“Why groan when you can grin? Why shrug when you can leap? Why plan when you can be spontaneous? Why be careful when you can be carefree? Why not sing a song. Why not tap your fingers. Why not whistle and hum. Why not smile for once. Why not take the world off your shoulders. Why not break out of the mould. Why not stay young. Why not add Jazz to your life.” – This is how the press conference of the much awaited Honda Jazz started. But my smile faded off when I flipped through the pages of the brochure of Jazz and realized that every single word of the above paragraph was a copy-paste effort from the brochure itself! So much for sounding spirited in the press conference, eh. Nevermind, this does make for a good and inspirational speech, so I would give it a miss of my frown.

Now, let us concentrate on the product being in question – Honda Jazz. The Honda Jazz comes to India with quite a few things going for it. First up, the engine is the most powerful in the hatchback segment. The 1.2 litre, Euro 4 ready, i-VTEC engine churns out max power of 89 bhp and 110Nm of torque and is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. ARAI tested this engine to return 16.1 kmpl, but then again, that is a little misleading as the test would have been done under almost ideal conditions. How much will the Honda Jazz drink when out on the open road? Well, we suspect close to 13 or 14 kmpl, but will only be able to give you a proper figure when we’ve tested the Jazz comprehensively. The suspension setup has been beefed up to handle the torture of our roads. The front features McPherson struts while the rear does duty relying on H-shaped torsion beams.

Honda is offering the Jazz in three variants – Jazz, Jazz Mode and Jazz Active. The absolute best thing, however, is that all three variants have ABS, EBD and airbags as standard equipment. That, I say, should be followed as a norm across the automotive segments. Okay, I might be asking for a bit too much, but at least airbags, please? The Honda Jazz will come with a long list of optional extras that would include items like keyless entry mechanism, integrated MP3/CD audio system, steering mounted controls and a whole lot more. It has even got something called “Magic Seats” for crying out loud! Come on Honda, flip and folding seats could’ve been called something better than that, I am sure.

The crucial thing though, is the price. And let me tell you, at the onset, Jazz isn’t a cheap family hatchback. It is a premium offering that has set out to demolish the “it is premium only if it is a sedan” mindset of a typical Indian buyer. Speaking of which, I do however feel, that Honda could’ve played the price quotient a bit more cleverly. I mean, the base version going at almost 7 lakh is madness.  Check it out for yourself.

Honda Jazz: Rs 6.98 Lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
Honda Jazz Mode: Rs 7.28 Lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
Honda Jazz Active: Rs 7.33 Lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

Honda Jazz Specs:

Engine Type: SOHC, i-VTEC
Engine Displacement: 1198cc
Max Power: 89bhp@6200rpm
Max Torque: 110Nm@4800rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Front Brakes: Disc
Rear Brakes: Drum

Honda Jazz Measurements:

Length: 3900mm
Width: 1695mm
Height: 1535mm
Wheelbase: 2500mm

The Jazz’s dynamic performance is achieved by a newly developed four-cylinder 1.2-liter i-VTEC engine, featuring Programmed Fuel Injection that delivers maximum output of  90 PS (66 kW) @ 6,200 rpm and Torque of 110 Nm (11.2 kg-m) @ 4800 rpm while giving impressive fuel economy of 16.1 km/l, as per ARAI test data. Jazz is available in 5-speed manual transmission with gear ratios optimized for a sporty driving experience, while ensuring good fuel economy. The Drive by Wire throttle control system enables precise control of the vehicle while driving.

In line with Honda’s mission to reduce its environmental footprint, the new engine is E10 compatible and has Euro IV emission levels. This engine has been specially developed for the Indian Market and reflects the company’s commitment towards India and its continued focus on bringing in the latest global technology into the country.

Honda’s design principle “Man Maximum – Machine Minimum” has defined the underlying approach in the design concept of the Honda Jazz that calls for maximizing the space available for passengers and minimizing the space occupied by mechanical components. Jazz offers futuristic, sporty, and aerodynamic exteriors, combined with new-age interiors, along with the best in class safety technology.

The Jazz chassis realizes both superior ride comfort and agile handling. The high rigidity body and supple suspension provide an exceptional dynamic performance. The car features a McPherson strut suspension in the front. The H-shaped torsion beam rear suspension achieves the maximum possible space for the rear seats and cargo area as well as steady ride comfort and agile handling. The Electric Power Steering aids the driver to steer the car with less effort and gives better handling.

Safety of passengers and pedestrians is a top priority for Honda and all safety equipment is standard across all variants. The Honda Jazz comes fully loaded with various active and passive safety features including ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution System), Dual SRS airbags and pre-tensioner seat belts. Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body (ACE) and     G-CON (G-Force Control Technology) provide a high integrity survival zone that enhances self-protection and better compatibility in collisions with other vehicles. Honda’s Pedestrian-injury reduction body design helps protect pedestrians from injury in the event of a collision.

The exterior styling concept of Jazz is an Advanced Super Forward Cabin and Dynamic Forward Leaning Form which is intended to express both spaciousness and dynamic motion.  The big front quarter windows, slim front pillar and integrated rear head rest provide clear visibility in all directions for more comfortable and safe driving.

Honda Jazz comes with a new-age interior design, which is sophisticated and exciting with advanced functionality including a Tilt steering column for ensuring comfortable driving position for all drivers, Keyless Entry with answer back, Integrated audio equipment with MP3/ CD and Aux-in, Steering Mounted Audio Controls, Auto Volume by Speed, Magic Seats and Driver’s footrest. The large three-meter cluster provides superior visibility with permanent illumination. The speedometer, located in the center of the cluster, features a large LED display providing of a broad range of information, including instant fuel economy and range indications, which are easy to read and operate without distracting driver’s mind from driving.

The packaging of Honda Jazz is based on Honda’s innovative center tank layout which allows enhancement of cabin space and practicality. This layout helps maintaining excellent maneuverability of a 4.9 meter minimum turning radius. At 3900 mm long, 1695 mm wide, 1535 mm tall and wheelbase of 2500 mm, efficient use of space has been made to create a spacious cabin interior.

The 3 stage opening of doors and rear doors opening to a wide 80° angle, provide easier access for passengers and facilitating loading and unloading of luggage. The car boasts of a class leading spacious boot and the tailgate opening is located 615 mm from the ground, making it easy to load and unload luggage. The Honda Jazz features 10 cup holders, double glove box and a secret box for hidden storage under the rear seat.

The Jazz practicality has been enhanced with three
- mode “Magic Seat” configuration to achieve multiple seating and cargo-carrying configurations for long or tall objects in addition to the standard five-passenger mode.

Utility mode :       Easy one-motion dive down and reverse operation of the rear seats. The luggage space can be extended to a maximum length of 1,720 mm thanks to the spacious full-flat floor.
Long mode:       In Utility mode, place the passenger seat in the full reclining position to create a space up to 2,400 mm long to carry long objects.
Tall mode:       Fold up the rear seat cushions to take advantage of Jazz’s 1,280 mm roof height—the perfect way to make space for tall items like house plants.

Honda Jazz is being manufactured at HSCI’s facility in Greater Noida, U.P. with localisation level of 77%. Bookings for the Honda Jazz will start immediately at the company’s vast distribution network of 105 authorised dealership facilities, across the country. HSCI has already expanded and strengthened its dealer network in preparation for the launch of the Jazz. This network is likely to go up to 112 facilities by the end of the current financial year.

The Honda Jazz will be available in three types in Manual transmission – Jazz, Jazz “Mode” & Jazz “Active” in six vibrant colours – Habanero Red, Deep Sapphire Blue, Sherbet Blue, Alabaster Silver, Taffetta White and Crystal Black Pearl.

The Honda Jazz comes with a 2+2 years or 80,000 kms warranty and 4 years Roadside Assistance as standard value for all Jazz buyers.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Masahiro Takedagawa, President and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd said, “The Honda Jazz is a segment defining car and is loaded with all the values that are associated with Honda – global design, great drivability, fuel efficiency and safety. The Jazz will cater to a unique group of people who want the latest and most stylish models with the best of technology, safety and practicality in their car. We are confident that like our other products, the Jazz will be well accepted in the country.”

Sold successfully in over 130 countries with cumulative sales of more than 2.8 million units, the Honda Jazz has won over 40 international awards. The 2nd Generation Jazz (also known as Honda Fit in Japan) was awarded the Japan Car of the Year (2007-2008) making history by winning the same award as the 1st generation model. The car has earned the best-selling position in Japan in 2008 and is the latest benchmark of Japanese car market.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a big SUV, and the measurements speak for it aloud. The Land Cruiser stands almost 5 metre long and 2 metre wide while the wheelbase is an impressive 2850mm. Being a proper SUV, the Toyota Land Cruiser is expected to be quite high up from the ground and it indeed is, the ground clearance being 225mm. As mentioned above, this is a big SUV, and big is almost always directly proportional to being heavy. So, the Land Cruiser weighing in at 2720kg (kerb weight) isn’t a surprise. This heavy-duty dune basher comes with a double wishbone setup up front with Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) technology while the rear features four-link setup with coil springs t absorb the thrashing. For a SUV this big, a sub-6 metre turning radius is commendable.

Toyota has loaded the Land Cruiser with all the armour they had. It comes with something called clearance and bank sonar (it is something like a park assist system, only a little more complicated!), multi-terrain ABS with electronic brake force distribution,  a hill-start assist control, a crawl control system, vehicle stability control, Toyota’s ATRAC mechanism, ten airbags, cruise control and a whole range of whatnot. Phew! There are two option packs available offering high end audio systems and sunroof etc.

We always have loved the sheer magnificence of the Toyota Land Cruiser and this one has got us salivating. We just can’t wait to head off to the sand dunes and thrash the Land Cruiser around. You will hear about our drive in days to come. Watch this space for an evaluative road-test of the Land Cruiser.

Toyota Land Cruiser Specs:

Engine:
Displacement: 4461cc
Type: V8, DOHC
Fuel System: Common rail direct injection
Max Power: 281bhp@3600rpm
Max Torque: 650Nm@1600-2800rpm

Measurements:
Length: 4950mm
Width: 1970mm
Height: 1910mm
Wheelbase: 2850mm
Ground clearance: 225mm
Kerb weight: 2720kg
Fuel tank: 93L
Turning radius: 5.9m

We are getting the 1.2 litre engine that will put out a max 89bhp@6200rpm and 110Nm torque with the engine spinning at 4800 revs. This sounds rather good and would make the Honda Jazz the most powerful of the hatchbacks in the country. Good enough to label the Jazz as a ‘hot hatch’ then? The answer may be a yes. But we’ll know it for sure only once we test it out comprehensively for you. This Euro-4 ready, i-VTEC motor has a SOHC layout displacing 1198cc with a bore of 73mm and stroke figure being 71.6mm. The engine is mounted transversely and features Honda’s famed PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection). ARAI tested number for fuel efficiency stands at an impressive 16kmpl and the Jazz stands proud of the CO2 emission of 125g/km, making it one of the cleanest cars in the country today.

The wheelbase of 2500mm should ensure that the interior is commodious enough to seat five adults in comfort. The Jazz will be 3900mm long and 1695mm wide. Despite being nearly 4 metre long, the Jazz should be easy to manoeuvre owing to its 4.7m turning circle and light steering. The suspension will be suitably modified for Indian conditions and might feature McPherson struts up front and torsion beam setup at the rear with stabiliser bars doing duty at both ends. The Honda Jazz will have a kerb weight of close to 1100kg and the fuel capacity will be a little over 40 litres. The Jazz comes with a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, so safety is a given.  Honda might do a disc-drum combination while tyres will be 15 inch tubeless radials. The practicality quotient will be enhanced by 60/40 split folding rear seats.

Honda Jazz specs:

Engine:

Cylinder Layout: In-line
Displacement: 1198cc
Camshaft: SOHC
Fuel Delivery Type: PGM-FI
Max Power: 89bhp
Max Torque: 110Nm

Dimensions & Capacities:

Length: 3900mm
Width: 1695mm
Height: 1525mm
Wheelbase: 2500mm
Tyres: 175/55 R15
Fuel tank: 42 litres
Kerb weight: 1086kg