Honda continues the process of renewing its range. After the presentation of the new HR-V in Portugal, it was the Japanese brand's turn to present its most compact model in Germany, the new Honda Jazz – the fantastic and exclusive NSX will be presented later this year.
With more than 5 million units sold worldwide since 2001 – of which 781,000 were sold in Europe – the importance of this model for the brand's global accounts can be seen right away. Hence, Honda has invested heavily in this third generation, starting with the choice of the platform (the same as the HR-V) and ending with the solutions found for the interior of the model.
Honda is not in 'fashion' and compares the space available aboard the Jazz with that of the... Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Competitor with proposals as different as the Volkswagen Polo, Peugeot 2008 or Nissan Note, the new Honda Jazz is strongly committed to the passenger compartment. Namely, in the versatility and available space. Honda is not into fashion and compares the space available on board the Jazz with that of the… Mercedes-Benz S-Class. If it has more interior space than a Mercedes-Benz S-Class I don't know, but it is spacious. Both front and back, space abounds in all directions.
The luggage compartment now has a capacity of 354 liters and can grow to 1314 liters with the seats retracted. Speaking of collected banks, two important notes: the magic banks and the 'Refresh' mode. The 'Refresh' mode allows, removing the headrest from the front seat, to fold the seats and transform the interior of the new Honda Jazz into a bed to rest. Magic seats refer to the functionality of the base of the rear seats that can lift to transport tall objects.
Speaking of the engine, note the availability of the 1.3 i-VTEC petrol unit with 102hp of power and 123Nm of maximum torque – the only one currently available on the European market. This block is associated with a six-speed manual gearbox and as an option with a CVT gearbox (only available by order), both designed specifically for the needs of the European market. An engine that dynamically proved to be well-adjusted to the needs of a car of these characteristics – 11.2 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and a top speed of 190 km/h.
Driving is easy and comfortable, were the sensations that I gathered in the approximately 60 km that we covered at the wheel of the Jazz in the vicinity of the city of Frankfurt. A less positive note for the model's soundproofing, which allows the engine to be heard in the cabin more than usual – even if it doesn't bother. A feature that could improve with the introduction of the future 1.0 turbo engine from Honda.
A less successful point, but one that is covered with a list of very desirable standard equipment. Available with three levels of equipment – Trend, Comfort and Elegance – the new Honda Jazz offers as standard, air conditioning, emergency braking (acting in the event of an imminent collision), light and rain sensors, electric windows and Bluetooth connection. The Comfort level adds ADAS security systems – Collision Warning (FCW), Traffic Signal Recognition System (TSR), Intelligent Speed Limiter (ISL), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and High beam Support System (HSS ) – Honda Connect, parking sensors and mirrors with automatic collection system. For the top-of-the-range Elegance equipment level, automatic air conditioning, parking camera, alarm and leather finishes are reserved.
The price of the new Honda Jazz starts at 17 150 euros, while the Comfort version has a cost of 18 100 euros. For the top-of-the-range Elegance version, the Japanese brand asks for €19,700. The new Honda Jazz arrives in Portugal on the 26th of September.