New Jazz ready to rock

HONDA Malaysia Sdn Bhd has opened its new Jazz for bookings at its 90 authorised dealerships nationwide.

The new Jazz facelift comes in both petrol and hybrid variants, with the former expected to hit the market this month and the latter from the third quarter onwards.

Since its introduction in 2003, more than 77,700 units of Jazz have been sold, with 60 per cent contributed by the current third-generation Jazz that was introduced in 2014.

For the January-April period, Honda Malaysia’s sales figures revealed Jazz contributed 13 per cent to total sales with over 4,400 units sold, hence retaining the top spot in the hatchback segment.

Honda Malaysia achieved a milestone in 2004 for introducing the hybrid technology and becoming the first local manufacturer after Japan and the United States to produce hybrid vehicles in 2012.

The new Jazz Hybrid is equipped with the Sport Hybrid system, making Malaysia the only country outside of Japan to introduce Honda’s new intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive (i-DCD) Hybrid system.

The new Jazz Hybrid comes with a new 1.5-litre double overhead cam i-VTEC four-cylinder engine mated to a 7-speed i-DCD transmission.

It is capable of producing 108.5hp and 134Nm of torque. The engine is also paired with a lithiumion battery and a built-in electric motor that offers 29hp and 160Nm of torque.

Together, the total system is able to churn out 135hp.

Meanwhile, the petrol variant comes with the same 1.5-litre double overhead cam i-VTEC fourcylinder engine hooked onto an Earth Dreams continuously variable transmission that produces 118hp at 6,600rpm and 145Nm of torque from 4,600rpm.

Both the petrol and hybrid variants come equipped with keyless entry with push-start button, LED day-running lights, multi-angle reverse camera, half-leather seats, anti-lock braking system, brake assist, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, and six airbags.

Customers can place their bookings or call Honda’s toll-free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my for more information.

(Left to right) Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Katsuto Hayashi, deputy minister of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives & Consumerism Datuk Henry Sum Agong, Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Roslan Abdullah...