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ALL JAZZED UP: Honda's mini-MPV has taken a number of modifications - mainly so the shell can accommodate the battery pack for the soon-in-SA Jazz Hybrid.
Honda SA has revealed a little update to the local Jazz range to coincide with the introduction of a hybrid version of the hatchback here.
Although it’s been barely three years since the latest generation Jazz was released in South Africa, the arrival of the hybrid version has seemingly necessitated a few styling and specification changes across the range.
The biggest news is the Jazz Hybrid, using Honda’s IMA technology and set apart from other models by its distinctive styling features. For example, the grille, head and tail lights and tailgate finisher on the Jazz Hybrid are chromed.
Furthermore, the selection of 1.3 and 1.5 petrol models has been expanded with new trim options and the re-introduction of CVT to the range.
Honda SA has dropped the Jazz's LX, EX and EX-S designations; instead there are now five trim levels – Trend, Comfort, Elegance, and the top-spec Executive and Hybrid – with a mix of five-speed manual and autoc transmissions, plus CVT. The CVT and auto units have paddle shifts.
MORE CHOICE
Specifications for the i-VTEC engines are unchanged. Trend and Comfort models will have Honda’s 73kW/127Nm 1.3 engine; Honda’s 88kW/145Nm 1.5 will haul the Elegance and Executive models.
Jazz Hybrid uses the same 1.3 petrol engine and electric motor arrangement as the bigger Insight. The petrol engine is capable of 65kW at 5800rpm and 121Nm at 4500rpm and the electric motor 10kW at 1500rpm and 78Nm at 1000rpm with CO2 emissions of 104g/km.
The IMA battery pack and power control unit are housed beneath the boot floor - hence a space-saving mini-spare.
Other areas have been subject to change, though, with Honda noting that adjustments have been made to the Jazz’s suspension and steering to improve ride comfort and handling. Changes to the exterior include front and rear bumper revisions to reduce drag and contribute to keeping those fuel stops to a minimum.
New colours include eye-popping Fresh Lime Metallic - it's exclusive to the Hybrid.
Honda’s “magic seats” concept has been further refined with seats that can now recline (Hybrid excluded) and a darker dashboard colour has been combined with a new seat fabric.
However, the Jazz mainstays of practicality and reliability are likely to remain untouched by the most recent upgrades to the range.
PRICES
Trend - R154 900
Comfort - R174 439
Comfort (CVT) - R187 123
Elegance - R198 551
Elegance (a/t) - R211 235
Executive - R212 551
Executive (a/t) - R225 235
Hybrid (CVT) - R239 900
Although it’s been barely three years since the latest generation Jazz was released in South Africa, the arrival of the hybrid version has seemingly necessitated a few styling and specification changes across the range.
The biggest news is the Jazz Hybrid, using Honda’s IMA technology and set apart from other models by its distinctive styling features. For example, the grille, head and tail lights and tailgate finisher on the Jazz Hybrid are chromed.
Furthermore, the selection of 1.3 and 1.5 petrol models has been expanded with new trim options and the re-introduction of CVT to the range.
Honda SA has dropped the Jazz's LX, EX and EX-S designations; instead there are now five trim levels – Trend, Comfort, Elegance, and the top-spec Executive and Hybrid – with a mix of five-speed manual and autoc transmissions, plus CVT. The CVT and auto units have paddle shifts.
MORE CHOICE
Specifications for the i-VTEC engines are unchanged. Trend and Comfort models will have Honda’s 73kW/127Nm 1.3 engine; Honda’s 88kW/145Nm 1.5 will haul the Elegance and Executive models.
Jazz Hybrid uses the same 1.3 petrol engine and electric motor arrangement as the bigger Insight. The petrol engine is capable of 65kW at 5800rpm and 121Nm at 4500rpm and the electric motor 10kW at 1500rpm and 78Nm at 1000rpm with CO2 emissions of 104g/km.
REAR PASSENGER EJECTION SYSTEM: If it were still April 1 we might have tried to claim such; more mundane is showing off the new Jazz's flat rear deck.
Other areas have been subject to change, though, with Honda noting that adjustments have been made to the Jazz’s suspension and steering to improve ride comfort and handling. Changes to the exterior include front and rear bumper revisions to reduce drag and contribute to keeping those fuel stops to a minimum.
New colours include eye-popping Fresh Lime Metallic - it's exclusive to the Hybrid.
Honda’s “magic seats” concept has been further refined with seats that can now recline (Hybrid excluded) and a darker dashboard colour has been combined with a new seat fabric.
However, the Jazz mainstays of practicality and reliability are likely to remain untouched by the most recent upgrades to the range.
PRICES
Trend - R154 900
Comfort - R174 439
Comfort (CVT) - R187 123
Elegance - R198 551
Elegance (a/t) - R211 235
Executive - R212 551
Executive (a/t) - R225 235
Hybrid (CVT) - R239 900
