Honda is hoping to see accelerated sales during the second half of this year with the introduction of its all-new Jazz subcompact, launched yesterday amid martial law in the kingdom. <\/p>\n
Last year Honda zoomed away with the best-selling passenger car title after defeating arch rival Toyota for the first time in history, thanks to continuous new vehicle launches as well as existing model updates. <\/p>\n
The third-generation Jazz is priced from Bt555,000 - for the baseline S MT variant with a manual gearbox - to Bt754,000 for the range-topping SV+ variant. Honda plans to sell 20,000 annually. <\/p>\n
While 5-door hatchbacks were not popular in Thailand prior to the entry of the Jazz in 2003 mainly due to safety concerns, the diminutive Jazz started a trend that has lasted until today. <\/p>\n
\"Honda introduced the Jazz in 2003 and it rapidly became an outstanding success in the market,\" Honda Automobile (Thailand) CEO Pitak Pruittisarikorn said. \"It set a new trend and changed the demand for car usage in Thailand with its design and multi-utility characteristics.\" <\/p>\n
Since 2003, Honda has sold more than 205,000 of the Jazz (two generations), which contributed to its 5.2-million-vehicle global sales. <\/p>\n
The new Jazz is powered by a 1.5-litre engine producing 117 horsepower and 146Nm of torque. While Honda replaced the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) of the first-generation Jazz with an automatic in the second generation, the CVT has returned in the latest model, with the new gearbox being developed under Honda's \"Earth Dreams\" technology. It also comes with a 7-speed paddle shifter mounted on the steering wheel and an Eco-Assist system to help save fuel. An Econ mode minimises fuel consumption by adjusting the engine mapping as well as air-conditioner operation. <\/p>\n
Like other Honda models launched recently, the Jazz comes with E85 capability, allowing the hatchback to enjoy lower excise tax. <\/p>\n
Driver assistance systems include VSA (Vehicle Stability Control), HAS (Hill Start Assist), ESS (Emergency Stop Signal), ABS brakes with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and a G-Con (G-Force Control) safety body structure. The top model comes with six airbags as well as a 7-inch touch screen audio system supporting smartphone interface, HDMI audio and video connections. It also features a voice-control function and a SIRI eye-free mode, and connects with the HondaLink App for some phone models. <\/p>\n
Other features include a trip computer, automatic climate control, smart entry and a multi-function steering wheel. The rear \"Ultra Seats\" offer four adjustable modes, and the front seats can be folded to connect with the rear seats, turning the cabin of the Jazz into a large resting space. There are nine cup holders around the cabin plus a mobile phone holder and tablet box. <\/p>\n
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All-new Jazz hits the road<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Honda is hoping to see accelerated sales during the second half of this year with the introduction of its all-new Jazz subcompact, launched yesterday amid martial law in the kingdom. Continue reading