Honda Jazz X - Hatch with Sedan practicality - Failure story and lesson for car makers

The voyage of this first generation of Jazz started in the year of 2001 with the launch of the model in Japan first. Honda Jazz is now being sold in over 115 countries throughout the world after the first generation Jazz has put a benchmark for itself and adversaries after achieving a cumulative sale of more than two million units. Yet its not a hatch that would sell at least a 100 units per month in India.

Poor response to the first generation Jazz prompted the company Honda Siel Cars India Limited to launch a new deviated premium rear door model, the Honda Jazz X which is Rs. 25k costlier than its predecessor. This too couldn't gain on the popularity ratings (at least amongst the buyers although the auto journalists rate the hatch as one of a kind) after almost being 2-year-old model. The new model swanks of the premium styling, significant and remarkable performance, prominent and versatile utility and so many of interior comforts that other hatchback models lack and look so dull and pale in front of this jazzy model, yet the Honda Jazz X could not make a mark or could not ring cash registers for the Honda Siel. Read on to know why.

Looks cannot kill
The Honda Jazz X comes with very stylish and sporty looks and appearance with the addition of new blue and black swanky interiors and body colored tailgate spoiler, which is even more appealing. The sporty appearance is further accentuated by inclusion of the 15-inches steel-rimmed 5 spoke alloy wheels with total wheel covers, fog lamps (top end variant) and color-keyed bumpers, body colored front grille, door handles as well as side mirrors, sporty seating, foldable rear seat, parcel shelf in the rear, height adjustable driver's seat, and to make a resonance with the preferences of the regular customers, the new audio system of the modified version of Jazz comes well equipped with a USB port for easier access to music files.

Performance that actually stuns
The Honda Jazz is truly acclaimed for superb engine and it's a stunning performer to say the least. Coming to the fact, under the hood is a 1.2-liter i-VTEC SOHC 4 cylinder engine with 16 valves that can belt out maximum horse power of 90 @ 6200 rpm and produce peak torque of 110 Nm at 4800 rpm. The engine is compliant with E10 and Euro IV emission norms.

The i-VTEC engine means Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control type which gives optimal power at required fuel. So the fuel efficiency part is not compromised even though the car delivers output. Besides, the 'Drive by Wire' technology enables you to enjoy engine response with just touch of throttle. The stereoscopic dials in the front gives all the needed information you have wanted regarding fuel consumption at any point.

As regards Honda Jazz X Safety features, the car boasts of many and many of them first for a hatchback. The mini car sets a standard that safety shouldn't be an option but a standard whether it's a sedan or a hatch. The Jazz comes built on an Advanced Compatibility Engineering body which renders increased self-protection as well as compatibility during collisions with differently sized vehicles on the road. The car comes with pretensioner seat belt with load limiters, G-Force Control Technology (G-CON) which controls the impact energy and limits the injuries if any, SRS airbags for driver and passenger in the front, and then an ABS with EBD.

In the second generation of the Honda Jazz model that has been launched in India too, has come with a huge price tag; starting from Rs. 7 lakh, which makes it a huge let down too. The price would fetch an entry level sedan such as Maruti Swift Dzire or Hyundai Ascent. And a conscious and savvy buyer prospect would rather go for much more affordable and a feature-rich hatch such as Hyundai i20 even the top end variant.

The Honda Jazz X is equipped with additionally featured rear parcel shelf to provide more convenient customer satisfaction and the safety of your luggage. There are front and rear mud flaps for extra safety. The fog lamps improved styling and also visibility and the height adjuster for offers comfortable, easy and smooth driving position.

The new Jazz X comes with one new color Rally Red. Apart from the already existing colors Tafetta White, Crystal Black Pearl, Alabaster Silver, Deep Sapphire Blue and Sherbet Blue the new addition enhances the existing offerings. Jazz has many nifty little compartments and boxes; front console box with a sleeve, a box under the rear seat, cup holders at door pockets so on to enhance looks and convenience inside.

The low-height boot enables loading the luggage easily and with rear seats having 60:40 ration allows many options for your seating arrangement.

The Jazz is easily going to accommodate five adults along with their luggage. The interior Design of this car is as extraordinary as that of the Honda Civic. However, a good collection of seat and wheel adjustment will make the Honda Jazz much easy driving for most of the drivers to receive comfortable and also to find out good vision. The cabin is also properly planned and very attractive, which comes with easy-to-use buttons. The Steering wheel is totally adjustable and also there is an exclusive driving point though the seats are a bit firm with excellent all-round sight from tall design and also great glass areas. An attractive cabin equipped with stocky switches and buttons all the points where you expect them to be. These are really user friendly and also intuitive in terms of the use.

Honda Jazz X has been raved by almost all the auto magazines in India and abroad and was even awarded the 'Car of the Year' and the 'Small Car of the Year' by "NDTV Profit - Car India and Bike India Awards 2010". Yet it couldn't do good to herself and didn't get as popular as the company thought it'd be.