If there was ever an award for loads of talent but little sales numbers, then the Honda Jazz would be on the podium. Why? Simply put, the Honda small car is a design marvel when it comes to interior space, boot capacity and ride comfort but somehow it doesn’t even shadow the sales success of its more illustrious rivals like the Hyundai i20 and Maruti Baleno. Honda though isn’t giving up on the Jazz just as yet and has updated the car with a host of features to make it a bit more desirable. Here’s what’s new.
Exterior
The Jazz has always been a big and roomy looking car on the outside. The silhouette resembles that of a baby MPV more than that of a small hatch. The big and boxy lines on the outside make the cabin very roomy indeed. Honda hasn’t changed anything on the design front. The international version which has recently been updated hasn’t been brought into India just as yet because the bumper on that car would make the Jazz over 4-metres in length thus negating the tax exemptions. The only bit of change on the exterior is the addition of LED cluster within the tail lamps of the car.
Interior
It is a sin not to offer Android Auto or Apple Carplay in today’s day and age. Honda has finally redeemed itself of this sin. The new Jazz comes with both these features on board as standard. Also standard is the arrival of driver side vanity mirror as well as an elbow box to keep your drinks in. Space wise the Jazz has always been a big winner and its still got the biggest boot on offer. The quality also seems to have gone up by a notch and is at par with the Maruti Swift now.
Engine, performance and gearbox
Honda hasn’t changed anything on the drivetrain. So you get the same diesel and petrol engines. The petrol 1.2-litre i-VTEC engines loves to rev all the way to redline. Also, you will like its responsive nature making it a nice car for city travel. Most buyers will also appreciate the slick gearbox, which is a joy to operate on any given day. Buyers will also appreciate the cars generous windows, which make it feel like a nice and airy cabin and give excellent visibility.
Ride and comfort
The Jazz rides like a bigger car and that’s largely due to its ling wheelbase. The suspension takes care of all the bumps and potholes, without jerking you around. The car will ride over most undulation adroitly. Overall, it’s a nice all rounder. Keen drivers will like its steering feedback as well. Its positive and always communicative.
Summary
The updated Jazz still doesn’t have the chutzpah of its rivals but makes for a more rounded package now. Overall, we recommend that you keep it in your shortlist.
