Honda Jazz 1.3S Sport 2011 Review

October 21st, 2011 by Car and SUV

Although it still seems like a new model line for Honda, the popular Jazz has been around for 10 years already. To keep things fresh for Jazz fans, Honda has refreshed its sub-compact hatch with styling tweaks, new colours and extra equipment. When the second-generation Jazz reached NZ shores in early 2008 it had mums nationwide swooning and quite a few Grandmas too. The Jazz was affordable, practical and cute – healthy sales followed. But that was 2008, since then the Jazz has come up against some tough competition like updated version of the Ford Fiesta, VW Polo and the rampaging Suzuki Swift.  Will the 2011 facelift be able to maintain the Jazz’s place within the affections of NZ mums? Car and SUV belted into a 2011 Jazz 1.3S Sport to find out the answers.

While Honda’s facelifts are sometimes criticized for being too subtle the Jazz receives visual updates in a few key areas. At the front there’s a more modern bumper and a replacement grille that joins new headlights. It’s a similar situation at the rear where restyled taillights sit above a new bumper. The result of the changes is a hatch that not only looks sleeker but also is also more aerodynamic. Our 1.3S Sport model received some striking extra features like a sportier grille, rear hatch spoiler and a full body kit with deeper side skirting. 15-inch alloy wheels are standard and door handles and mirror caps are nicely colour-matched. Continue reading “Honda Jazz 1.3S Sport 2011 Review” »

Honda updates Jazz for 2012 with styling tweaks

August 19th, 2011 by Car and SUV

Honda has released details on its planned updates for the 2012 model Jazz hatchback. While the changes are subtle the Jazz sport receives styling tweaks and all models have interior changes and new standard features.

The 2012 Jazz Sport, will be updated cosmetically with a revised front grille and bumper, black headlight bezels and a darker, machined silver finish for the alloy rims.

In the cabin, a dark metallic dashboard trim replaces the previous gray and black themes, there’s now chrome accents around the instrumentation, plus standard steering wheel-mounted audio controls and new seat fabrics.

The entry-model Jazz gains colour-coded exterior mirror caps and freshly-styled wheel covers. All models in the range get new console-mounted center beverage holders along with new interior lighting, and added sound insulation. Continue reading “Honda updates Jazz for 2012 with styling tweaks” »

Mugen working on hot hatch Honda Jazz

May 27th, 2011 by Car and SUV

Mugen and Honda are a tight unit, they go together like fish and chips or like rugby league players and off-field incidents. The latest project for this dynamic duo is to inject some performance pedigree into Honda’s new model Jazz which until now was only favoured by little old ladies.

The previous generation Honda Jazz had a Mugen version called the F154 SC. But this new model, to be built by Mugen Euro will use the same naturally aspirated 2.0-litre V-TEC engine that powers the Civic Type R. There is also talk of using the same supercharged hybrid 1.5 developed for the Mugen CR-Z.

With either powertrain the Mugen Jazz will produce around 150kW and in a car of this small size that could be a recipe for serious fun. Mugen will most likely upgrade other areas of the car with stiffer suspension, larger brakes and improved aerodynamics expected. Continue reading “Mugen working on hot hatch Honda Jazz” »

2011 Honda Jazz goes on sale in NZ

March 8th, 2011 by Car and SUV

Honda NZ has just landed its updated 2011 Jazz sub-compact hatchbacks. The latest version of the popular model comes with fresh styling to the exterior and interior, new features, new colours, Electronic Stability Control and a 5 Star Euro NCAP Safety rating.

There are now seven colours for Jazz buyers to choose from, with the addition of Fresh Lime Green, Sunset Orange and Storm Silver. The styling updates affect the Jazz’s front and rear bumpers, grille, headlights and tail-lights.

New standard features on the 2011 Jazz range include Electronic Stability Control (Honda’s VSA), improved look and feel to the interior upholstery, trip computer integration with the steering wheel controls and passenger seat-belt reminders. The interior and dash layout upgrade includes amber interior and instrument panel lighting to enhance the driving experience.

The Jazz 1.3S model now comes standard with 15” alloy wheels, rear spoiler and cruise control, while all 1.3 and 1.5 litre models receive new dynamic styling to the front and rear bumpers, grille and lower skirts.

The i-VTEC engine, combined with either the 5-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual (1.3S models only), remains unchanged. The 1.5 litre Jazz achieves power of 88kW and torque of 145Nm, and the 1.3 litre, power of 73kW and torque of 127Nm.  Racing inspired paddle shifters on the steering wheel allow gear shifts in automatic mode or full manual operation in ‘Sport’ mode for driver control.

Winning the Small Car Class in the recent AA Energywise Rally demonstrates the fuel economy potential of the Honda Jazz.  Its fuel economy figures are 5.8, 6.6 and 6.7 litres per 100km respectively for the Jazz 1.3S manual, Jazz 1.3S automatic and Jazz 1.5 Sport. Continue reading “2011 Honda Jazz goes on sale in NZ” »

Honda Jazz takes lead as Japan’s biggest selling car

February 9th, 2011 by Car and SUV

While there is no doubt that the Toyota Prius is the world’s best-selling hybrid, in Japan there is a new sheriff in town — the Honda Jazz. The Prius has held out for the past 20 months as the top-selling automobile in Japan but for January of this year the Honda Jazz compact hatch took over the top spot.

Jazz sales in Japan surged to 14,873 units in the first month of this year, which is a 14 percent increase over the sales it achieved back in January 2010. In the January sales almost half of the 14,000-plus Japanese buyers went for the Jazz Hybrid.

Much of the hybrid Honda’s gas-electric appeal comes from its ¥1.59 million ($24,900 NZD) price tag, which is around $4,500 NZ less than the Honda Insight and it undercuts the Prius by a similar amount.

This is a clear sign that the market for hybrid compact hatchbacks is growing. Does the Honda Jazz have the endurance to out last the Prius in this battle. Only time will tell. Continue reading “Honda Jazz takes lead as Japan’s biggest selling car” »

Honda Jazz Hybrid officially revealed in green

August 26th, 2010 by Car and SUV

The Honda Jazz Hybrid has been officially unveiled and is being prepared for sale in the Japanese domestic market and European markets. The visual updates over the lesser standard models are subtle, with reworked bumpers and headlight glass and a special Lime Green metallic color. The price hike over the cheap standard Jazz isn’t slight at all. Apparently a $6,600 NZ premium over the standard Jazz is expected. However, even with the price premium the Hybrid Jazz would still be the cheapest hybrid in the market.

The Jazz Hybrid features the same IMA hybrid drivetrain as the Honda CR-Z and Insight, so it can’t quite match the Prius in fuel economy figures, though Honda claims they will be comparable to the smaller CR-Z.

The new Jazz Hybrid will make its formal debut at the Paris Motor Show next month.

Honda Fit hybrid to launch in Japan shortly

August 17th, 2010 by Car and SUV

Recent reports coming out of Japan are stating that Honda will launch the hybrid version of its Fit (Jazz here in NZ) subcompact in the domestic market this October. The prices are attractive starting from around 1.6 million yen ($26,500 NZ), easily making it Japan’s cheapest hybrid model.

The Fit Hybrid, will use the same 1.3-litre gasoline engine and electric motor drivetrain as the Honda Insight and will cost 400,000 Yen ($6,600 NZ) more than the conventional Fit in Japan but still around 300,000 Yen ($4,900 NZ) less than Honda’s larger hybrid model.

There is no word yet on whether the Fit/Jazz Hybrid will make it into other markets, NZ included.

Honda Jazz comes to town

December 21st, 2009 by Car and SUV

This is the ad for the Honda Jazz campaign that the carsting reel came out of. It’s some pretty cool animation. Discover and watch it.


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