Japanese automotive heavyweight Honda has finally made its big comeback into the premium hatchback segment here in India. Honda hits the hatchback market with its eagerly awaited next gen Jazz. The first generation Jazz performed quite poorly in India thanks to its exorbitant price tag and the lack of a diesel engine. This time however, Honda has increased localization levels and introduced its all new i-DTEC EarthDreams diesel engine that is already in use in the Amaze, Mobilio and City.
We take a look at how the new Japanese hatch fares against one of the biggest selling cars in India – the Hyundai Elite i20.
Design:
Honda Jazz:
The new Honda Jazz sports an interesting design. While Hyundai has adopted a restrained and sophisticated exterior for the Elite i20, the 2016 Honda Jazz gives the impression of being the life of a party. The laid-back design, zany color options and the name itself produces an aura of vivacity around the Japanese hatchback. Unlike the Mobilio, City and Brio, Honda has opted to drop the unnecessary all chrome grille and replaced it with a simple black plastic unit that is complemented by a simple silver line that runs from end to end, a welcome change in design. The overall silhouette of the Jazz is a cross between a large hatchback and a compact MPV. The body style has allowed for Honda to pack in oodles of interior space.
Hyundai Elite i20:
Hyundai’s Elite i20 is graced with the South Korean car maker’s all new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy. While the design language’s first iteration focused on striking looks, version 2.0 seeks to polish itself to add a touch of refinement and class to Hyundai’s range. The hexagonal grille, headlight design and beautiful rear end all meld together to form a shell that appeals to both the executive class as well as the youth.
The design of both cars can only be described as outstanding and it all boils down to a matter of preference.
Winner: Draw
Interior:
Honda Jazz:
Honda’s high levels of localization has allowed the manufacturer to cram as many features as possible without bumping the price up. Similar to the City, the new Jazz features a fully loaded touch screen infotainment system with satellite navigation and standard connectivity options such as Bluetooth, AUX and USB input. Similar to the The dashboard features the typical asymmetric Honda design that is driver-centric allowing for the driver to easily reach the necessary buttons and knobs.
Hyundai Elite i20:
Similar to its exterior, the Hyundai Elite i20’s interior is uncluttered and classy. Unlike the previous model that featured an all black cabin, the new Elite i20 features a combination of beige and black to provide a less claustrophobic cabin. However, with its main competition migrating from a conventional music system to a fully loaded touchscreen infotainment system, the Hyundai may feel slightly dated to some.
Winner: Honda Jazz
Engine:
Honda Jazz:
Although Honda cars may not be as popular as they once were back in the early 2000’s, the manufacturer’s engineering prowess has not diminished. The 2015 Honda Jazz’s engine lineup is a testament to that statement. Powering the petrol variants of the Japanese hatch is the manufacturer’s 1.2 l i-VTEC engine that churns out 90 PS and 110 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 5 speed manual or CVT gearbox.
The Honda Jazz’s diesel engine may be one its most interesting selling points. The Japanese car maker has fitted the hatch with the very same oil burner found on the City, Mobilio and Amaze without any changes to the performance numbers. As a result, the Jazz provides a whopping 100 PS and 200 Nm of torque, the best in its segment. The 1.5 l i-DTEC engine is mated to a six speed manual and manages an impressive fuel economy of 27.3 km/l.
Hyundai Elite i20:
Hyundai has not made any mechanical changes to the new i20. As such, the South Korean hatchback is still powered by the 1.2 l petrol and the 1.4 l CRDI diesel engines. The 1.2 l petrol mill produces 82 hp @ 6000 RPM and 115 Nm of torque. The CRDI unit churns out 89 hp and 220 Nm of torque.
Winner: Honda Jazz
Verdict:
The second gen Honda Jazz has been eagerly awaited by car fans. The peppy styling, powerful engine and feature loaded interior will make the Jazz one of the hottest selling cars in this segment. Honda’s revival in the Indian market has begun full swing.
