Honda will launch its new Thai-built Jazz in Australia next month, with a three-tier model range priced from just $14,990.
All models will be powered by the same 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine, which develops the same power and torque (88kW and 145Nm), as the 1.5-litre engine in the current Jazz. But fuel consumption has been pared back to 5.8L/100km in combined-cycle testing – a significant improvement on the current figure of 6.7L/100km for the Jazz Vibe S with five-speed automatic.
For the base-grade Jazz VTi, Honda will offer a manual transmission, raising the fuel consumption for that variant to 6.2L/100km. Every other variant will feature a continuously variable transmission.
In addition to the VTi level of trim, the Jazz will also be sold in VTi-S and range-topping VTi-L form. Standard safety features across the range include Hill Start Assist, emergency brake flashing lights, stability control, six airbags and a three-mode reversing camera (normal, wide angle, top down).
Like the other models in the range, the Jazz VTi comes with 'Magic Seats' that can be configured in up to 18 different ways, to suit passengers or payloads. Other standard equipment runs to a seven-inch colour touch screen for the Display Audio system, which can stream music wirelessly or provide assistance (Siri) to contact friends or find points of interest. In addition to the standard kit available in the VTi and VTi-S, the flagship VTi-L gains part leather trim, heated front seats and reverse-parking sensors.
"The Jazz is one of Honda's most important and successful models, not only in Australia but around the world," said Honda Australia Director Stephen Collins. "In Australia, the Jazz has sold almost 98,000 units since it was first introduced back in 2002, cementing it as one of our core models."
"Honda's engineers have managed to pack even more into the all-new Jazz including the colour touch-screen Display Audio system, three mode reversing camera and loads of safety features as standard. All this, while retaining the flexibility of the Magic Seats and spacious interior."
Pricing for the new Jazz is as follows:
VTi manual - $14,990 (flat), $15,485 (metallic paint)
VTi CVT - $16,990 (flat), $17,485 (metallic paint)
VTi-S CVT - $19,790 (flat), $20,285 (metallic paint)
VTi-L CVT - $22,490 (flat), $22,985 (metallic paint)