Honda Jazz Old vs New: Major Differences

While Honda had made cosmetic changes to the updated Jazz globally, it has only added new features in the India-spec model

Honda has launched the updated 2018 Jazz in India at a starting price of Rs 7.35 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The Japanese carmaker has revised the Jazz’ variant lineup and has added a few more features. Sadly, the India-spec model doesn’t feature any aesthetic changes apart from the new LED inserts in the tail lamps. Here’s what has changed in the 2018 model year hatchback compared to the outgoing model, which was launched here in mid-2015. 

Engine and variants 

While the Jazz carries forward the same set of engines as before, the variant lineup and powertrain options have changed. 

• Honda has discontinued the base-spec E and mid-spec SV from the earlier lineup which included E, S, SV, V and VX. While both the petrol and diesel Jazz are now available with the V and the top-spec VX variants, the diesel also gets the now base-spec S
• The CVT can now be had with the top-spec VX variant, unlike before

Check out: 2018 Hyundai Elite i20 CVT: Review

Features

What's new?

• Besides dual front airbags and ABS with EBD, the updated Jazz now gets rear parking sensors and speed-sensing lock as additional standard safety features

• A new 7-inch capacitive touchscreen infotainment system borrowed from the second-gen Honda Amaze. It replaces the smaller resistive 6.2-inch unit, wherein you needed to press firmly for touch inputs and looked like an aftermarket job. Thanks to the capacitive touchscreen, the new unit gets pinch-to-zoom functionality as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The new touchscreen is only offered with the top-spec VX variant as before 

• Gets cruise control now, which is offered as standard with the petrol CVT and diesel (except the base-spec S variant). The petrol-manual Jazz not only misses out on cruise control but doesn't get passive keyless entry and push-button start/stop feature too. The updated Jazz also gets lock/unlock button on the driver’s door pad, which wasn’t there on the outgoing model

• While the S and V get LEDs in the tail lamps as before, the top-spec VX variant gets new Volvo-like LED units that extend all the way up along the rear windscreen. The previous Jazz too had a similar setup, but those were dummy units
• A new central console with an armrest like the one in the WR-V. Earlier it was available with the Jazz globally, but Honda didn’t offer it in India

What's discontinued?

Pictured: Jazz' Magic Seats (Euro-spec model)

• Honda has surprisingly discontinued the multi-purpose Magic Seats – the most unique element in the Jazz’ packaging throughout the world – with the 2018 model. The Magic Seats were offered as standard with the second-gen model (Jazz is currently in its third generation) and were available with the top-spec VX variant until now
• Since the Magic Seats are gone, the updated Jazz gets a bench type rear seat, which was available before with its lower variants as well as with the WR-V. The bench type seats also miss out on the 60:40 split feature and adjustable headrests

Design 

• There are practically no changes with the 2018 model year third-gen Jazz compared to previous 2015 model. In stark contrast, the international model (revealed in 2017) features a redesigned grille, front and rear bumpers, along with full-LED headlamps and DRLs 

• Even the newly introduced tail lamps were available in the pre-facelift Jazz in select markets like Australia

Pictured: Honda Jazz (Australia-spec model)

• Rather than adding anything new, Honda has removed the Jazz RS' massive Mugen spoiler, which was offered before with the top-spec VX variant. Rear spoilers have always been Honda’s thing, especially with hatchbacks. The Brio received it with its facelift and even the previous Jazz had one. The CR-V too features a spoiler with the range-topping variant 

Prices (ex-showroom Delhi)

Petrol manual

Petrol CVT

Diesel

Prices of the updated Jazz largely remain unchanged. Since the lower variants are now discontinued, the Jazz starts at Rs 7.35 lakh for the petrol and Rs 8.05 lakh for the diesel (both prices ex-showroom Delhi).

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