Australia's Easy Reading New Car News Home | News | Road Tests Honda Jazz VTi Honda Jazz VTi-S Honda Jazz VTi-L Honda Jazz VTi-L Honda Jazz: new generation released Home > News > Honda Recent new car releases ..... here Upcoming new car releases ..... here 21st September, 2014 Honda’s all-new Jazz was released across Australia recently. “This all-new Jazz is an important model for us and we are confident our customers are going to love it as much as we do,” said Honda Australia Director, Mr. Stephen Collins. “Its fun-to-drive character, versatility, state-of-the-art connectivity and long list of standard features are packaged brilliantly in a new, sporty design with a range of vibrant colours that will definitely appeal to our younger customers.” The third-generation of Honda’s versatile five-door hatch is outstanding value, with an extensive list of standard features including the three mode rear view camera, colour touch-screen Display Audio system, unparalleled storage capacity and a host of safety features. The versatility that Honda Jazz is renowned for is fundamental to its design, with class-leading interior space and practicality courtesy of its centre-mounted fuel tank and ingenious Magic Seats that flip and fold in 18 different ways.  The Jazz epitomises smart functionality, with spacious and comfortable seating for five and the ability to carry voluminous cargo, including long and tall items. The all-new Honda Jazz is available in three variants – VTi, VTi-S and VTi-L – all powered by a 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine delivering 88 kilowatts of power at 6,600 rpm and 145 Newton metres of torque at 4,500 rpm. It features a new CVT from Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series for enviable fuel economy rating of 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres (combined urban/extra urban). A manual transmission is available in the VTi and achieves a 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres rating. Honda Jazz line-up VTi The VTi comes standard with: - 1.5 litre SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine - 88kW @ 6,600rpm and 145Nm @ 4,600rpm - 5-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission with paddle shift - Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering (MAEPS) - 15-inch steel wheels - Electrically adjustable door mirrors with LED turn indicators - LED projector-beam headlights - LED taillights - Accessory 12V power outlet - Black fabric seat trim - Cruise control - Eco Assist - ECON Mode (automatic transmission only) - 'Magic Seats' - Tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel - Four speaker audio - Display Audio (7-inch colour touchscreen) including: AM/FM radio and CD player, Bluetooth® phone and audio connectivity, USB ports (x2), HDMI® port, Siri Eyes Free mode, MP4 movie file play - Multi-angle reversing camera - SRS airbags: dual front, side and full-length curtain - Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) - Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) - Hill Start Assist (HSA) - Engine immobiliser - Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control System (TCS) - Whiplash mitigating front seats At Next Car we road test cars! Check these out! Honda Accord VTi-L road test ..... more Honda CR-V VTi-L road test ..... more VTi-S Additional features over the VTi: - CVT automatic transmission only - 16-inch alloy wheels - Black premium fabric seat trim - Chrome rear licence plate garnish - Electrically retractable door mirrors - Front fog lights - Side skirt set - Accessory 12V power outlet in centre console - Climate control - Front armrest console - Leather-wrapped gear shift knob - Leather-wrapped steering wheel - Security alarm - Six speaker audio VTi-L Additional features over the VTi-S: - Black leather-appointed seat trim - Heated front seats - Rear parking sensors - Rear seat centre fold-down armrest - Smart entry and push button start - Tailgate spoiler Exterior Design The all-new Jazz has a fresh and sporty new style to showcase its enhanced handling and power. The aerodynamic and purposeful design of the entire car is integrated with powerful lines flowing from front to rear, over the bonnet and roofline and around the sides. The strong character lines in the bonnet carry smoothly up the A-pillars to the more forward roof peak then taper down to the rear roofline spoiler. The inverted bottom V lines also split to frame the angular lower side fascia pods that house the fog lights. Exhibiting a powerful and planted look, the lines at the edge of the protruding lower air intake flare back, ride over the wheel-accentuating front guards and continue to expand in a wedge to encompass the rear wheel arch. A mid-height chiselled line emanates from the front wheel and scores a line through the door handles to expand around the taillight. Above the front bumper, the commanding solid grille and lower positioned headlight design makes a smooth, one-motion surface that continues with an integrated linear flow over the bonnet, windscreen and roof. From the lower air intake back, a planted bottom edge holds the design securely to the road. All lines culminate at the rear into a substantial multi-horizontal form and tidy rear diffuser. The strength of the rear styling is accentuated by the roofline spoiler and forward slant of the rear window. Combination tail lights expand powerfully into an angular form with reflectors rising to the roof. The lights are balanced below by the rear bumper edge flares with a similar but inverted shape. The solid bar garnish between the rear window hatch echoes the front grille design for a unified feel. On VTi-S and VTi-L variants, the garnish is rich chrome. Aerodynamics As an important element contributing to fuel efficiency, the all-new Jazz has greatly improved aerodynamics. The frontal projected area is similar to the previous Jazz but the engineers were able to meet the difficult challenge of greatly improving the coefficient of drag (Cd). As well as the more aerodynamic bodywork, including windscreen mounting pillar garnish and A-pillar design that smoothes airflow, the greatest benefits to drag reduction is from the design of the undercarriage. The front lip spoiler, engine undercover, centre floor undercover, rear strakes and rear suspension covers streamline the airflow under the car. Mirrors The shape of the two-tone, black and colour matched side mirrors complement the Jazz’s exterior styling and were specifically designed for low aerodynamic drag to improve fuel efficiency while reducing wind noise. The mirror base and mounting point was redesigned for the new Jazz to provide better visibility around the mirror. The easily adjustable power mirrors include integrated turn indicators for added visibility in traffic. Glass Excellent outward visibility is a hallmark of Honda design. It is also a key feature for the Jazz, as it has excellent front and rear sight lines for the driver, including a commanding eye point level. Next Car's great drives! Check this out! Crossing the Nullarbor ..... more Interior Design The new, fresh and sporty interior styling of the all-new third generation Jazz starts with a large glass area providing an open, airy interior environment giving a sense of spaciousness and providing the driver with excellent visibility. The blue backlit three-dial instrument panel includes a Multi Information Display (MID) and Honda’s Display Audio as standard. The comfortable and spacious seats with high quality fabric have an appealing geometric pattern in the VTi and VTi-S grades. For the first time, Jazz also offers the luxury of a leather-appointed cabin for the VTi-L as standard. The VTi-S and VTi-L also feature a leather-appointed steering wheel and gearshift knob. Driver Interface The interior has been completely redesigned for even greater ergonomic performance. The new instruments and controls are oriented to the driver for quick readability and easy, natural access. A large speedometer is placed in the centre of the instrument pod with Eco Assist lighting, the colour of which changes to assist the driver achieve greater driving efficiency. A tachometer resides to the left and the MID on the right can cycle through various informational displays. The instruments and display provide critical and useful information including current estimated fuel economy, time, outside temperature, fuel gauge and transmission gear position (on CVT models). The touch screen Display Audio is conveniently positioned for either the driver or front passenger to control. New-style steering wheel-mounted controls with more functionality provide quick and easy access to various functions and information without the driver having to remove their hands from the wheel. Occupant Area The new Honda Jazz has a longer wheelbase to provide a larger occupant area. Contributing to the remarkable interior size is clever packaging, thoughtful storage features and the amazing Magic Seats that provide 18 configurations for the ultimate in functionality. Key among the many clever engineering and design changes made to achieve its excellent packaging is a lower profile fuel tank. Floor frame members that were previously located along the sides of the fuel tank were moved under the tank to allow the wider profile. A narrower, single-fan radiator contributes to an engine bay that is shorter, allowing for additional occupant room. A new rear wheel arch design and shorter rear suspension trailing arm help to provide the 36mm increase in passenger leg room. The Jazz has more interior space, with larger door openings and doors that open wider. Once seated, the additional passenger space is immediately felt with increased room in virtually every direction, particularly the larger side-by-side and back-to-front passenger space. The sensation of spaciousness is further enhanced by a large glass area. Cargo Area Opening the rear hatch provides access to a remarkably spacious and accommodating cargo area. With a low lift over height, four dedicated seat modes and dozens of configurations, the Jazz is the epitome of functionality and utility. Fold the Magic Seats forward and the Jazz provides an enormous cargo area. Other configurations allow long and tall items. Magic Seats The trick of the exceptional utility is its 60/40 split second row Magic Seats, in addition to the larger interior room afforded by the redesign and the 18 different configurations that provide even better cargo-carrying options. The Magic Seats can be configured to adapt instantly to a wide variety of circumstances and needs. In the standard seatback-up/seat bottom-down position, there is ample room for three passengers to sit comfortably. As the seatback is split 60/40, one or two passengers can still be accommodated while extending the cargo-carrying capacity by folding down one side or the other. And since the seats now offer exceptional rear-seat legroom, the rear passenger area can also accommodate large items. Self-Catering Holiday Accommodation in Denmark, WA ..... more The Magic Seats can easily be folded into any of its positions with levers accessible from the rear of the car or the rear doors: 1. Utility Mode With both second row seats folded down, the Utility Mode allows for maximum cargo capacity; a cavernous 1,492 litres. The flat floor and regular shape of the area allow for the most efficient use of the space. Also, due to the low lift over height of the hatch and low floor height, large and heavy items can be easily loaded. Four tie downs on all models make it easy to secure cargo. 2. Tall Mode The Tall Mode is another useful cargo-carrying configuration for tall items that need to remain upright, such as a large plant. This would also be useful for bringing along the family dog, since the side door entry is even lower than the rear entry of the vehicle, making it easy for most dogs of any age to get in or out. With ample space from floor to ceiling, the Jazz can even accommodate two mountain bikes with their front wheels removed. This is a better alternative than laying one bike on top of another in the back, which risks damage from protruding pedals and handlebars. 3. Long Mode If long items such as timber, a stepladder, or even surfboards or musical instruments need to be carried, the Long Mode accommodates. With the rear seat on the passenger side folded down and the front passenger seat tilted all the way back, long items can be carried. Long Mode accommodates bulkier items without the need for a roof rack. 4. Refresh Mode When not driving, the Refresh Mode provides a comfortable, feet-up place for two people to relax. This mode is achieved by removing the front-seat head restraints, moving the seats all the way forward and tilting the seatbacks all the way back. Comfort and Convenience The redesigned Jazz includes a host of creature comforts. Whether it’s the utility of the centre console’s iPad or tablet storage, the connectivity of Bluetooth, the comfort of the VTi-L’s leather appointed interior trim or the convenience of Smart Entry, the new Jazz is an accommodating driving experience. Key features include: Smart Entry and Push Button Start/Stop (VTi-L) Remote central locking Centre console with armrest, iPad or tablet storage and power outlet (VTi-S and VTi-L) Driver’s seat with manual height adjustment LED projector beam headlights Multi-Angle Rearview Camera Bluetooth connectivity and Siri Eyes Free (with compatible Apple iPhone) Display Audio Smart Entry and Push Button Start/Stop (VTi-L) For the first time, the Jazz VTi-L includes the convenience of Smart Entry and Push Button Start/Stop system. The system simplifies approaching, entering and operating the Jazz, especially when the driver is carrying items. Operating the system requires only that the driver has possession of the Smart Entry key. Smart Entry allows access to the vehicle without having to use the remote key fob or the key. Instead, the remote has a unique digital identity that is recognised by the vehicle when the driver approaches. At this point, to enter the vehicle, the driver simply pulls one of the front door handles while the remote in his or her possession. Similarly, pressing a soft-touch button located on the rear fascia opens the trunk. Once the driver has opened the door and is seated, the Push Button Start system allows the Jazz to be driven by pushing the START/STOP button positioned on the instrument panel. Powertrain operation and certain electrical functions are ended when the START/STOP button is pressed again at the conclusion of the trip. After parking the vehicle, a touch of the soft-touch lock button on either front door handle locks all doors and boot to secure the car. Alternatively, a press of the LOCK button on the Smart Entry remote will also simultaneously lock all the doors and boot. The Smart Entry system will not allow the transmitter fob to be locked in the interior or the boot. Auto-Up/Down Power Windows The all-new Jazz has a power window for the driver with auto up/down feature in the VTi. The VTi-S and VTi-L have power windows for the driver and front passenger. Illuminated controls allow for easy operation at night. Pressing a master switch on the driver’s window control panel can deactivate the passengers’ windows. Clever Storage Solutions The Jazz provides an excellent level of storage utility for its compact size. Numerous storage areas are sized to hold common personal items and they’re also conveniently located for easy use. They include a glove box, convenient door bins in front and now also in the rear and a passenger-side seatback pocket. Beverage holders are located below the centre stack and at the front and rear doors. A storage compartment to the left of the instrument panel has a tilting front panel that can accommodate smaller items, such as a smart phone, or expand to hold a beverage. The centre console with armrest folds up to reveal a storage bin that’s big enough to hold an Apple iPad or similarly sized tablet in the VTi-S and VTi-L. The bin includes a 12-volt power socket and a USB port. The armrest lid has an indent to allow wires to pass through with the lid closed. Powertrain Engine Improved 1.5 litre SOHC four cylinder i-VTEC engine All-plastic intake manifold Lower friction Reduced weight of moving parts Valve diameter increase, decreased plug diameter Improved cylinder/piston cooling Fuel economy (combined urban/extra urban)and emissions as follows: • VTi manual: 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres and 144 grammes CO2 per kilometre • VTi CVT: 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres and 135 grammes CO2 per kilometre • VTi-S CVT: 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres and 135 grammes CO2 per kilometre • VTi-L CVT: 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres and 135 grammes CO2 per kilometre Earth Dreams Technology CVT New design replaces conventional automatic transmission Wider ratio range High-rigidity belt Reduced friction Increased torque converter capacity Reduced weight and size The Jazz has a revised 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine with a number of improvements to optimise combustion, reduce weight and minimise friction to increase both power and fuel efficiency. At lower engine speeds, the i-VTEC system employs milder cam profiles, causing shorter valve operation and reduced valve lift to deliver robust torque and fuel efficiency. At higher engine speeds, i-VTEC triggers more aggressive cam profiles that produce longer valve operation and greater valve lift for more torque. The Variable Timing Control (VTC) system assists in this process by adjusting intake cam phasing to retard valve timing at lower engine speeds for better fuel efficiency and advancing timing at higher speeds to increase valve overlap for reduced pumping losses and more power. Both the intake and exhaust valves have a larger diameter for greater airflow capacity. The intake valve size is increased from 28mm to 29mm and the exhaust valves enlarged from 23mm to 25mm. To further aid responsiveness, the rotating mass of the crankshaft was reduced by 27 per cent by using four instead of eight counterweights and the journal diameter was reduced from 50mm to 46mm. Additional engine weight savings were obtained by the use of individual main-bearing caps instead of the larger bearing cap structure of the previous engine, and by utilising an all-composite intake manifold. To manage combustion heat, an oil jet was added to spray cooling oil onto the underside of the piston, which also helps with lubrication. Also, an aluminum sleeve was added above the cylinder sleeve to improve heat transfer from the cylinder block. Honda Jazz Manufacturer’s List Price*   Flat paint Metallic paint VTi manual $14,990* $15,485* VTi CVT $16,990* $17,485* VTi-S CVT $19,790* $20,285* VTi-L CVT $22,490* $22,985* NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications. E&OE. 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