Honda Jazz Review
Car tested: 2012 Honda Jazz (X) Facelift
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 7,46,430/-
The Honda Jazz is one of the best petrol hatchbacks in the country, but due to the diesel domination, you don’t see many on the roads. Honda launched the facelifted version of the Jazz last year, taking the opportunity to correct prices of the vehicle. The Honda Jazz now offers so much more compared to its rivals. We have already reviewed the Honda Jazz earlier (link to review) and will keep this review limited to the changes which the facelifted model received.
Read The Honda Jazz vs Maruti Suzuki Swift Comparison
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The exteriors have received minor changes. The Honda Jazz now features a new grille, new front and rear bumper, new headlights, rear chrome garnish and 15-inch silver alloy wheels. The styling is spot on and the Jazz looks stunning from every angle. The sloping hood and the big cabin gives the Jazz a distinctive appeal.
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Once inside, one will notice the beige-black interior treatment. Honda has also slipped in new features such as new amber coloured stereoscopic dials, electrically retractable outside rear view mirrors, audio system with USB port, three model Magic seat configuration and new reclining rear seats. The Honda Jazz is known for its interior dimensions which offer class-leading space and that is something which the facelift leaves unaltered. The Jazz is the best vehicle to buy as far as space and practicality goes.
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The Honda Jazz continues to be powered by the fantastic 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine which produces a peak power output of 89 BHP at 6200 RPM and peak torque output of 110 Nm at 4800 RPM. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and Honda might launch a CVT gearbox sometime later. Performance is the same as the old Honda Jazz and the car will hit 100 km/h in around 13.5 seconds. The motor is butter smooth and one can barely hear it at low speeds. Low end is decent, mid range could have been better and the top end is capable enough to blow you nuts. Like all Honda motors, this engine too loves the red-line and is quite vocal at the top.
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Driving dynamics are largely the same as the old Jazz too and the vehicle offers good handling and stability. The ride quality is a bit stiff for our liking. The steering wheel is light and offers excellent feedback at low speeds. It makes the Jazz very easy to maneuver in city conditions. The clutch operation is feather light too. However due to the 175 section tyres, the Jazz does not inspire the driver to push harder around corners and the tyres tend to give up very quickly.
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The Honda Jazz facelift gets minor improvements but none of those alter the dynamics and performance of the car. The addition of features like ABS and airbags as standard across the Jazz line-up make the vehicle more practical. The flexible seating, big boot and ample interior space are on-par with sedans but at hatchback prices. Factoring in all this, the Honda Jazz is undoubtedly one of the best petrol hatchbacks around. We only wonder what will happen once Honda slips in the diesel on this hugely capable machine.
