Honda Jazz Car Review in India

The global winner 'Jazz' comes with a symphony of unrivalled build quality, exceptionally spacious interiors, thrifty engine, and agile handling. It is one of the best premium hatchbacks that made its world debut in 2001. Since its launch, the Jazz has sparked a revolution in over 115 countries across the globe and has set new benchmarks by achieving cumulative sales of over 2 million units.

Honda did not launch its first generation Jazz in India. However, seeing its worldwide popularity, Honda has introduced the second generation model here to be its first hatchback for the country. With its incredibly clever design and engineering, the global car has got all the features to redefine the hatchback segment.

The second generation Jazz is designed with innovative design, improved interiors, more frugal engine, and better space efficiency. In India, the car will compete with Skoda Fabia and Hyundai i20.

Honda Jazz is powered by a responsive 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine offering class-leading power of 89 bhp and an impressive fuel efficiency of 16 km/l (average). The engine is specifically designed to suit Indian roads. The capability of the engine to regulate the valve opening in accordance with engine speed ensures the dual advantage of superior power and low fuel consumption. Combined with the Drive-by-Wire system, the car responds at the slightest touch of the throttle. It also shows eco-friendly character by complying with Bharat Stage IV emission norms.

Power is transferred to the wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. Ride and handling of the car are further supported by a finely tuned suspension system. The setup comprises of MacPherson Strut with stabilizer bar in the front and trailing arm with torsion beam and stabilizer bar at the rear. The light steering and tight turning circle further improves ride quality in the town but the car is not exactly a winner around extremely tight corners. Overall, the Jazz is a practical city car that offers good driving pleasure.

Honda Jazz is designed on the platform of the Honda City with a tapering roof and rising window line that give a sleek and dynamic appeal. Moreover, the short lights, stubby bonnet, honeycomb grille, and interesting flanks add more drama and expression to the car. The rear of the car also looks impressive with a black gloss trim above the number plate and tailgate opening at the bumper level.

The interior of the car boasts of excellent engineering, brilliant functionality, and space efficiency. Stylish dashboard and neat instrumentation along with the unique and elegant touches add more beauty to the intimate ambience. The tilt steering column ensures comfortable driving position for all drivers.

The centre tank layout gives more cabin space. The three-mode "Magic Seat" configuration -- utility mode, long mode and tall mode - provides more flexibility for seating and cargo-carrying options. The Jazz excels in passenger space and comfort. Front seats are extremely generous but have average legroom whereas the rear seats are comfortable with upward folding capability to ensure versatility. The rear also offers enough legroom, headroom, and storage space.

Honda has always laid emphasis on safety features to minimize injuries to the passengers in the event of an accident. The car is designed with the 'Advance Compatibility Engineering' (ACE) body and 'G-Force Control Technology (G-CON)' to disperse impact of energy and ensure safety in case of an accident. Other standard safety features are dual airbags and pre-tensioner seat belts which provide protection for both the driver and front passenger. The anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution system allow better control in an emergency breaking situation.