Earlier this month, Honda started accepting bookings of Jazz BS6
Ahead of its launch, details about Honda Jazz BS6 variants have been leaked online. The premium hatchback will be offered in three broad trims, V, VX and ZX. As may be recalled, bookings for BS6 Jazz are already open. The booking amount at dealerships and online is Rs 21k and Rs 5k, respectively.
Variant-wise new features
Talking about variant-wise features, the V trim gets LED DRL, glossy front grille with chrome accents, chrome ring on steering wheel controls, rear parking sensors, jack knife retractable key and cruise control on the manual variant (already available with CVT).
The VX variant also gets LED DRL, but it has a different design, as compared to that of V model. Other additions on VX include soft touch dashboard, one-touch start /stop button with white & red illumination, and keyless remote system.
The top-spec ZX variant gets additional features such as advanced LED headlamps with integrated LED DRL, LED front fog lamps and one-touch electric sunroof with auto reverse function.
Jazz BS6 engine
Similar to the strategy adopted by several other carmakers in the country, Honda Jazz BS6 will only be available in petrol format. However, unlike other carmakers like Maruti Suzuki that have discontinued diesel option for all its cars, Honda will evaluate each car individually. That’s why BS6 versions of Honda cars like Amaze and WR-V are available with diesel option.
New Jazz will be powered by 1.2-litre i-VTEC SOHC, naturally aspirated, four cylinder petrol engine. It will be mated to either a 5-speed manual or CVT transmission. Power and torque output is expected to be close to the BS4 1.2 litre engine that made 89 bhp and 110 Nm.
For records, the earlier 1.5 litre diesel BS4 engine generated 99 bhp and 200 Nm. It came mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Honda may not lose much with a petrol-only strategy for BS6 Jazz, as 80 out of every 100 Jazz sold is a petrol variant.
New Honda Jazz BS6 petrol base variant is expected to retail at Rs 7.5 lakh (ex-showroom). Attracting customers will be a challenging task for Jazz, as this space already has several popular choices such as Maruti Baleno, Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20, Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Glanza. However, looking at the various exterior and interior upgrades and segment-unique features such as sunroof, new BS6 Jazz does seem to have potential.
Another advantage for Jazz BS6 is that it is being launched at the start of the festive season. Consumer sentiments have improved in recent months and an increased preference has been seen for new / updated products.
