Honda Launches New Third Gen Jazz in India for Rs 5.30 lakhs

Honda today in a press conference in New Delhi launched the much awaited third generation Honda Jazz for Rs 5.30 lakhs. Positioned against the Elite i20 and the upcoming premium hatchback by Maruti Suzuki, the new Jazz targets single as well as families in the age group 25 to 35 years.  Coming from a rather mediocre sales record of 23,000 units in its last outing in the country Honda aims to turn things round this time with high levels of localisation. In fact this time localisation levels have been brought up to 95 per cent from 72 per cent in its last innings.

Based on Honda’s Man Maximum Machine Minimum concept the new Jazz aims to be a highly functional hatchback building on the acres of interior space it offers without compromising on fuel efficiency.

Engine:

The car comes with two engine options, a petrol and a diesel-

• The petrol is the smaller 1.2 litre i-VTEC mill with four cylinders. Churning out 90 PS of maximum power at 6,000 rpm and 110 Nm of peak torque at 4,800 rpm. Transmission options include a 5 speed manual and a new CVT gearbox. The company claims a class leading fuel efficiency with the CVT unit returning 19 kmpl while the manual returning 18.7 kmpl.

• The diesel is the familiar 1.5 litre i-DTEC Earth Dreams engine which pumps out 100 PS of maximum power at 3,600 rpm and 200 Nm of peak torque at 1,750 rpm. Mated with a 6 speed manual transmission, the new Jazz with a diesel engine claims a fuel efficiency of 27.3 kmpl, making it the second most fuel efficient car in the country.

Design:

The car has been designed at Honda’s research and development centre in Tochigi, Japan and follows their Crossfade Monoform design concept. The usage of strong lines aims to give the car a well-balanced and sporty image with a contemporary touch. The front chrome strip is well mated with a fat chrome strip on the rear tail gate. The tail lamps get LEDs and the stop lamp integrated into the tailgate spoiler complimenting it.

Interiors get a neatly designed dashboard which Honda likes to call as Sophisticated Futuristic Cockpit. It gets a first in call auto air conditioner with touch screen controls. The infotainment system gets a 5 inch touch screen which doubles up as a display for rear view parking camera. The top end version gets an even bigger 6.2 inch touch screen unit with Navigation sytem and DVD playback. The upholstery is available in two colours, premium beige (fabric) and sporty black (fabric).

Colours:

The new Jazz will be available in 7 colours-

• Sunset Orange (new)
• Golden Brown (metallic)
• Urban Titanium (metallic)
• Carnelian Red Pearl
• Alabaster Silver (metallic)
• White Orchid Pearl
• Tafetta White

Pricing:

Yes, this is where it all boils down to in the harsh unforgiving Indian market. Pricing is what led to the downfall of the otherwise fantastic car the previous generation Jazz was. This time though they seem to be measuring their steps. Let’s have a look at the pricing this time-