Honda Jazz (2011) X - Design Review

The Jazz made a lot of noise when it was launched – here was a hatchback, traditionally a poor man’s car – that cost more than a few sedans! Is it worth the hype? Sure, the Jazz has traditionally sold for a premium in markets around the world, but that hasn’t stopped it from selling well, thanks to its practicality. India, however, is a very different market, as manufacturers have learned at some point or another. Will its practical nature manage to outweigh the decidedly impractical price tag?

Design

You won’t mistake the new Jazz for anything but a Jazz, but the changes are in the details. At the front, you’ll see the chrome ‘mustache’ grille. The bumper is new as well, with creases running down from the middle of the headlamps to the bottom. It doesn’t gel with the rest of the front of the car, but it does lend a little bit of aggression to the front.

From the front three-quarters the Jazz looks a little rear-heavy, but the full effect of the monobox design hits you when you view it in profile. The large glass area is also on full display from the side, and on the top-end variant, the alloy wheels lend a sporty touch. There aren’t any strong lines in the Jazz; a small crease that runs from front fender flare to tail-lamp and a second one that starts off as the rear wheel arch and melts into the front door. There is a lightcatcher at the bottom of the doors, but again, it isn’t a strong, muscular addition.

From the rear three-quarters, the Jazz looks as wide as it is tall, with wide hips tapering to a relatively slim roof. There are new details on the Jazz’s rump – notice the new chrome strip above the registration plate? There also is new detailing in the tail-lamp lenses, although you won’t see it unless you get up close to the Jazz’s posterior.

Honda has retained the non-offensive look for the new Jazz, and it will appeal to those of a practical bent of mind – which is the target market for the car. No complaints, then, other than the front bumper that looks a little out of place compared to the rest of the design