Honda Cars India launched the all-new, third-generation Jazz compact hatchback in New Delhi. The Jazz is a global model in Honda’s line-up and, since the launch of the first-generation model in 2001, has sold over 5.5 million units across 75 countries.  

The new Jazz has five variants starting with the base E, going up to S, SV, V and the top-spec VX. The Honda Jazz petrol model’s pricing starts at Rs 5.31 lakh and goes up to the top-spec’s Rs 7.29 lakh. The base diesel is priced at Rs 6.49 lakh, going up to Rs 8.59 lakh. The petrol automatic’s prices start at Rs 6.99 lakh to Rs 7.85 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Built on a completely new platform and developed at Honda’s R&D Centre in Tochigi, Japan, the car now comes with the option of a diesel engine and an automatic gearbox. With an ARAI-tested fuel economy of 27.3kpl for the diesel manual variant, the Jazz has instantly grabbed the second spot among the most fuel-efficient cars in India. The petrol manual variant has an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 18.7kpl while the petrol auto variant will return 19kpl.

Speaking at the launch today in New Delhi, Noriaki Abe, president and director, Asian Honda Motor Co, said: “The Jazz has played a significant role in boosting our business globally and I’m confident that it will replicate the same success in India.”

Katsushi Inoue, president and CEO, Honda Cars India, said: “The all-new Jazz will offer a unique value to its customers with its styling, versatility, packaging and performance. It will be a key pillar of business and would be instrumental in driving growth for Honda Cars in India.”

The new Honda Jazz is longer by 55mm (3955mm), has a larger wheelbase (2530mm), is 1694mm wide and 1544mm tall. Ground clearance is 165mm and turning radius is 5.1 metres. It comes better equipped than the previous generation car and also gets direct LED tail-lamps and stop lamps.

Powering the car is the same 1.5-litre i-DTEC engine as in the Honda Amaze and City. Peak power is 98.6bhp at 3,600rpm and peak torque is 20.4kgm at 1,750rpm. The engine comes mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The Honda Jazz also gets the 1.2 i-VTEC petrol engine which produces 89bhp and 11.21kgm of torque at 4,800rpm. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) gearbox.

In terms of key features, the top-spec VX variant is equipped with ‘magic seats' at the back.  These seats split, fold flat and flip upwards to customise space for luggage. The seats can switch to recliner mode now, by pushing the front seat backrests fully till they meet the rear seat base, providing a comfortable seating position.

Honda Cars India had discontinued the previous generation Jazz in 2013 as it did not sell as per the automaker’s expectations, mainly because it was overpriced. Between June 2009 and February 2013, the car sold a total of 23,169 units. However, as a result of substantially increasing localisation levels to a high 95% (compared to 70% local content on the previous Jazz), Honda has been able to price it competitively this time around.

The new Honda Jazz will go up against the current segment leader, the Hyundai Elite i20.

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