2018 Honda Jazz Review: 5 Things To Know

The current generation Honda Jazz has been in India since 2015. Now, it’s received its first update in 3 years, which includes a host of changes - some good, some not so much.

So, here are 5 things you need to know about the 2018 Honda Jazz.

#1 Does it look like a facelift?

You'd be hard pressed to tell the difference but there are a few subtle cues. These include new chrome door handles (V grade), the removal of the rear spoiler (from the VX) and the LED tail lights that now extend all the way to the roof (in the VX).

There's also a tell that isn't variant-specific: The rear “Jazz” badge now sits on the left.

The model overseas got updates that made it more distinctive but, unfortunately, that isn't the case here. On the bright side, at least they didn't overstyle it to make the update look like, well, an update.

#2 Does it drive any different?

Nope, you still get the same 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. While the petrol is available with a manual and CVT, the diesel is manual only. No diesel CVT like in the Amaze, at least for now.

#3 What’s been added?

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Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, speed-sensing auto door locks and rear parking sensors are now offered as standard. Maybe time to add parking sensors to the City as well, Honda?

The 2018 Jazz also gets some small touches to improve usability, like a front armrest (with storage underneath) and a vanity mirror for the driver too.

The biggest change inside is the Digipad 2.0 infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Not only is the new head unit smoother and more responsive than the old setup, you also get 2 USB ports ahead of the gear lever. No dangling USB/AUX cables in the glovebox anymore. Yay!

More good news follows. You can now buy a fully loaded petrol CVT Jazz. Sweet! Also, Honda has finally added passive keyless entry, push button start and cruise control. Excellent! But suddenly, caveat!

#4 Anything removed?

While a smart key, push-button start and cruise control have been added, they only feature in the petrol CVT and diesel, not the petrol manual. Additionally, the magic seats have pulled a Houdini and vanished from the Jazz’s features list. With them, you also lose the option of an all black cabin or adjustable rear headrests. Beige interiors won’t be an issue for most but the fixed rear headrests are unusable even for adults who are under 6ft tall.

That aside, the E and SV variants are gone. Now, the base S is a diesel-only variant, while the V and VX are available with all powertrain combinations.

#5 Hits & Misses

Let's start with what's good. The base variant is definitely worth buying as it covers the basic must haves of any premium hatchback. No doubt, it should’ve been offered with petrol too.

Also, they've done well to add some features that were missed in the old model. Niceties like cruise control, keyless entry and go, and new infotainment system are welcome additions.

But has Honda done everything it could? Honestly, no. There are still many misses, like projector headlamps, DRLs or even a 6-airbag variant. Also, even if Magic Seats were removed, adjustable rear headrests should’ve been added. Lastly, why the step motherly treatment of the petrol manual? If not cruise control, at least push-button start and the smart key shouldn't have been skipped.

Is the 2018 Honda Jazz still a car worth considering? Absolutely. For Rs 7.35 lakh-9.29 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), you’re getting a very spacious and practical family car with no glaring deal breakers. However, Honda has left it with no differentiators vs the competition. So the reasons to buy one remain pretty much the same as before.