamic profile
  • Sharp lines and creases for a modern look
  • LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) and sleek headlamps (on higher variants)
  • Sporty alloy wheels
  • A slightly tall boy stance that helps with interior space
• Interior Design:
  • Surprisingly spacious cabin, especially for rear passengers
  • Premium feel with good quality materials (for its segment)
  • Ergonomic dashboard layout
  • Magic Seats (a standout feature for flexibility in earlier models, though simplified later)
  • Ample storage spaces

Key Features

The Jazz offered a good mix of comfort and convenience features.

• Infotainment System: 7-inch Digipad 2.0 touchscreen infotainment system
• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, USB, Aux-in
• Sunroof: Electric sunroof (segment-first for a long time)
• Camera: Multi-angle rear view camera (no 360-degree camera was available)
• Charging: Standard USB charging points (wireless charging was not offered)
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control
• Other Features: Keyless entry with push-button start/stop, steering-mounted audio and call controls, cruise control, power-folding ORVMs.

What is the Ground Clearance of Honda Jazz?

• Ground Clearance: 165 mm

What is the Boot Space of Honda Jazz?

• Boot Space: 354 litres (one of the largest in its segment)

What are the Dimensions of Honda Jazz?

• Length: 3989 mm
• Width: 1694 mm
• Height: 1544 mm
• Wheelbase: 2530 mm

Powertrain Options

The Jazz offered both manual and automatic transmission choices for its petrol engine.

• Manual Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Automatic Transmission: CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with paddle shifters (on some variants)

Safety Features

Safety was an important aspect for Honda, and the Jazz came with essential safety equipment.

• Dual front airbags
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
• Rear parking sensors
• Rear view camera
• High-speed alert system
• Impact mitigating headrests

NCAP Rating Table

The Honda Jazz (second-generation model sold in India) was tested by Global NCAP. Bharat NCAP tests began after the Jazz was discontinued in India.

Rivals of Honda Jazz

When it was available, the Honda Jazz competed directly with other popular premium hatchbacks in the Indian market.

• Maruti Suzuki Baleno
• Hyundai i20
• Tata Altroz
• Volkswagen Polo (now discontinued)

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Let us look at the balanced view of the Honda Jazz.

• Pros:
  • Unmatched Space: Class-leading cabin and boot space made it highly practical.
  • Honda Reliability: Known for its long-term reliability and relatively low maintenance.
  • Smooth Engine: The i-VTEC petrol engine was refined and offered good city driveability.
  • CVT Option: The CVT transmission provided a very smooth and comfortable automatic driving experience.
  • Premium Feel: Good interior quality and features like a sunroof added to its premium appeal.
• Cons:
  • No Diesel Engine: The lack of a diesel option limited choice for some buyers.
  • Engine Performance: While smooth, the 1.2-litre petrol engine could feel underpowered on highways or during quick overtakes.
  • Feature List: Compared to some newer rivals, it lacked certain modern features like wireless charging, ventilated seats, or a 360-degree camera.
  • Price Point: Often priced slightly higher than some direct competitors.
  • Discontinued: The biggest drawback is that it is no longer sold new in India.

Conclusion

The Honda Jazz was, and still is, a commendable premium hatchback that offered a unique blend of space, practicality, and Honda reliability. Its spacious cabin, large boot, and smooth CVT option made it an excellent choice for city commutes and comfortable family trips. While its feature list might seem a little less exhaustive compared to today’s cutting-edge rivals and its engine performance was adequate rather than exciting, the Jazz always scored high on comfort and practicality. Even though you cannot buy a brand-new Honda Jazz in India anymore, it remains a strong option in the used car market for those who prioritize space, reliability, and hassle-free ownership. If Honda decides to bring it back to India in a new avatar, it would definitely shake up the segment.