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Jazzing With the Honda Jazz

Honda has always believed in the power of dreams. That is why Honda has always been on a constant journey of innovation, excellence, and engineering expertise starting from the CVCC engine in 1960 to the solar powered car of the 90s and the hybrid technology of the new millennium.

Honda has revolutionized the premium hatchback segment with its Jazz that made its debut in June 2001 in Japan. It was then introduced to Europe and Australia in 2002. South America, South Africa and South-East Asia welcomed the Jazz in 2003 and it was released in China in 2004 and Mexico in 2005. This Honda car made its maiden entry to America in 2006 at the North America International Auto Show.

The Honda Jazz was originally named Fitta, but the name was shortened in some markets as the “Fit” and renamed it as the “Honda Jazz” in others. The name Jazz has been part of Honda for decades on its different models of scooters and cars and that it how this car too finally ended up being called that. This car is called the "Fit" in Japan, China, and North and South America. It is known as the "Jazz" in Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, Africa and most of Asian markets.

Since its launch in 2002, the Honda Jazz has brought in a radical change in the global car market. It has set new benchmarks by achieving cumulative sales of over 2 million units in more than 115 countries. With its incredibly stylish design and apt engineering, this car from the Honda factory has got all the features to redefine the hatchback segment. Although the Jazz is one of Honda's global models, it experienced a very slow progression as it made its way around the world. The first generation of the Jazz was replaced by a new 2009 model. The Honda Fit or the Honda Jazz is completely redesigned for the 2009 model year. With styling borrowed from the gorgeous European Honda Civic hatchback, the new Jazz is bigger than its predecessor. The second generation of Jazz is designed with modern design, improved interiors, more fuel efficient engine and better space efficiency.

Honda launched the Jazz in India in its second generation instead of its first generation. However, owing to its worldwide popularity, car giant Honda decided to introduce the second generation model in India to be its first hatchback for the country. With this, Honda Siel, a joint venture between Honda and India’s Siel Limited, has made a foray into the small car segment.

The specifications of Honda Jazz in India includes an engine that is exclusively designed for the Indian markets and is powered by an 89 bhp 1.2-litre SOHC 4 cylinder i-VTEC engine which is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The 1200 cc VTEC engine is compatible with Euro-IV.

The Jazz is developed on the platform of the Honda City. This premium hatchback sports a narrow roof and rising window line that add extra charm to the car. The Jazz also flaunts short lights, stubby hood, honeycomb grille and interesting flanks. The spacious interiors of this high-end car offer a blend of traditional and modern styles. It has the three-mode “Magic Seat” configuration that provides more comfort and luxury as well as cargo-carrying options.

To ensure the safety of the occupants of the car, the Honda Jazz is built on the ‘Advance Compatibility Engineering’ (ACE) body. This provides enhanced self-protection and better compatibility in collisions with other different sized vehicles. Moreover, this car is equipped with the pretensioner seat belt with load limiter. It is not only the safety of the occupants, but also that of the pedestrians which is of prime concern for Honda. So the Jazz is all geared up with pedestrian-injury reduction body design helps protect pedestrians from injury in the event of a collision. G-FORCE Control Technology (G-CON) controls impact energy in the event of a collision and limits injuries.

The driver and front passenger of the car can be benefitted from the SRS airbags. These airbags are instantly deployed when the sensors detect an impact and then gradually deflate to reduce head and chest injuries. The Jazz is also equipped with ABS with EBD. ABS stabilizes the car while braking so that the driver can better control it and avoid obstacles ahead.

The Honda Jazz can produce maximum power of 94 PS at 6200 rpm and torque of 127 Nm at 3400 rpm. The car comes in three variants Jazz Basic, Jazz Mode, and Jazz Active. Jazz Mode is a family utility car with side mouldings, corner protectors to prevent scratches, mud flaps, and stylish garnishes. The Active variant is sporty in its looks with sport pedals, fog lamps, front grille, and a spoiler at the top of the tailgate. In India, the Jazz would initially be manufactured at Honda Siel’s factory at Greater Noida.

“Jazz” is the tune that has the world swinging since 2001 across 130 countries. The Honda Jazz has swept automotive awards across the world including the "Japan Car of the Year 2008".