Honda Australia has announced upgrades to its entry-level compact car, the Honda Jazz, and top-shelf people mover, the Honda Odyssey, as part of a 2017 model year update.
The entry-level manual Honda Jazz VTi ($14,990) now comes with 15-inch alloy wheels as standard, with no price increase. The importer describes the wheel design as five-point, twin-swept spoke.
In 2016, Honda Jazz sales were down 15.5 per cent on 2015 results, from 9845 to 8316. It was outsold by the Suzuki Swift (8372), Toyota Yaris (12,158), Mazda2 (13,639) and Hyundai Accent (18,703).
Honda Australia Director, Stephen Collins said the alloy wheel addition at no extra charge would increase showroom appeal for the Jazz.
"Coupled with other segment-leading features such as LED projector beam headlights, LED tail lights and a multi-angle reversing camera, the addition of alloy wheels on Jazz VTi will ensure it remains one of the best equipped, best value Light cars on the market."
Meanwhile the entry-level eight-seat Honda Odyssey VTi for the 2017 model year gets the option of a new Premium Spice Purple Pearlescent, which incurs extra cost. The base model retains its price of $37,610 and also adds new split-pocket storage areas behind the front seats.
The top-selling seven-seat Honda Odyssey VTi-L gets a subtle facelift via new-look grille and darker headlight lenses. It also adds tinted windows across the second and third row plus tailgate windows and now features ISOFIX child seat anchorage points on the second row 'captain' chairs.
The extras command a $450 premium, taking the 2017 Honda Odyssey VTi-L to $46,490.
Sales of the Odyssey were down 4.4 per cent in 2016 compared to the year prior, from 2836 to 2712. It was the second-best-selling people mover in Australia, after the Kia Carnival's 4777 sales.
"While the Odyssey VTi-L is the top selling individual variant across the entire People Mover under $60K segment, so these latest styling and equipment updates are sure to lift its appeal with customers, as well as improve its competitive position in the market," stated Collins.
Honda Australia's top-selling car in 2016 was the HR-V compact SUV, with 12,403 sales.
Honda Jazz 2017 pricing
VTi (manual) $14,990
VTi (CVT) $16,990
VTi-S (CVT) $19,790
VTi-L (CVT) $22,490
Honda Odyssey 2017 pricing
VTi $37,610
VTi-L $46,490