Honda Jazz: A facelift on the cards?

 Honda Jazz: A facelift on the cards?

The fans of the Honda Jazz – or even those who regularly following automobile news – might be aware of its history in the Indian market. The Indian market was introduced to the Jazz nameplate when the premium hatch made its debut – in its second-generation globally – in mid-2009. While it was well-conceived by the critics, the consumers just didn’t find the Jazz appealing for its high price tag. Subsequently, Honda pulled the plug on the Jazz in early-2013.

In its third-generation now – the car you see above – the Jazz was introduced back in the Indian market in 2015, and this time around, costs were kept in check thanks to heavy localisation. While it was simply more affordable than before, the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai Elite i20 overshadowed the Jazz in the premium hatchback segment.

Honda Jazz fans will also know that a new generation model was unveiled last year at the Tokyo Motor Show. In an ideal world, Honda will bring the all-new Jazz to India, fit it with the most potent engines, price it competitively, and sit down while sales numbers reach an all-time high. However, in the real world, the current Jazz will follow up – expect a facelift for it? – since Honda doesn’t see the Indian market as a value proposition to bring in the new Jazz.

We’ll discuss the sad news above on a different day, but, for now, let’s see if the minor updates to the Jazz will help it gain some momentum in the Indian market. Here’s a lowdown considering all the expectations.

Specifications

Since it will be a mid-life update – for the second time – for theHonda Jazz, expect it to look more or less similar to the ongoing model. The overall specifications, too, are expected to remain unchanged. For reference, the current Jazz measures 3,955mm in length, 1,694mm in width, and 1,544mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,530mm and a ground clearance of 165mm. The kerb weight is respectable at 1,042kg for the base-spec model, making it one of the heaviest cars in the segment. Moreover, it has a fuel tank capacity of 40-litres and a boot space capacity of 354-litres.

It is likely to remain unchanged on the mechanical front too. The only expected change, of course, will be the transition to the soon-to-be-enforced BS-VI emission standards. The entry-level engine will be the 1.2-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol, good for 89bhp and 110Nm of torque. It will be mated to a 5-speed manual or a 7-speed CVT automatic gearbox. The diesel will also be upgraded to meet the said emission norms. The 1.5-litre i-DTEC engine is capable of producing 99bhp and 200Nm of torque. In the ongoing model, it only comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Mileage

While the on-paper figures are expected to be the same as the BS-IV model, expect a slight dip in fuel efficiency. As of now, the diesel-manual derivative of the Jazz delivers 27.3km/l. The petrol-manual and petrol-CVT deliver 18.2km/l and 19km/l, respectively.

Features

The Jazz was always the most under-equipped car in the segment. So, we expect Honda to introduce a set of projector lamps with LED DRLs at the front, so as the Jazz looks as snazzy as the competition. The alloy wheels are also expected to receive an update.

On the interior front, however, the ongoing model is decently equipped. The top-end variant you see here gets a push-button start, keyless entry, steering-mounted audio controls, cruise control, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with both Apple Carplay and Android Auto, electronically retractable and adjustable ORVMs, and climate control.

Colours

The Jazz, as of early-2020, comes in five shades, namely, Radiant Red, Lunar Silver Metallic, White Orchid Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, and Golden Brown Metallic.

Brochure

All the details regarding the Honda Jazz, namely, the engine, specifications, variant wise equipment, colours, dimensions, interiors, and exterior details are extensively covered in the brochure.

Variants and Prices

As of early-2020, the Honda Jazz is available in eight variants, withtwo variants for the petrol-manual, three variants for the petrol-CVT and three variants for the diesel-manual. The prices start at Rs. 7.55 lakhs for the V Petrol variant going all the way up to Rs. 9.51 lakhs for the VX Diesel variant (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi). For the variant-wise on-road prices, visit us at autoX.

For more on the Honda Jazz, be sure to tune in to autoX. Also, grab the latest info on the new cars, only at autoX.

Aaron Healy