Honda Jazz facelift goes on sale in UK

Honda showcased the 2018 Jazz facelift at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The Japanese hatchback has been priced between 14,115 and 17,155 pounds (approx. Rs 12.13 – 14.74 lakhs) in the UK market. Deliveries are slated to commence by February. 

Since the next-gen Jazz is a few years away, this is the most prominent update for the supermini with some crucial changes to the interior trim and some revisions to the exterior look. The exterior updates have aligned the Jazz with the latest Honda family design language, incorporating the 'Solid Wing Face' headlight and grille. The front bumper is also different with more aggressive contours around the air vents. At the rear, the shallower grille sections are linked together by a glossy black trim strip above a trapezoid lower section. Customers can now also choose from a new Skyride blue metallic colour option.

On the inside, there is now a pinstripe pattern on the upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, all of which are enhanced by contrasting orange stitch lines. The Jazz retains the versatility, including a boot space of 354 litres (which can go up to 897 litres with the rear seats folded down) and the Magic Seat configuration to store tall items.

Under the hood, the biggest update comes in the form of a new 1.5-litre petrol engine. It can be paired to an optional CVT transmission which has been revised to deliver a more linear response. The 130bhp 1.5-litre motor is offered as part of a new Dynamic grade, which adds a thinner front splitter and triple-strake diffuser to the rear bumper, both featuring red accents.

Honda doesn’t have plans of bringing in the new and updated Jazz in India any time soon. However, it is high time the Jazz got some jazz in India. The hatchback has been around for more than two years now. Meanwhile, its other hatchback rivals such as the Maruti Suzuki Swift will enter its new generation this year, while Hyundai is prepping up for a mid-life update to the Elite i20. The Volkswagen Polo, on the other hand, is speculated to be updated next year. So Honda might as well bring in the Jazz facelift to maintain its position in this highly competitive segment.