Honda has launched the new and refreshed 2012 Jazz in the Middle East. This follows the recent launch of its all new Odyssey in February.

The new Jazz embodies fresh design, improved aerodynamics, improved interiors, improved fun to drive character and reduced road noise while following its tradition of “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum” concept, a company statement said.

Honda’s man maximum, machine minimum concept is a basic approach to car design that calls for maximising space available for humans by minimising the space occupied by the machine.

The redesigned front & rear bumpers improve its aerodynamic performance that reduces air resistance and increases fuel efficiency. It is also complemented with restyled headlight and taillight for a refreshed appearance. Overall the exterior design expresses dynamic motion and spaciousness.

The door mounted rear view mirrors are aerodynamically shaped. These mirrors are fitted with side turn lamp and provide a large visible area for improved safety.

The muscular yet sporty wheel arches and larger wheels on all models also augment exterior aesthetics in line with customer’s requirements in this region. The base grade (LX) is equipped with 15” steel wheels and the top grade is equipped with 16” alloy wheels.

Reflecting the current choice of customers, the new 2012YM Jazz has an additional 3 new colour line-up.

The packaging of Jazz is based on Honda’s innovative centre tank layout. A long wheelbase, wide track enhances interior space and practicality while maintaining a tight turning radius of 4.9 meters. The front pillar is located forward to create spacious interior, while exterior styling is enhanced with a reassuring face with large headlamps that curved along the car’s flanks. The front bumper is also curved upward with the sporty honeycomb grille.

The rear hatch door is located 605 mm from the ground and can be opened to 80 degrees wide, providing easier access for passengers as well as facilitating loading and unloading of luggage.

The cabin features an ingenious layout with a natural feeling of space and comfort. The large three-meter cluster provides superior visibility and permanent illumination. In the center of the cluster is a multi-information display (MID) providing information like instantaneous and average fuel consumption, range, etc.

To ensure a comfortable driving position for all drivers, a tilt and telescopic steering column and a driver seat height adjuster have been applied.

A Panoramic Sunroof (option on EX) provides even more sense of space and comfort in the cabin that creates more freedom and stronger connection with the outside surrounding. While the power sun shield can be opened and closed with the touch of a switch for a comfortable cabin all year round.

Moreover, the left and right rear headrests fit into back seats for easy seat arrangement and better rearward visibilities.

Stylishly integrated into the fascia, the single CD/Radio fitted to all models offers MP3/WMA playback capability and speed dependent volume adjustment. The four speakers are supplemented with a pair of tweeters and USB adapter located in the centre console.

The Jazz interior is full of practical utility, starting with 10 cup-holders and a wide range of easy-to-use storage spaces. The glove box is with an AC vent also to keep beverages cool in the hot and humid GCC region reflecting Honda’s attention to detail.

The Jazz’s dynamic performance is made possible by the 1.5L i-VTEC engine that delivers 118 hp @ 6600 rpm. Combined with a 5 Speed Automatic transmission (5AT) and a newly developed torque converter Jazz also delivers 14.8 kg-m torque @4800 rpm. 

Jazz will be the first car in its class to be equipped with 5AT which ensures smooth and powerful start performance and higher fuel efficiency.  In addition to that, Dual – mode Paddle Shifter System enhances “fun to drive” characteristics and thus more attractive for young customers.

Body construction and design privies higher rigidity and crash safety performance. Noise and vibration during idling as well as booming noise while cruising are quieter than ever; thanks to highly efficient connections of structural members and enhanced body stiffness The implementation of sound-absorbing acoustic materials in the roof, carpet, and dashboard insulation contribute both to greater quietness and to lower weight.

The ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure, a concept that has been rolled out across the Honda range, provides multiple energy absorbing pathways to disperse impact energy and prevent cabin deformation.

Standard on all models are dual front airbags and three point seatbelts in all 5 seating positions. All Jazz models are equipped with ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution system as standard equipment. In addition to child seat bar, tether anchors are provided in both left and right rear seats.

New Jazz, like all Honda models has been subject to the manufacturer’s rigorous car-to-car crash testing in the R&D center at Tochigi.

With its 1.5L i-VTEC engine the Jazz achieves an outstanding balance between fuel efficiency and fun to drive performance; unmatched in its class. The 5 speed automatic transmission system and its closely matched gear ratios also help improve fuel economy.

The 2012YMJazz is available in two trim levels – the well equipped LX, and the upscale EX which gives customers an option to choose panoramic sunroof, 16” Alloy Wheels, Cruise Control, Leather steering with audio and cruise control buttons, and paddle shift for sporty performance.-TradeArabia News Service