India-built Honda Jazz launched in South Africa

Japanese carmaker Honda has not revealed a date for the launch of the next-generation Jazz in India. However, the company has launched the India-built hatchback in South Africa.

The new Jazz is 3,599 mm long and has a wheelbase measuring 2,530 mm - 30 mm more than the previous model. This has resulted in additional legroom on the inside.

The interiors of the car feature a new, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, dashboard and instrument panel and a 60:40 split folding rear seat. The car is equipped with a start/stop button, touchscreen infotainment system with USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Safety features include front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist with automatic hazard light activation, vehicle-stability assistance, motion-adaptive electric power steering, alarm/immobiliser, remote central locking and auto door locking.

In South Africa, the Jazz is available with a choice of two 4-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engines. The first one is a 1.2-litre power plant that puts out 89 bhp @ 6600 rpm and 110 Nm of torque @ 4800 rpm. Customers can choose between a 5-speed manual and a CVT with paddle shifters. Honda claims that the manual version can sprint from 0-100 kph in 13.4 seconds, while the CVT version can manage it in 14.3 seconds. The top speeds of the manual and CVT versions are 175 kph and 174 kph respectively. The fuel efficiency of the 1.2 is pegged at 17.86 kpl.

The second engine is a 1.5-litre unit, which develops 118 bhp @ 6600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque @ 4800 rpm. Like the 1.2, this engine comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a CVT. With this engine, the Jazz can attain a top speed of 180 kph. 0-100 kph times for the manual and CVT versions stand at 9.9 and 10.6 seconds respectively. Fuel efficiency figures are pegged at 16.67 kpl (manual) and 17.24 kpl (CVT).

Prices:

• 1.2 Trend Manual - R 179,900
• 1.2 Comfort Manual - R 204,900
• 1.2 Comfort CVT - R 221 900
• 1.5 Elegance Manual - R 234,900
• 1.5 Elegance CVT - R 249,900
• 1.5 Dynamic Manual - R 249,900
• 1.5 Dynamic CVT - R 264,900

For India, Honda is expected to leave the 1.5-litre petrol engine out of its line-up. Instead, we are likely to get the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel power plant, which is being used in other Honda cars.

Source: carmag.co.za