Motoring January 3, 2020
T
he ever-present Honda Jazz has always been a popular kid in the sub-compact classroom, but it’s hard to ignore that its rival set is evolving at a rapid rate. The latest generation Swift is built on a much newer set of bones. An all-new Yaris is landing next year. The Rio is packed with tech. But, the Jazz still retains a loyal fan base. And it’s clear to see why. This Jazz, looking much like the last one, represents an update. The changes are mild, but well warranted. At its core it’s mainly a tech and spec update. Entry-level models – priced from $22,990 plus on-roads – come with Hill Start Assist, Emergency Brake Assist (fully blown Autonomous Emergency Braking is sadly absent), and most importantly of all a new touchscreen infotainment system. This is the jewel in the crown of the 2020 Jazz update; a touchscreen that aims to make good for the infotainment sins of the past.
Sized either as a 6.2in or 6.8in system depending on the model you select, the Pioneer-sourced unit sports a reverse camera, voice control, and Apple CarPlay as standard. The rest of our Jazz’s cabin reveals the other notable 2020 update – splashes of orange. Each model from the RS above this dosage of visual Vitamin C. The addition might sound a little corny (or fruity?) on paper, but it does the trick in revamping a relatively dark cabin. Orange stitching proudly frames the leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear-knob, plastic highlights feature on the door cards and passenger-side dash, and patches of cross-hatched orange fabric on the seats and doors weave it all together. The RS comes with the added bonus of re-calibrated steering and sports suspension, which it uses to good effect without compromising ride quality.