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Honda claims the new Jazz has been meticulously designed around the needs of the young and savvy new customers that Honda is attracting. They have included steering mounted paddle shifters on all models equipped with the new advanced 5-speed automatic transmission. Large diameter front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, a third 3-point rear seat belt, ISO child seats anchors, telescopic steering wheel adjustments and ratchet-style seat height adjusters are all standard equipment. It’s setting new safety standards in a compact car and families will appreciate the new user-friendliness of the Jazz’s design – especially the one-motion seat dive mechanism built into the rear seats.

Two new versions will be made available – the Jazz 1.3 and Jazz 1.5S. The Jazz 1.3 is equipped with a new fuel-sipping 1,339cc i-VTEC engine that develops a healthy 90bhp. The Jazz 1.5S comes with a 1,496cc i-VTEC engine that delivers a class-leading 120bhp. Both engines can run on more cost efficient 92RON fuel and features a 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-mounted paddle shifters. A close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission is also available for both models.

The 120bhp i-VTEC engine on the Jazz 1.5S is the most powerful normally-aspirated 1.5-litre engine available in Singapore, while the 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters is another first in its class.

The top-end Jazz 1.5S will also come with goodies such as panoramic roof with electric sunshade, HID headlight, automatic climate control system, steering-mounted audio controls, front foglamps and 16-inch alloys.

First batch of deliveries are expected to arrive in November 2008, and Kah Motor expects the Jazz 1.3 to make 60% of total Jazz sales due to its excellent fuel economy and affordable pricing.

Prices start from $56,250 for the Jazz 1.3, to $67,000 for the Jazz 1.5S.

Credits: Story by M.H Sim, pictures courtesy of Honda