Honda Jazz facelift launched in Thailand
Just after launching the 2017 model of the Honda Jazz in Malaysia, Honda has also introduced its premium hatchback in yet another ASEAN country – Thailand on May 18, 2017.
The Honda Jazz facelift does not include any extravagant changes but makes do with slightly revised styling to be fit for the facelift tag. In addition to the numerous slight design changes, Honda has also launched the first ever RS version of its famous hatch.
The 2017 Honda Jazz sports a refreshed front grille and redesigned bumpers with paddle like design on either side which houses the fog lamps powered by LED of course. The headlights too are LED powered similar to the top spec of Indian Honda City while LED Daytime Running Lights(DRLs) and new design alloys complete the design changes on the outside.As expected, the side profile of the 2017 Honda Jazz looks very similar to the outgoing one.
The RS variant that has been launched sports bumper design specific to RS and RS emblem on the grille to highlight the variant. It also throws in new side skirting, ORVMs which are finished in black, bigger 16-inch alloys, rear spoiler and a six-speaker music system. The upholstery too has been revised for a RS specific one complete with orange stitching.
The RS variant too gets exclusive exterior colors in White Orchid Pearl and Phoenix Orange.
Interiors wise, the 2017 Honda Jazz carries a new 6.8 inch touchscreen music system replacing the earlier 7.0 inch screen system. Other than the infotainment, the interior more or less remains the same as the outgoing model.
On the expected lines, the facelift does not carry any new engine options from Honda. Powering the new Honda Jazz is the familiar 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol engine which is seen duty in many of Honda’s Indian models such as the City, B-RV and Mobilio. The buttery smooth high revving gem of a motor from Honda is good enough for 117 silky horses at 6000 rpm and a healthy 146 Nm of torque at 4700 rpm. The front wheels are driven via either a 5 speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Paddle shifters are made available only in the top RS variant which is a bit of a letdown.
The facelifted Jazz may take some time before it reaches Indian shores as the current gen Jazz is less than two years old in our market. Also, Honda may not like to spoil the interest the Indian launch of Honda’s W-RV has currently generated.
When launched, the facelifted Jazz should carry the smaller 1.2 litre petrol unit and the 1.5 litre diesel mill, the same way it has always done.
