2018 Honda Jazz update on sale in Australia

After initially being released in 2014, the 2018 Honda Jazz has undergone its mid-life update, with lightly revised styling both inside and out, as well as a new colour on offer. Importantly, the Jazz has kept its pricing at the same levels as last year, starting at $14,990 plus on-road costs for the entry level VTi model and ranging to $22,990 for the more luxurious VTi-L.

Fresh from launching the all-new CR-V and a new five-year, unlimited km warranty, Honda Australia is continuing its roll out of new product, with the updated Jazz filling an important role as the Japanese brand’s light car offering in Australia.

“Combined with Honda’s new 5 year / unlimited kilometre warranty, the refreshed Honda Jazz makes a very compelling argument for customers as one of the best equipped and best value-for-money light cars available,” Honda Australia Director, Mr. Stephen Collins, said.

While the model year 2018 Honda Jazz is not a complete generational change, it adds a worthwhile styling and equipment boost to the Jazz, which is selling well so far this year with 1,109 sales so far – up a significant 13.7 percent compared to this time last year.

Headlining the changes to the 2018 Honda Jazz are new-look headlights – bi-LED with LED daytime running lights for the top-spec VTi-L – with new bumpers and new 16-inch alloy wheels for VTi-S and VTi-L models. There’s also a new colour available for the exterior, dubbed Phoenix Orange.

Inside, the Jazz features a new seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a rear-view camera and inbuilt satellite navigation for VTi-S and VTi-L models. The interior also scores revised trims for an updated look.

It’s not all rosy however, with the base model VTi losing its alloy wheels and LED low beam headlights. Mid-spec VTi-S models lose paddle shifters, climate control and an auto up/down passenger window – features are now reserved for the top-spec VTi-L only. Vivid Sky Blue and Attract Yellow have been dropped from the Australian Honda Jazz colour palette.

The HondaSensing suite of active safety equipment recently launched on US-market Jazzes is also nowhere to be seen for Australian models, as is the newer touchscreen system from the larger Civic and CR-V models, with incorporate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.

Australian-market 2018 Honda Jazzes also keep their 88kW/145Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, with the VTi offering a choice between a five-speed manual or CVT automatic, with the upper spec VTi-S and VTi-L models receiving the CVT as standard. Honda claims combined fuel consumption of 6.5L/100km for the VTi manual and 5.9L/100km for CVT automatic variants.

Starting at $14,990 for the entry level VTi, the Jazz offers six airbags, Honda’s Magic Seats, a seven-inch touchscreen with a rear view camera and both AUX and USB inputs, Bluetooth, electric windows and mirrors, cruise control, a four-speaker sound system, hill start assist, black fabric seat trim and an eco mode for the automatic.

The middle grade VTi-S (from $19,990 plus on-road costs) offers 16-inch alloy wheels, LED low beam headlights, inbuilt satellite navigation, a tailgate spoiler, electric-folding mirrors, front foglamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and side skirts.

The top spec VTi-L (from $22,990 plus on-road costs) then adds bi-LED headlights, LED daytime running lamps, leather seat trim, heated front seats, keyless entry and start, paddle shifters to manually shift the transmission, a six-speaker audio system, a security alarm, climate control, rear parking sensors, a rear centre armrest and a leather gearknob.

The 2018 Honda Jazz is on sale now, and orders land in Honda showrooms from later in the month. Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for any news regarding the Honda Jazz.