Honda tweaks Jazz spec and pricing
BY TIM NICHOLSON | 1st Aug 2017
Visual tweaks to the third-gen Jazz hatch that was launched in Australia three years ago include new front and rear bumpers and a fresh front grille design, while top-spec VTi-L variants gain bi-LED headlights with LED high and low beam and LED daytime running lights.
It also gains restyled 16-inch alloy wheels on mid-spec VTi-S and the VTi-L, and there is a new Phoenix Orange pearlescent paint added to the colour palette that now extends to seven hues, with all except one – Rally Red – attracting a $495 metallic or pearlescent paint premium.
Pricing remains static for the base VTi which starts at $14,990 plus on-road costs for the five-speed manual, while the optional continuously variable (automatic) transmission (CVT) adds $2000 to the price.
The mid-spec VTi-S has increased by $200 to $19,990, while the VTi-L is up by $500 to $22,990. Both these variants are offered with the CVT only.
Honda has made no changes to the powertrain, with the 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 88kW/145Nm carrying over.
Interior upgrades include a 7.0-inch touchscreen, up from the 6.1-inch unit on the outgoing model, while in-built satellite navigation is now standard fare on VTi-S and VTi-L.
Standard gear on the base VTi include a multi-angle reversing camera, a 12V power outlet, Honda’s flexible Magic Seats, LED tail-lights, electric door mirrors, four-speaker stereo, cruise control, black fabric trim, power windows and 15-inch steel wheels.
The VTi-S now gets new 16-inch alloy wheels, a tailgate spoiler, LED headlights, ‘premium’ fabric trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, electrically retractable door mirrors and side skirts.
The flagship VTi-L adds a six-speaker stereo, rear parking sensors, paddle shifters, climate control, power windows with auto up/down, a leather gear shifter and a security alarm.
Buyers can also now option up a $1498 Luxe Pack available on all variants that adds black alloy wheels, door visors, bonnet protector, alloy pedals, carpet mats and a luggage tray.
The third-generation Jazz had its best year of sales in 2015 when Honda shifted 9845 units, before dipping by 15 per cent to 8316 last year.
So far this year Honda has sold 4004 units, representing a 12.2 per cent drop over the first six months of 2016.
The Jazz trails the big hitters in the segment this year, such as the Hyundai Accent (8223), Mazda2 (6479) and Toyota Yaris (6114).
| 2017 Honda Jazz pricing* | |
| VTi | $14,990 |
| VTi (a) | $16,990 |
| VTi-S (a) | $19,990 |
| VTi-L (a) | $22,990 |
