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CALLING it a Fun Utility Vehicle, Honda Cars Phils. Inc. (HCPI) on
August 21 premiered the new Honda Jazz at the 2nd Philippine
International Motor Show. The second generation Jazz is apparently
as youthful as the first, with Honda saying the new car’s advanced
and vibrant features will “bring out added fun and excitement to
one’s driving experience.”
“Since its introduction in 2001, the Jazz has
revolutionized the small-car concept and has won the hearts of many
customers in over 115 countries for its astounding fuel economy,
styling and spaciousness. With the second-generation Jazz’s
refreshing design, the car is set to bring more fun in every
drive—especially in the face of spiraling fuel costs,” said HCPI
President and General Manager Hiroshi Shimizu at the car’s launch.
According to HCPI, the new Jazz sports a unique
forward-leaning cabin form, which means the car’s front pillar was
moved as far ahead forward and made as slim as possible, creating a
larger windshield “for enhanced and liberating visibility.” The
new car has noticeably sharper lines and a wider stance too.
In front, the latest Jazz wears an angular
grille that’s similar to new Honda vehicles, including the upscale
Accord. HCPI said that in order to complement the car’s overall
dynamic and sporty appeal, the new Jazz now comes with 16-inch
wheels (in the top model) and 15-inch alloys in the 1.3-liter
variant—respectively an inch larger than those fitted on previous
Jazz models.
But like in the model it replaced, the new Jazz
is offered in 1.5-liter and 1.3-liter variants. The 1.5-liter engine
makes 118 horsepower at 6,600rpm while the 1.3-liter engine produces
99 horsepower at 6,000rpm. HCPI claims these are the most powerful
in the Jazz’s class.
The big news with the latest cars’ engines are
that these are now equipped with the carmaker’s renowned
intelligent VTEC and i-VTEC variable valve timing systems. Honda
said the i-VTEC alters valve timing for maximum efficiency during
start-up and acceleration to achieve powerful performance then
delays the intake valves’ closure during cruising and other
low-load conditions, resulting in improved fuel economy.
Another significant change in the new Jazz is
that it is no longer offered with the continuously variable
transmission, the component replaced by a five-speed automatic
gearbox that Honda said lessens the load on the engine. Widening the
range of gear ratios reduce engine revolution and stress, the
carmaker explained. Also, a fuel consumption LCD meter is fitted in
the new Jazz so its driver could keep track of instantaneous and
average fuel mileage.
Honda said that to bring sheer driving enjoyment
to another level, the 1.5-liter Jazz comes with a race-inspired
paddle shifter, the same feature that’s also found on Honda’s
more expensive models like the 2.0-liter Civic and the Accord. The
paddle shifters enable the driver to manually shift gears but
without him needing to use a clutch pedal. Mounted on the steering
wheel spoke, the paddle shifters provide the convenience of driving
with an automatic gearbox while delivering the spirited performance
of a car that has a manual transmission, HCPI said.
It added that new Jazz has a “carefree
interior that’s brimming with vitality and ease of operations.”
Crediting the car’s innovative fuel tank location (which frees up
cabin space), HCPI said the Jazz seats five with 384 liters of space
for cargo. The car’s multiconfiguration seating layout is perfect
for active lifestyles, the carmaker said.
HCPI added that beyond packaging and styling,
Honda is also committed to ensuring safety for every passenger. As
such, the new Jazz—no matter the variant—comes with dual SRS
airbags, Honda’s G-CON body structure and ABS with EBD and Brake
Assist. The car has disc brakes on all wheels too.
HCPI crowed the Jazz has won back-to-back
overall Japan Car of the Year Awards as the first-generation car was
honored in 2001 and 2002 while the second-generation model was cited
in 2007 and 2008.
HCPI offers three variants of the new Jazz and
has set introductory prices at P707,000 for the 1.3-liter S MT
model; P747,000 for the 1.3-liter S AT; and P797,000 for 1.5-liter V
AT. It added bookings for the car are now accepted at all authorized
Honda dealers in the country. Actual deliveries will start by the
end of September, HCPI said.
--Motoring Times
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