Honda Jazz 2018 Review
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2018 Honda Jazz Review: A Unique Hatchback Experience
Introduction
For those who’ve lived in the Middle East, the Honda Jazz is a familiar nameplate. Over the years, it’s earned the trust of the nation but has developed a reputation for being significantly pricier than rivals such as the Kia Rio, Suzuki Baleno, and Toyota Yaris.
Exterior
Part hatchback, part crossover, the aesthetic presence of the third-generation model is funky yet in line with previous models. The EX trim that we’d been lent for this review sported a chrome grille similar to the one found on the Honda City, striking 16-inch alloys, and deep contours along the length of the vehicle that give the impression of a longer side profile.
You might also be interested in: 2018 Honda Accord launched in the UAE
Interior
Intelligently packaged, the interior of the all-new Honda Jazz is far larger than its petite exterior would suggest. While there are a few neat touches, such as cupholders located in front of the A/C vents that have been carried over from previous models, the highlights are undeniably its rear seat space and whopping 354-liter boot capacity. Keen-eyed enthusiasts will also notice the familiar A/C vents and steering that the Jazz shares with older Civic models.
Safety & Tech
Packing nearly as much tech as its more affordable Korean rivals, the Honda Jazz 2018 is equipped with plenty of safety, entertainment, and convenience features, including:
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Rear parking sensors
- Cruise control
- Automatic air-conditioning
The 7-inch infotainment screen that occupies a prominent position along the dashboard, however, is rather complicated to use and behaves similarly to an old iPhone after receiving a new update – it’s full of animations but laggy.
You might also be interested in: Honda Odyssey 2018 Review
Drive
Fitted with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a CVT transmission, the Jazz with its 130 horsepower and 155 Nm of torque, is (on paper at least) more powerful than the larger Civic. Delivering 8.4 kilometers for every liter of gasoline, the Japanese hatchback is both nimble and frugal, providing well over 500 kilometers per tank of gasoline. Great for new drivers and small families, the Jazz offers excellent outward visibility from the large windscreen and quarter glass, making driving a hassle-free experience.
Verdict
Although the third-generation model has been around since 2014 in international markets, it wasn’t introduced to the UAE until 2018 due to its unpredictable success rate. While the first-generation model far outsold planned volumes, the second-generation model failed to gain much traction due to its high price tag.
Unfortunately, the all-new Honda Jazz 2018 follows the footsteps of its less successful sibling and carries an unjustifiable price tag of AED 63,900. To put this into perspective, that’s just AED 3,000 less than the larger, more practical, better-looking, and better-equipped Honda Civic! Simply put, the Jazz is a great hatchback that may not find many buyers at this price point.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful and fuel-efficient
- Very well equipped with features
Cons:
- Nonsensical price tag
- Laggy infotainment screen
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