The wait is over for one of the most anticipated new cars this year - the 2014 Honda Jazz is here! Open for booking since the start of the month, the third-gen B-segment hatch is available in S, E and V variants.
Bearing little resemblance to its predecessor, the new Honda Jazz calls upon the "Exciting H Design" language to give it a more aggressive and angular appearance, as well as the "Solid Wing Face" you see on the City and HR-V/Vezel. The centre fuel tank layout is retained.
Regardless of which variant you choose, you get a non-direct injected 1.5 litre SOHC i-VTEC engine developing 120 PS at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 4,600 rpm (200 rpm lower than in the outgoing Jazz) and an 'Earth Dreams' CVT – essentially the same drivetrain as the Honda City's. A fuel consumption of 17.81 km per litre is claimed.
Step inside and owners of the current Honda City will feel a sense of deja vu - but there are differences. The dashboard is mildly restyled, with fewer shiny satin bits than in the City. The driver gets a fold-away armrest here.
Also, there's a chrome ring around the central speedo, the driver's side control panel loses the piano black finish and the mirror controls have migrated from there to the door, freeing up space for a cooled cupholder.
Across the range, you'll find no shift paddles, ECON mode, cruise control, navigation nor a reverse camera, but you still get the very practical rear Ultra Seats. Apart from folding flat, the seat bases can also be lifted up to make space for tall items. The front seats can also be reclined flat.
This is joined by increased dimensions – the new Jazz is 55 mm longer than its already-roomy predecessor at 3,955 mm. The wheelbase has been extended 30 mm to 2,530 (70 mm less than the City). Width and height maintain status quo at 1,695 and 1,524 mm respectively.
Boot volume is now 400 litres instead of the previous 337 (all seats up). The MacPherson strut-front, torsion beam-rear suspension setup features revised geometry to promote stable steering, better handling and less vibration.
The range-topping V grade gets six airbags, VSA, Emergency Start Stop signal and hill start assist. It rides on 16-inch alloys and packs a seven-inch touch-screen with HDMI, Siri Eyes Free Mode for iPhones 4S and up, touch-panel auto air-con, steering wheel audio/phone controls and keyless entry and start.
You can customise your Jazz with the Modulo Package (bodykit + sports pedals, RM2,650), Utility Package (foot lights + cargo tray + trunk organiser + side step illumination, RM1,250) and, for the first time, a Mugen Package (bodykit + tailgate spoiler + Mugen badge, RM4,900). Having been tested at ASEAN NCAP last week, the hatch is aiming for a five-star safety rating.
Locally-assembled at Honda Malaysia's No. 2 Line at its Pegoh plant in Melaka, the 2014 Honda Jazz is priced, OTR with insurance, at RM72,800 for the S, RM79,800 for the E and RM87,800 for the V.
As for exterior colours, Tinted Silver (new), Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic, Tafetta White, Crystal Black Pearl and Modern Steel Metallic are available. A five-year warranty with unlimited mileage is offered. The service interval is 10,000 km and there's six times free service alternating with paid service until 100,000 km.
More info and live launch pics soon - keep checking back!
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