New Honda Jazz spices up our motoring scene

Hot behind the heels of the Odyssey MPV and City compact sedan, Honda has launched the 2014 Jazz in Singapore amidst much anticipation. The compact family hatchback has won many hearts with its practical yet stylish and fun-to-drive characteristics to become one of the most popular hatchbacks in Singapore.

The third generation Jazz is one of the last few remaining models in Singapore that is built in Japan and sports improvement in many areas, most notably in its cabin and drivetrain. Thanks to the reprofiled centre fuel tank and a redesigned cabin, the Jazz boasts an increase of 139 litres in interior space, making it the largest in its class.

Featuring the marque's proprietary Earth Dreams technology, the new Jazz is also up to 24 percent more fuel efficient. Two engine variants are offered in Singapore - a 1.3-litre and a 1.5-litre RS. Both variants come with a CVT transmission with a seven-speed overriding function.

For the first time, a six-speed manual transmission is also available on the 1.5-litre RS. The Jazz 1.3 develops 100bhp and 119Nm of torque, while the RS sneaks right under the Category A COE with 130bhp and 155Nm of torque.

The new Jazz will come with a slew of features, such as a 7.0-inch infotainment system with touchscreen capability, multi-function steering wheel, rear view camera, as well as steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a more engaging drive. On top of these, the top-of-the-range RS model will come standard with LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED tail lamps. On the inside, the RS will also feature One-Push Engine Start system and Honda Smart Key system. 

Prices at launch (inclusive of COE)

Honda Jazz 1.3 - $107,499
Honda Jazz 1.5 RS - $113,499