Honda updates Jazz range

HONDA has added standard side and curtain airbags and a front and rear seatbelt reminder to its entry-level Jazz GLi as part of an update on its biggest-selling model.

Every Jazz now receives a five-star ANCAP safety rating as a result of the update that also includes minor cosmetic changes in the form of new LED tail-lights and a mesh-style grille, while two new colours – Polished Metal and Fresh Lime Green - join the line-up.

Changes to the interior include a redesigned satin finish centre dash panel and a new multi-function display unit, while USB and Bluetooth connectivity are now standard.

On top of those changes, the mid-range VTi gains side skirts, “sporty” front bumpers, a gunmetal-coloured grille, 15-inch alloy wheels with a full-size alloy spare, foglights and cruise control. The flagship VTi-S gets the same additions and also gains 16-inch alloy wheels and a tailgate spoiler.

Prices remain unchanged for all variants except the top-spec VTi-S automatic, which is now $1000 cheaper at $22,690 before on-roads.



Honda claims the upgrade adds $1600 of value to the entry-level GLi, while the VTi and VTi-S gain $3400 and $2000 of extra value respectively.

The GLi retains the carry-over 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 73kW and 127Nm, while the rest of the range continues with the unchanged 1.5-litre, 88kW and 145Nm engine.

All models still come with the choice of five-speed manual or automatic transmissions except the VTi-S, which is automatic-only.

Honda’s (VSA) electronic stability control system became standard across the second-generation Jazz range – launched in Australia in 2008 - for the first time from January 1, when the potentially life-saving safety device became compulsory for all cars and SUVs in Victoria.

Jazz sales are down 21 per cent year-on-year for the first two months of 2011.

To give some context, Suzuki’s new Swift light car racked up 1001 sales in February, almost double that of the Jazz (575).

As previously covered in GoAuto, Honda’s ongoing sales downturn since 2007 has carried-over into 2011. The Japanese manufacturer has fallen behind Subaru and Volkswagen in the sales race for the first two-months of 2011 and holds a tenuous grip on tenth-place in the sales-race, with a determined Suzuki nipping at its heels.

Meanwhile, Honda Australia recalled 11,009 late-model Jazz cars in February over a possible valvetrain problem, while less than two months before that more than 27,000 previous model Jazz cars were recalled over a potential headlight fault.

2011 Honda Jazzpricing:
GLi&nbsp	$16,990
GLi (a)	$18,990
VTi	$19,190
VTi (a)	$21,190
VTi-S (a)	$22,690 (-$1000)