Previewed last month, the 2017 Honda Jazz facelift has just been officially launched at the KL Convention Centre. This midlife ‘minor change’ comes three years after the third-generation GK made its debut here in 2014. It also sees the return of the Jazz Hybrid to our shores.
Let’s start with the new Jazz Hybrid. Malaysia is the only market outside of Japan to get the hybrid variant of the Jazz, and Honda Malaysia (HM) officials say that this is due to our country’s Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) incentives as well as high market acceptance of hybrid cars.
Honda was a hybrid pioneer when launching the Civic Hybrid here 10 years ago, and the 2011-2013 “golden era” of tax-free CBU hybrids saw the company introduce the Insight, CR-Z, Civic Hybrid and Jazz Hybrid in Malaysia. The latter was also sold as a CKD model in 2012, when it became the first locally assembled hybrid car. By the end of 2013, Honda had 55% share of the local hybrid market, before the tax-free CBU hybrid window closed.
Now, the market is dominated by premium brands and their plug-in hybrids, and HM sees an opportunity in offering an affordable hybrid model. The company raised its hands, so to speak, in wanting this model.
Enter the new Jazz Hybrid powered by a Sport Hybrid i-DCD system, which stands for Intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive. The i-DCD, which replaces Honda’s original Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, consists of a 1.5 litre petrol engine, a seven-speed (dry) dual-clutch automatic transmission with integrated electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery. The system also includes an electric servo brake system (improved energy regeneration) and an electric driven compressor.
The engine isn’t the one in the regular Jazz, but a unique Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC unit with 110 PS and 134 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. Combined with a 30 PS/160 Nm motor, the system produces a combined 137 PS and 170 Nm of torque.
In contrast, the 1.5L petrol Jazz is powered by a SOHC i-VTEC engine with 120 PS at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm at 4,600 rpm. The Hybrid’s electric motor provides all its torque from rest, which should translate to significantly improved performance over the petrol car.
Honda says that the Jazz Hybrid’s i-DCD produces 1.8 litre NA levels of power (Civic 1.8 makes 141 PS) while returning claimed fuel consumption of 4.0 litres per 100 km. That’s 25 km/l, versus the 17.2 km/l for the 1.5L petrol. Compared to the old IMA-powered Jazz Hybrid with a Ni-MH battery, this one has two times the output and 1.5 times the energy capacity in a smaller and lighter package. It also has the IMA with Li-ion package (CR-Z facelift and FB Civic Hybrid) beat.
Reliability is a main Malaysian concern when it comes to hybrids, and Honda is confident that the Jazz Hybrid can withstand Malaysian usage. This confidence is from two years of real world testing in Malaysia over various roads and conditions (over 7,000 km) that are unique to our country. According to the car’s Japanese project leaders, such unique situations include heavy traffic jams with constant stop-start traffic (they joined a Hari Raya balik kampung exodus) and trips to Genting Highlands.
Keen car industry observers might remember that the dual-clutch system encountered some problems in its home market in 2014 and was recalled. Honda set out to improve the robustness and reliability of the system, and the lessons learnt from the demanding tests in Malaysia was incorporated into the improved i-DCD.
So, not only do we get a gearbox that has been refined to our unique requirements (“sportier gear ratios” compared to the original), Japan gets a more robust system too – JDM and Malaysian cars share the same hardware and tuning.
Unlike IMA cars, the Jazz Hybrid fires up in EV mode without the engine, which kicks in when needed. There’s no button to force the issue, but EV mode is possible at speeds of up to 80 km/h (engine always on in IMA except when idle) and when driving gently at 40-50 km/h, the Jazz can travel one to two kilometres without the engine. The electric compressor feeds on the Li-ion battery, which means that the air con continues to run when the car is idle (engine stopped), which is not the case with IMA.
Powertrain performance aside, the Jazz Hybrid promises a sportier drive over the petrol. It comes with a “performance rod” for better stiffness, unique spring/damper rates and quicker steering (14.7 vs 16.7 ratio). The hybrid model also gets added insulation behind the dashboard.
The Jazz Hybrid may steal the headlines, but it’s the regular Jazz 1.5L Petrol that will take the lion’s share of sales. As mentioned, it’s powered by a SOHC i-VTEC engine with 120 PS at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm at 4,600 rpm, the same engine under the hood of sedan sister City. The transmission is an Earth Dreams CVT automatic, with paddle shifters in the top V grade.
Speaking of grades, there are three for the petrol like before – S, E and V. The Hybrid is sold in a single grade and largely shares the same specs as the E, with the addition of some hybrid-only items such as the unique meter panel with hybrid displays (energy flow, Sport meter, Eco display) a different gear selector (S button switches to sporty shift logic, kills off EV mode) and cruise control.
Previously, the entry S stood out with its steel wheels and caps. Now, it gets the same (new design) 15-inch alloys as the E and Hybrid, as well as keyless entry with push start. There’s also a “standard audio” non-touchscreen integrated factory head unit, replacing the old single-DIN unit. These upgrades mirror those of the City S facelift.
The mid-spec E gets some equipment from above, too. The previously V-only touch panel auto air con and 6.8-inch touchscreen “display audio” head unit with phone buttons are now here, and the airbag count is up to four from two with the addition of side airbags. As before VSA and Hill Start Assist are standard from the E onwards.
The top V gains part leather seats, cruise control and steering paddle shifters. As before, the V is the only Jazz to have 16-inch alloys, six airbags (including side and curtain), turn signals on the power retractable wing mirrors, leather on the steering and gear knob, and six speakers.
There are some new-to-Jazz features as well, and they are the ECON button (standard), LED daytime running lights (from the E), multi-angle reverse camera (from E) and cruise control (Hybrid and V). No LED headlamps as per the City V – halogen reflectors are standard issue. Like Thailand, we don’t get the rear LED light bars of the JDM car – the rear lamp clusters are unchanged.
The Jazz petrol is available in five colours – Lunar Silver Metallic, Tafetta White, Carnival Red, Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl. Lunar Silver Metallic made its Malaysian debut with the Civic FC, and is new for the Jazz. The Hybrid can be had in Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and White Orchid Pearl – the latter is new to the Jazz and exclusive to the Hybrid for a RM300 premium.
The Jazz facelift range starts from RM74,800 for the S, rising to RM81,000 for the E. The range-topping petrol V is yours for RM88,400. The Jazz Hybrid meanwhile retails for RM87,500 (CKD Jazz Hybrid was launched in 2012 for RM90k), which makes it the most affordable hybrid car in Malaysia. HM targets sales of 150 units per month for the Hybrid.
Prices are on-the-road with insurance. There are accessory packages available, as seen in the image above, although the Mugen pack isn’t available until October. By the way, compared to the pre-facelift, the S is priced at RM1,000 more, the E’s price has been maintained, while the V’s price is RM1,000 lower. As detailed above, all grades get more equipment.
The usual Honda Malaysia warranty of five years/unlimited mileage applies. The Jazz Hybrid gets an eight-year unlimited mileage warranty for its hybrid battery, and the battery’s cost isn’t exorbitant at RM5,500 should it need replacement outside of the warranty.
GALLERY: Honda Jazz 1.5L V
GALLERY: Honda Jazz Hybrid
GALLERY: Honda Jazz Mugen accessories prototype
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Habislah Iriz….
Beza 30k, beb! Bukannya Biza tu..
Habislah Ioniq rm115k
Still don’t understand why anyone wants an ioniq. such an ugly car to be seen driving in.
not that ugly…i have seen worst…like insight , prius ….
Jepunis cars are always ugly
they are both in different class lah…
Habislah Camry Hybrid….
Habislah john
Cukurrr Honda MY, Honda Motor(51%), DRB oni 34% . If not Honda same same nasib Proton lingkup DRB.
Hanya gaji 2.5K sebulan dpt rasa Honda….tak payah pening P1 & P2..Ahakss …
PTPTN tu dah mula bayar ke?
Tak kesahh….YOLO.
87k for hybrid is a good price..thumbs up Honda!
Jazz with VSC costs RM81k? Ready my username Greedy Honda!
Biggest disappoinment.
When City facelift was launched, base spec gets VSC and i would expect the same for Jazz.
Instead, Honda gave cosmetics like alloy wheels, keyless entry, push start button, what a letdown.
If people want alloy, go outside put ownself la, wanna put 20″ pun suka hati lu la, but no VSC, how to go outside and install?
honda is always about outlook, thats what malaysia consumer look at it. focusing not inside but outsider
Sweet pricing for the hybrid. Too bad only 4 airbags sour it a bit.
With problematic protong bailout by geely,DRB should move forward and give better rebates for all future Honda launches.
DRB lost tons of money due to cancerous protong.
Now DRB can recover as much as possible but please price your cars much much lower than PNB’s UMW Toyota.
Why DRB? it is not like DRB control Honda Malaysia..
Wow the hybrid is really a good buy, if the testing and development was done here , that says a lot
The Jazz is THE benchmark for small HB in M’sia. With the new Jazz Hybrid & our country’s EEV incentives as well as high market acceptance of hybrid cars, the jazz will continue to be well accepted as the Hatch Back most M’sian want BUT not all can afford sad to say.
My only grouse if not nitpicking is the omission of LED headlamp for at least the top spec(V & hybrid) car otherwise it would be the perfect HB if there is such a perfect HB. Cheers to Honda.
You wouldn’t miss the LED headlamps. The ones on the Civic sucks big time. They weren’t particularly bright nor have a good throw. A set of good factory HIDs works better (as long as they are aimed properly – something HM seems to have trouble with…i still get blinded by CRVs after numerous complaints) .
I would be more disturbed by the hybrid not getting 6 airbags. Not even as an option….which is odd since these are CKD now. Poor.. Very poor showing Honda.
Last time Jazz hybrid had VSC removed for CKD units. They proudly claim the price reduced, but the specs were horribly reduced too.
It seem S variant is a let down…
Well, bashers demanded for cheap jepunis or they will bash gov. So…
The hybrid is priced right. But HM should have added VSC, HSA for S spec.
Did I read that right… No paddle shift for 7 spd dual clutch??? My heart is broken. Why HM… Why…?
Some Passat variants dun have flappy shifts. So…
After watching the video, I kinda understand why they done away with it. Would rather have them tune it properly rather than risk gearbox failure if customers simply hantam paddles. They also already failed DCT once, this time they have no more margin of failure, else they got no choice but to pull out DCT for a long time… They probably also save engineering time by NOT reprogramming & retune shifter module. On another note, why only 4 speakers omg… Hybrid city drive supposed to be silent. Sound quality more important when quieter… haih forced to aftermarket tweeter…
Loving the price ,meh with the specs. I guess my previous uncertainty with the hybrid outseling the petrol V is Honda pricing the hybrid as Sort of E+ and leaving the goodies for the V so buyers will literally grind their teeth in choosing the two. The hybrid system in the…errr…. hybrid is quite complex, 1st gear is activated by the electric motor and the engine continue the rest of the gears which should avoid gearbox wear and tear like some similarly priced european Zwei-clutch car….. should.
But either kinda disallowed at the lack of peddle shifters to override the 7speed DCT for mild hooning. Looking at the performace figure, i guess is correct to leave some of the goodies for the naturally aspirated or else is a no brainers on the hybrid. Both good and cruel of HM of this decision, will definitely try test driving it soon.
The quick demise of CRZ proves that sporty & hybrid dun mix. At least for Honda.
CRZ was a different era. Using NiMH, low output motor, heavy, etc. Same era as ct200h. Looker but can’t perform.
Above mentioned CRZ uses Li-ion. Neither was it a slouch with 1.5L engine. And yet Jepun overlord deemed it not worthy to revive. Why?
Majority crz are 2012 tax exemption model, nimh…Crz also discontinued already… Both crz, ct200h 0 to 100 in 9~10s depending on battery charge. Fiesta 1.0T ~8 second… 30-50k cheaper when new… Doesn’t perform la… This jazz is the one that can match FiST.
im aware 2012 model is nimh. But im saying CRZ wasnt just disappointing in MY, but oso worldwide. Deswai its discountinued, not just in MY.
That hybrid is going to sell like hot cakes!
87k only. The koreans dont stand a chance
Not gonna comment on the car, as the car and the engine looked plain boring. But the RM2960 accessory option for the “CSE Connex” car tracking system is really daylight robbery.
Do you know how much is the cost of a GPS-Tracking system in Taobao? RM30(50RMB). Put in a U-Mobile sim-card that costs RM10/month with free basic internet, spend 1 day to YouTube how to host your own server, and there you have it, your own satellite tracking car system.
don’t be a cheapo …
Mr. Danny Tan,
There is an error here:
134Nm + 160Nm = 160Nm?
“110 PS and 134 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. Combined with a 22 kW/160 Nm motor, the system produces 137 PS and 160 Nm”
You cannot use such a simple anology to calculate the combined output of a hybird system.
Gear ratio, torque reduction of the electric cycle, energy lost and bridging between the electric motor, flywheel and the gearbox all play a part in the final output. This is no 1+1=2 math.
The electric drive probably looses its efficiency at high rpm just like any DC motor.
Whatever it is, 160nm is a lot of torque at 0 rpm for a small light car. Would be a good point and shoot city car. 2.0NA cars dont make this much until past 3500rpm.
Atan, Thanks for asking the question. Am sure some did not know the answer like me benefited from Gud Samaritans like Malaysian Drive & 4G63t who took the time to reply your question.
At least U get 2 answers instead of “dislike”. I know I’ve learn something today from more experience & smarter guys. Cheers … to learning something today.
Missed the previous time this hybrid was here. Might just purchase it this time after a few months IF no certain SUV hybrid called CHR is not coming…
all naik harga…
Incorrect. E spec remain, V spec & hybrid reduced. S spec only up 1k but throws in much more stuff than u can get at 1k. Overall, u get more for ur money.
Means dah turun harge…
The mugen pack is so expensive
what is the top speed and century sprint time?
This is family car la pls…75-88k, what do u expect?
Even though is a 75-88k family car, it’s still nice to know the top speed and century sprint time.
About 7.8seconds according to YouTube JDM spec.
That’s slowwwww
Lol compare stock vios, iriz, myvi, vento, city, jazz petrol, Rio, Mazda2, this is plenty fast… (Referencing hybrid ofc)
About 7.8seconds according to YouTube JDM spec.
Too bad, no spare Tyre in the hybrid version, just a temporary repair kit. :(
Fuel consumption better when no spare ;) You win some, you lose some.
Now Jazz also comes with cruise control, please offer this feature in BRV too, sub-RM100k with cruise control is awesome on City & Jazz! Bravo Honda!
Come on Honda Malaysia!
Why no VSC on base grade S model? even the Proton’s new saga premium have it.
When Toyota will introduce hatchback in Malaysia?
Toyota hatchbacks r all DoA. How to sell? Maybe KK can gip his 30% price reduction for that junk yaris.
There’s 1 reason not to buy these hybrid model, they’ll depreciate as quick as you fall down a cliff. Just saying.
There’s 1 reason to buy these hybrid model, they’ll give you the g forces as quickly as you fall down… something something something.
RM88k for a tiny B segment car is ridiculous. Something must be wrong with the country or ringgit has no more value
Wow! U can even miss the title and go straight for the bash. Pls see 74,800, tenkiu. And dun let the door hit u on da way out yeah. The door is expensive.
Waldo eh, 74-88k u still complain? Yah, work harder la
Can u share thai n indo price? we love to know the price..
Should have ditched petrol engine completely and just went with three hybrid models
Hybrid meter digital LCD like civic?
7000 km test only? Wow.just wait for that dct to fail
2 years testing only 7000km?
of course the hybrid version was the main talking point now….but whatever dont jump in too fast…just wait and see….buy car no need to hurry…haha
Woww menarik betul. Ada mungkin HRV hybrid tak..??
perhap City hybrid next in line?
The Jazz Hybrid in Japan is rated to do 0-100km/h in 8.7 sec. This makes the Ionic’s rated 0-100km/h at 11.1 sec looking like a slug :-D
2.4 seconds slower is so important in your life ???
Maybe Honda will later introduce a Jazz Hybrid Premium, with LED headlights, Honda Sensing and all the niceties of the V.
Just hoping.
And badge as RS variant. Limited quantity and jack up price. Probably.
Dry Dual Clutch? It’s gonna be another VW fiasco?
Ya sure ok. DSG? VW fiasco. Hyundai dual clutch? VW fiasco. Honda dual clutch? VW fiasco. How long ago was VW fiasco??? It’s as if the manufacturers don’t learn from each other’s mistake and live in an echo chamber. Get with the times. Things get better over time. Honda also recalled first batch dual clutch and already retune for our traffic condition, did you not read the marketing blurb?
Perhaps. However there is a difference between the VW DSG and this hybrid. If you need crawling slow speed in traffic jam, the DSG works like a normal manual gearbox which the will begin a controlled slip of the clutch to avoid engine stall. However for the hybrid, you dont have to modulate the clutch like a typical internal combustion engine. Just use the electric motor to crawl, you dont even need to fire up the engine.
Does this have the same L15B engine as the Honda Fit RS in japan? The Fit RS has 137PS while the Fit Hybrid has 110PS. Both features DOHC
You cannot compare an engine of a non hybrid to a hybrid car. Hybrid car use Atkinson cycle, so your hp/torque will be lower and it prioritize thermal efficiency over everything else. Non hybrid car mostly use Otto cycle , so more power/torque but lower thermal efficiency.
However, I believe the engine will be similar to the Fit RS, but with different cam and pistons.
Thanks Tom! I too believe that the engine is similar to the Fit RS.
Fit Hybrid. A warmer hatchback than the warm hatchback the Fit RS already is.
A huge F**K you Honda Malaysia.
Until now no Honda JAzz RS model like in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and especially New Zealand. WTF? Still using old SHitbox engine from 2009, the 2nd WTF? Bodoh punya company. LOL.
LOL. Absolutely excellent comments bro. I too am extremely disappointed with the absence of the sporty RS model with LED Headlamps. To hell with this HIDEOUS Jazz GK. Wait for next gen future Jazz with 1.0 turbo engine better la bro. Hahahahaha.
4 airbags in 2017 is a real letdown. Otherwise I would throw my money at the nearest Honda showroom before raya..*sigh*
@all, u cant compare different brand hybrid. eg.prius hybrid vs jazz hybrid. the technology different so much !!!
In the back seat of honda jazz the noise level, over a slightly rough road, is much louder than in a honda city!. This us even with fibre type of insulation under jazz wheel arc. Maybe we should wait for City hybrid.
wowowow
of course the hybrid version was the main talking point now