We Indians are crazy about the hatchbacks around 60 percent of the total car sale in India come from small cars. In early days, we the diesel headed mass used to buy a car which is cheaply priced, or a vehicle that can deliver decent fuel efficiency. The first GEN Jazz didn’t fulfill any of the mentioned criteria and hence failed miserably to lure the customers. So, Honda re-strategized the whole thing and launched the Jazz in Japan in 2013 but the Indian buyers were waiting for it with the bated breath until it finally gets launched in the country this month. All new Honda Jazz justifies its name as it now get 90 percent local content, excellent fuel efficiency, eye pleasing design along with tons of new equipments. Our expert liked the overall package of new Jazz and now it’s turn for our critics to say few things about the new sensation. Let’s have a glance on it:
High:
- The strongest point of new Jazz is its new H design terminology which looks young, fresh and tempting also. The front is inspired by City sedan which looks dynamic thanks to matte black finish front grille and sleek headlights.
- The Side profile flaunts of new Jazz flaunts Mini- MPV look with typical Honda design like subtle creases, big glass area and excellent fit and finish. All of this makes the vehicle sporty and helps to free humongous room inside.
- Till date, Elite i20 is regarded as the most feature rich car of its segment. But wait, it now has some serious competition from the new Jazz as it is loaded with some first in segment features like 6.2 inch touchscreen system with navigation, magic seats, CVT with paddle shifters.
- Besides mouth watering features, new jazz offers oodles of space to its occupants as it is 50mm longer and has 30mm more wheelbase than its predecessor. Space inside the cabin is very generous even for tall passengers be it legroom, headroom or shoulder space.
- The magic of new Jazz not confined only to features or design. The availability of a CVT gearbox and 27.3 KMPL of ARAI certified mileage further strengthens its position over the competitors.
- Honda’s wide dealer network and good after sales service is another plus point for Jazz.
Low:
- The biggest drawback of new Jazz is the poor in-cabin noise; there is a noticeable clatter on higher speeds. The diesel motor makes its presence with inheritable noise which is very poor compared to its chief rival Elite i20.
- In spite of long list of features it misses out on some feature such as rear a/c vents, start-stop button, driver arm rest, auto lock function while driving and keyless go entry function.
- The new Jazz flaunts single barrel headlamps which looks promising but sadly there is no projector unit or LED DRLs on offer which is a disappointment.
- The 1.2L petrol unit feels underpowered especially under 2500 rpm and doesn’t have a wow factor in it and nowhere refined as Hyundai Elite i20 and Volkswagen Polo.
- All new Honda jazz offers a overall good package to compete against Elite i20 but dethroning it is not possible right now as the production capacity of Honda is not as good as Hyundai’s.
