The New Jazz

Honda has taken the innovative concept of the Jazz to the next stage – with more space, better versatility and smarter looks, to improve on what was already an excellent car.

• Even more spacious, more versatile interior
• Two new i-VTEC petrol engines
• Improvements to suspension to refine ride
• Improved i-SHIFT 6-speed automated manual transmission available
• Double-Trunk boot brings further flexibility to load space
• Magic Seats enhanced for ease of use
• Better driving position and visibility
• High quality interior materials and sharper cabin design

Jazz – the story so far

• Over 2 million Jazz (or Fit) sold worldwide
• Previous generation launched in the UK 2002
• 160,918 sold in the UK to date
• In the top five of UK retail sales charts for five years
• 50 per cent of Jazz customers are repeat customers
• 60 per cent of Jazz drivers are aged 56-75
• Over 30 industry/magazine awards won for reliability and customer satisfaction
• New model will be second generation Jazz (in UK)

Questions you can’t wait to ask

What’s the general direction for the new Jazz?
The previous Jazz was such a successful car that creating its successor was always going to be a challenge. But by enhancing the car’s strongest qualities, the engineers at Honda have taken Jazz on to the next stage, producing a car with even greater flexibility, more interior space and a ‘bigger car’ feel.

Arriving at a time of rising fuel prices and general tightening of belts, the latest Jazz offers a range of lively, economical petrol engines, which will appeal to the increasing number of cost-conscious motorists and downsizers.

With TARDIS-like packaging, this clever and versatile car has a class-leading specification, finished with high quality materials and trim. In short, the new Jazz offers all the benefits of a large car, in the mould of a small one. The new model is a formidable second generation car that raises the bar even further in the highly competitive supermini segment.

What are the main improvements on the new car?
The development team looked at the few areas where Jazz had come under criticism and improved them – you’ll immediately notice improvements to the ride and handling. Changes to the suspension settings have made the ride more supple and comfortable – particularly at the rear – while the steering feels more natural, and handling is more stable, creating a ‘big car’ feel but remaining as manoeuvrable as ever.

NVH levels have also been reduced significantly to create a cabin that’s quieter and a more comfortable place to be.

Our engineers have also been busy with the polish; adding refinement and improvements to areas where the outgoing model already excelled. There’s greater versatility with easier-to-use, one-motion Magic Seats and an innovative, new Double-Trunk (on 1.4-litre models); plus, increased cabin space. The interior trim of Jazz always set premium standards in the B-sector, but the new model takes this a step further, with a more contemporary cabin design, and the use of high quality materials and trim. And small car doesn’t necessarily mean sparse – there’s a comprehensive equipment list, including iPod connectivity.

Who will buy the new Jazz?
The fact the Jazz is so practical is the reason it attracts such a wide range of people, from grandparents and driving instructors, to families with babies and nurses. This broad appeal is one of the reasons why the car has featured at, or near, the top of the sales charts every year it’s been on sale in the UK.

The average age of a Jazz customer is 63 years old and the new car will continue to exceed the demands of this more mature market. However, the car’s sharp new looks and big-car feel will also appeal to younger customers and those wishing to downsize.

Jazz is popular in the corporate market and Honda expects to gain more sales through this channel with the latest car, especially given the high level of specification.

How many do you plan to sell in the UK?
The UK target for 2008 will be of similar volume to the current Jazz, sales of which totalled 28,170 units in 2007. This placed it in the top three of its competitor set, despite being near the end of its life-cycle.

What are the main competitors for Jazz?
B-segment superminis such as VW Polo, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Mazda2 will be competitors to the new Jazz.

How much will the Jazz cost in the UK?
The new Jazz is priced very competitively, with the entry level 1.2-litre S available from £9,990 OTR.

The SE grade will be most popular of the 1.2-litre variants and will be priced from £10,990 OTR, including air con and 15-inch alloy wheels. In the fiercely competitive supermini sector, the ample, class-leading specification on Jazz means customers wanting an economical car don’t have to compromise on equipment or comfort levels. Of the 1.4-litre models, we expect the ES grade to be the most popular, accounting for 25 per cent of the mix. Priced from £11,490 on-the-road (OTR) it includes 15-inch alloy wheels, air con, Double-Trunk boot, refrigerated glovebox and VSA. The 1.4-litre EX grade with additional cruise control, privacy glass, panoramic sunroof, 16-inch alloys and auto lights and wipers is priced at £12,790 OTR.

Honda’s i-SHIFT automated manual transmission costs £800 and so when fitted on the 1.4-litre ES costs £12,290 OTR, while the 1.4-litre EX i-SHIFT is priced at £13,590 OTR. All prices are correct at time of launch, but for up-to-date pricing, it’s best to check Barretts Honda.

Is there a conventional automatic gearbox or CVT transmission available?
No. The Jazz is available with the revised i-SHIFT transmission – an automated manual gearbox which can be paired to the 1.4-litre petrol engine, providing smooth, quick gear changes in either full auto or semi-sequential shift mode. It is also more cost-effective than a CVT transmission.

When does it go on sale?
Manual versions of Jazz go on sale in the UK in October, 2008, with the i-SHIFT automatic variant on sale in January 2009.

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