Honda Cars India launches 3rd generation Jazz with diesel motor

Purely on the merit of its package, you would be hard-pressed to complain about the original Honda Jazz. It had performance, space and a unique flexibility that was unmatched by its hatchback competition. About the worst thing about it was its price which (for the time) was on the high side. This was later remedied, but by then the market had moved on. Another significant omission that worked against the Jazz (and indeed other Honda cars) was that of the lack of a diesel engine. Honda Cars India has remedied all this today.

The new 3rd generation Honda Jazz is now available with Honda’s aluminium 1.5 i-DTEC engine, the same one used in the City and Amaze. In the Jazz, it delivers 100PS @ 3600 RPM and 200Nm @ 1750RPM mated to a new 6-speed manual transmission. The petrol variant uses Honda’s 1.2l i-VTEC motor putting out 90PS @ 6000 RPM and 110 NM at a rather high 4800 RPM. You can opt for a 5-speed manual or a new CVT auto that actually promises higher efficiency than the manual (19kmpl vs 18.7kmpl on the stick) and comes with paddle shifters.

External dimensions appear similar to the old Jazz. There’s a new Honda face with that big chrome grille up front, and the rear treatment, we think, is its best new feature. Inside, there’s updated equipment in the form of a touch-screen AC (?), a 5" entertainment screen (6.2" touchscreen for the top variant), a parking camera with multiple views and steering-mounted controls for audio. As with the previous Jazz, Honda’s “Magic seat” system offers a variety of ways you can configure the Jazz to carry what you need to. In Honda’s words:

• Utility mode — with the Magic Seat folded flat, for carrying two passengers and larger items, like a bike with the front wheel removed;
• Tall mode — with the Magic Seat folded up, for carrying two or three passengers and tall items like a houseplant in the second row;
• Long mode — with the Magic Seat folded flat and the front passenger seat reclined all the way back, for carrying two passengers and a very long item like a surfboard;
• Refresh mode — with the front seat reclined all the way back, for relaxing.

Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi)

PETROL
E : 530,900
S : 594,000
SV : 644,900
V : 679,900
VX : 729,000
S CVT : 699,000
V CVT : 785,000

DIESEL
E : 649,900
S : 714,000
SV : 764,900
V : 809,900
VX : 859,000