NEW ENGINES, MORE POWER - SAME SEATS

+ Click to Enlarge SPOT THE DIFFERENCES: No prizes, but check the headlights, fog lights, two grilles and what used to be called the "quarterlights". The current model is in the main picture.

November 4, 2008
By Les Stephenson

Honda SA has re-launched its Jazz mini-MPV on the back of the Johannesburg International Motor Show as the first major revision to the super-popular car since its appearance at the Tokyo auto show back in 2001.

Since then the versatile five-seater has reached 115 countries – including South Africa – and either won or scored highly in numerous Car of the Year competitions and customer satisfaction surveys.

Many luxury automakers, in fact, would like to achieve the CSI results that Honda has managed with this B-segment five-door that costs a fraction of their prices. I also bet they like the customer retention figure that Honda has achieved with the Jazz – and amazing 85 percent said they would buy another one.

I won't tell you which brand was at the bottom of the list, but only one percent wanted another one.

So, what's Honda done with this cute mini that costs from R145 000 to R183 000 - and average increase per model of about R5 000? A glance the new and previous models parked near each other in the street might not immediately show much – but go back up to the picture at the top of the story and you'll see new headlights, a whole makeover of the grilles and their surround and a wider, longer stance.

"At 3900mm long, 1695mm wide and 1525mm tall," Honda says, "the new Jazz occupies a unique niche between superminis and compact MPV's. It has the style of the former and the practicality of the latter."

The overall height is the same but the Jazz is 55mm longer and 20mm wider with a wheelbase increase of 50mm, and front and rear track increases of 35mm and 30mm respectively.

Certainly there's plenty of room for four large adults.

The '09 Jazz will be available with a choice of three spec levels – 1.4 LX, 1.5 EX and 1.5 EX-S – and two engines, each with more power and torque, and a choice of five-speed manual or five-speed auto/manual sequential gearbox. Gone – and I'll miss it – is the constantly variable auto with its seven pre-set ratios.

Each new engine has Honda's i-VTEC variable valve-timing technology. Each is a four-cylinder, one a 1.4 producing 73kW (previously 61kW) and 127Nm (up from 116). Nevertheless, Honda still claims combined-cycle fuel consumption of about six litres/100km and the engine is amazingly perky for its size – 180km/h is no problem, should you have reason to do so.

The new 1.5 unit gives 88kW (81) and 145Nm (143) and around 6.5 litres/100km.

'BUCKLE-UP' REMINDER'

Carrying it all is what Honda calls its "advanced compatibility engineering" shell designed to give better crash protection and better alignment with various types of vehicle should there be a collision.

All spec levels come with two front and two side crash bags and a three-point belt and "buckle-up" reminder for each of the five seats. There are IsoFix child-seat anchors for each outer rear seat.

The cabin is airy and spacious, made more apparent by the larger windscreen, and the LX-S model comes with a super-economy sized sunroof made of heat-absorbing glass. The driver's seat and the steering wheel are height-adjustable

All models have power mirrors and windows and aircon (which can also chill the glove box) and a three-dial instrument cluster that's permanently back-lit. The EX and EX-S add a multi-information display controlled from the steering wheel.

SEATS 'CLASS-LEADING'

Each model also has a single-CD/radio with MP3/WMA playback capability and speed-dependent volume adjustment. An auxiliary audio jack for MP3 players is on all models but the EX and EX-S also get a USB port in the centre console storage box so fifth-generation iPods and several other portable music devices can be played through the Jazz's audio system while also being charged.

Honda says the Jazz is the class leader in seating versatility with its Magic Seats – a carryover from the previous model that allows all passenger seats to be tipped, tilted or lifted to accommodate tall, wide or long objects; think large pot plant, surfboard or dining table – or even three 26" mountain bikes with their front wheels in place.

Maximum load length is 2.4m. Think longboard.

SOLD IN 115 COUNTRIES

Rear passengers now have 37mm more knee room, the distance between front and rear passengers is up by 30mm and the slightly wider body gives 44mm more front and 43mm more rear shoulder room. Slimmer A-pillars have improved front three-quarter vision.

The Jazz is now sold in 115 countries with annual sales of about 400 000.

Total worldwide sales to date exceed two million and the Jazz is now produced in six factories in five countries.

Honda Jazz prices (including four-year or 60 000km service plan and three-year or 100 000km warranty).

Jazz 1.4 LX - R145 000
Jazz 1.5 LX a/t - R156 000
Jazz 1.5 EX - R162 000
Jazz 1.5 EX a/t - R173 000
Jazz 1.5 EX-S - R172 000
Jazz 1.5 EX-S a/t - R183 000

Find out more about the Jazz or locate your nearest dealer

More JIMS stories in our special section.

• The 2008 Johannesburg auto show will open to the public from Saturday, November 1 to Sunday, November 9.