The all-new Honda Jazz has arrived in South Africa. Combining a striking new exterior design with a more compact footprint, offering more interior space, enhanced interior appointments and greater overall efficiency, this third-generation Jazz represents a significant step up from its highly successful, and hugely popular, predecessor.
While the all-new Jazz ups the game on almost every level, it also remains true to its core attributes of value and functionality.
Spacious, flexible interior
Honda’s Magic Seat system, which has been a key feature of the Jazz from the word go, is retained in this latest, third-generation model, and delivers a level of flexibility unique in this segment. In addition, significantly enhanced rear legroom allows the Jazz to comfortably accommodate three rear occupants.
Interior appointments reflect Honda’s focus on tactile quality, high comfort levels, and intuitive ergonomics. The dashboard layout has been designed to ensure an efficient interface between the Jazz and its occupants, while high-quality materials and finishes are consistent throughout the cabin.
All-new construction
An all-new monocoque construction links reduced weight to higher strength and rigidity, which in turn allows substantial upgrades of the suspension and steering systems. The new chassis accommodates a longer wheelbase, which benefits ride quality, directional stability and handling.
The new construction also incorporates Honda’s latest-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) front body structure, which has been designed to meet and exceed the most stringent crash safety standards, and thus offers further enhanced passenger protection in the case of a collision.
Assertive, contemporary styling
The exterior styling is unmistakably Honda, and reflects an expressive and athletic design that highlights both the contemporary style and the dynamic capabilities of the new Jazz. Compared to its softer, more rounded predecessor, the new Jazz looks linear and aggressive, with a streamlined front end, steeply raked windscreen and sculpted flanks.
Short overhangs, a tapering roofline and pronounced wheel arches are further design elements contributing to an overall impression of dynamic poise and capability.
The new Jazz will be offered in a choice of six vibrant colours: Taffeta White, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Carnelian Red Pearl, Urban Titanium Metallic, Sunset Orange, and Golden Brown Metallic.
Two engine, two transmission choices
The new Honda Jazz is offered with a choice of two engines. A new, highly efficient 1,2-litre four-cylinder engine, and the tried and trusted 1,5-litre four-cylinder unit already familiar from the previous Jazz. Both engines employ Honda’s i-VTEC intelligent variable valve timing system for enhanced efficiency and performance.
There are two transmission choices: a five-speed manual gearbox or a Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT). Drive is to the front wheels in both instances.
Seven-model range
The new Jazz line-up in South Africa consists of seven models spanning two engines, two transmissions and four specification level choices. The most affordable Jazz will be the 1.2 Trend, offered with a manual gearbox, followed by the Jazz 1.2 Comfort, which is available with a choice of manual or CVT transmission.
With the 1,5-litre engine, there are a choice of four Jazz derivatives. The Jazz 1.5 Elegance can be ordered with either manual or CVT transmission, while the range-topping 1.5 Dynamic offers the same two transmission choices.
“The arrival of the all-new Honda Jazz is a milestone event for the South African market,” says Graham Eagle, Honda Motor Southern Africa’s director of operations. “The Jazz already enjoys an enviable reputation for flexibility, safety, efficiency and quality. However, this third-generation model sets new benchmarks across the board.”
Despite its sporty compact dimensions, the new Jazz employs a longer wheelbase and intelligent packaging to create a more spacious, more inviting cabin that also delivers further enhanced levels of versatility and flexibility.
“The new Jazz excels in all those areas, delivering an exceptional compact motoring experience that also reflects strong value,” Eagle concluded.
Pricing
The new Honda Jazz range goes on sale in February 2015 through Honda Motor Southern Africa’s national dealer network. All models except the entry-level Trend benefit from a four-year/60 000 km service plan included in the price, while services on all models are at 15 000 km intervals.
Jazz 1.2 Trend Manual R179 900
Jazz 1.2 Comfort Manual R204 900
Jazz 1.2 Comfort CVT R221 900
Jazz 1.5 Elegance Manual R234 900
Jazz 1.5 Elegance CVT R249 900
Jazz 1.5 Dynamic Manual R249 900
Jazz 1.5 Dynamic CVT R264 900
Class Meets Cool: The New Honda Jazz
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