ge5383556639235138315
ge5624375641369513051
ge5385279154274214942
ge5492416300897067744
ge4874414141081704393
Feann Torr30 Jul 2014
NEWS

Honda Jazz arrives under $15K

Affordable new Honda runabout gets new tech, magic seats and improved fuel economy
Honda's all-new Jazz brings affordability, an edgy new look and plenty of gadgetry to the fold, all of which Honda believes will attract new customers.
Priced from $14,990, the fresh-faced third-generation 2014 Jazz (designated GF internally) launched in Australia this week, and Honda hopes the five-seat, five-door hatchback can arrest a sales slide that's seen the marque's half yearly sales slump by more than a third.
"We are setting a new benchmark in the class," said Honda Australia Director Stephen Collins. "We've sold 100,000 Jazz cars in Oz, it's our second most popular model behind CR-V, and importantly the entry point to our range."
Pitched at late 20- and early 30-year-old buyers, the Jazz may pique interest via its integration of new technology and safety features. For instance, all models feature LED headlights, a first for the class, along with LED indicators and brake lights. 
Inside there's a sleek new central control unit in the cabin, and all models except the entry-level model (VTi) benefit from sleek smart-phone like touch-sensitive 'electro static' buttons for the heating/cooling controls. 
All Jazz variants also get an elegantly integrated seven-inch touch screen infotainment system. 
Technophiles will be happy to hear the infotainment system comes with an HDMI input, one of the first light cars to offer this (along with Honda City). Another interesting feature is MP4 file playback, while a pair of USB ports plus Bluetooth phone and audio streaming are also standard on all models. 
"It's important to appeal to younger buyers, so we've really tried to fill it full of connectivity and with the technology that 20 to 30 year olds want," said Collins. 
'Magic seats' that can fold in 18 different configurations for a versatile load space are also standard on VTi models, and safety systems include a multi-angle reversing camera (wide, top down, regular views), six airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, hill start assist and whiplash mitigating seats.
Offered in three model types, VTi, VTI-S and VTi-L in order of price, all three Thai-built variants come with cruise control and are propelled by the tried-and-tested 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine of the previous Jazz, worth 88kW/145Nm. 
The engine has been mildly tweaked by Honda's engine boffins to "minimise friction" and "increase both power and fuel efficiency". In tandem with a new CVT auto transmission, the Jazz's fuel consumption drops from 6.7L/100km to 5.8L/100. However manual variants are now slightly thirstier, rising slightly to 6.2L/100km.
Honda will also offer a next-generation version of its Jazz Hybrid in Australia, but not until 2016. It will add a "reasonable premium" over the regular models, noted Collins.
Changes to the Jazz's external dimensions – wheelbase of 2530mm (+30mm) and length of 3996mm (+96mm) – provide more rear leg room, and Honda says new suspension and electric power steering will make the car more engaging to drive. 
Entry-level Jazz VTi models come with black fabric trim, a four-speaker stereo and steel wheels with plastic hubcaps, along with remote central locking, electrically adjustable mirrors, and an engine immobiliser.
Step up to the mid-spec VTi-S and you can add these to the list: 16-inch alloy wheels, side skirts, front fog lights, premium fabric seat trim, a six-speaker stereo, climate control, a front armrest, leather wrapped gear knob and steering wheel and a security alarm.
The flagship VTi-L model gets all of the above and adds leather-appointed seat trim, heated front seats, keyless entry and engine start, rear parking sensors, rear seat fold-down armrest and a roof spoiler.
The Honda Jazz is one of the mainstays of the Honda fleet, globally and in Australia, with more than 5.2 million vehicles sold since inception in 2001. 
"Jazz is a core model. Our plan is to be doing at least 800 per month," said Collins. 
"I feel confident we can do a bit better than that. In terms of second half of year sales, Jazz is very important to us. Jazz is going to be a big contributor," explained the Honda Australia boss. 
The Jazz will need to do a lot of heavy lifting as Honda sales in the first six months of 2014 were down by more than a third (34.1 per cent). And despite an excess of new models entering the space, Collins is confident the Jazz will triumph.
"Value for money wise, I think we'll clearly be the strongest proposition we've had in that segment since we launched [in 2002]. We worked really, really hard to get this price. But we wanted to make sure we had a really well specified car, with standard reversing camera for example." 
Collins said the new Jazz could become one of the top five most popular light cars in Australia, regardless of the impending arrival of an updated Toyota Yaris and all-new Hyundai i20 and Mazda2 compact cars. 
"We're very confident this car will stack up against what's in the market today and what's coming," insisted Collins. 
Pricing for the new Jazz is as follows: 
VTi manual - $14,990
VTi CVT - $16,990 
VTi-S CVT - $19,790 
VTi-L CVT - $22,490
There will also be a $16,990 drive-away price for the entry-level manual that will be ongoing, though manual models will represent only small proportion of sales. A capped price servicing program is also included.
Check out our upcoming 2014 Honda Jazz review to see whether Honda lives up to its claims.
Share this article
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Looking for a first car?Get the latest advice and reviews on first car that's right for you.
Explore the First Car Hub
First Car
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.

If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
Download the carsales app
    AppStoreDownloadGooglePlayDownload
    App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
    © CAR Group Ltd 1999-2024
    In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.