Likes;
- Engine Refinement
- CVT Convenience
- Feature Rich, Interior Space
- Ride Quality
Dislikes;
- Engine Performance on Highway
- Pricing (At this price point you can buy some entry level sedans)
- Cream/Beige Interiors, Magic Seats Omission
- Looks Undertyred
Video Review;
I start off the video with some JAZZ music & relate (By the end of the video in the conclusion) the similarities of JAZZ Music with the Honda Jazz.
The variant i am driving is the 1.2L Petrol CVT & the car is reviewed on Engine Performance, CVT Gearbox, Handling, Ride Quality & how it works out as a Premium Family Hatchback in the Indian context;
Key Findings;
- This is a facelift but Honda India haven't changed the bumpers, nor the headlamps, nor the grille, not even the alloy wheel design. Interior changes to name a few is addition of front centre armrest & the new infotainment system (Support of apple car play & android auto). In features they have added the Smart Keyless Entry, Cruise Control & A Start Stop Button.
- The overall attempt to make a facelift in India is so half hearted that it seems the Changes were decided in a lunch break by Honda engineers & is not entirely like the 2018 HONDA FIT.
- Strangely Honda engineers have omitted the MAGIC SEATS. But still the Seats do fold, but they just dont go flat & not the kind of combinations available in the pre facelift model.
- The Horn sounds too cheap & quite audible inside the cabin. Something to do with the Horn placement/direction ?
- The 1.2L (L12b) petrol motor is underpowered but being an SOHC the the low end drivability is good specially for city driving, but on the highway its numb & even the VTEC cant save this motor.
- Overall the Jazz 1.2L Feels like a big car with a small engine. The 1.5L Honda City petrol motor would have shined in the Jazz (i.e. Export Spec).
- The REFINEMENT is the trump card here for this engine & oh boy, its just simply fantastic. If you are stationary its almost impossible to know wether the engine is running or not. The refinement is that good, typically Honda !
- The CVT i believe is the same one which is offered in the Honda City & like any CVT gearbox it prefers the traffic & not open roads. This transmission doesnt like to be pushed, may be you wont like to push it either.
- Handling competency of the JAZZ at high speeds remains pretty stable and safe enough to maintain healthy speeds. BUT with just 175/65 R15 the JAZZ seems undertyred.
- My tip would be to upgrade to 195/60R15 to enhance looks, increase handling prowess.
- Ride quality is a major strong point for the Honda JAZZ as the suspension seems perfectly damped for the Indian roads.
- Lets not forget that the Honda Jazz is an expensive hatchback & at this price point it does open up options of various other entry level sedans as well. But if for a moment you forget that & look at Jazz as a product individually then i think it may be the perfectly packaged spacious hatchback your family needs.