Honda GE6.I and GE8.I Jazz (2008-11)

Overview

Released in September 2008, the second-generation Honda Jazz was a front-wheel drive, five-door hatchback. Initially manufactured in Thailand, the range consisted of the GE6 Jazz which was powered by a 1.3-litre petrol engine and the GE8 Jazz which had a 1.5-litre petrol engine. Both engines were available with five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions, the latter with Grade Logic Control.

L13A and L15A7 engines

Both the 1.3-litre L13A and 1.5-litre L15A7 engines had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and Honda’s i-VTEC system which consisted of:

Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) which could select from two camshaft profiles for low and high RPM operations; and,
Continuously variable timing of camshaft phasing on the intake camshaft (Variable Timing Control or VTC).

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the GD1/GD3 Jazz, the GE6/GE8 Jazz was 70 mm longer (at 3900 mm), 20 mm wider (1695 mm), the same height (1525 mm) and had a 50 mm longer wheelbase (2500 mm). The MacPherson strut front suspension and H-shaped torsion beam rear suspension were carried over, though the torsion beam was redesigned and fitted with larger bushings, a revised spring-lever ratio and extended trailing arm lengths for greater ride compliance.

The GE Jazz also had an electric power steering (EPS) system.

Honda GE6 and GE8 Jazz specifications
Variants	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
GLi	1.3-litre petrol I4	5sp man., 5sp auto	73 kW at 6000 rpm	127 Nm at 4800 rpm
VTi, VTi-S	1.5-litre petrol I4	5sp man., 5sp auto	88 kW at 6600 rpm	145 Nm at 4800 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Jazz GLi included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; the Jazz VTi and VTi-S variants were also fitted with front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags.

Electronic stability was not initially available, but was fitted as standard from October 2010.

ANCAP and Euro NCAP testing

In ANCAP crash testing, the Honda GE Jazz – when fitted with dual front airbags but not electronic stability control – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 28.98 out of 37. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury; there was also a moderate risk of serious chest injury for the driver in the side impact crash test.

When fitted with front side airbags, curtain airbags and electronic stability control (ESC), the GE Jazz received a five star rating with a score of 35.1 out of 37 – this result utilised the side impact and pole test results of Euro NCAP testing (as detailed below). Without ESC, however, the Jazz was only eligible for a four star rating.

In Euro NCAP testing , the Honda Jazz – when fitted with front side airbags and curtain airbags – received a five star safety rating which included a 78 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 79 per cent child occupant protection rating.

Features: Jazz GLi, VTi and VTi-S

Standard features for the Jazz GLi included a four speaker sound system with CD player, MP3/WMA-compatibility and auxiliary input, air conditioning, 60/40 split and flat folding rear seats, central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, 12 volt power outlet and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Jazz VTi added an information display with speed alert, trip computer, seatbelt reminders and security alarm.

The range-topping Jazz VTi-S was distinguished by its 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, side skirts and sportier bumpers; models with automatic transmissions were also fitted with steering wheel gearshift paddles.

2010 Jazz Vibe editions

In February 2010, limited-run Vibe editions were released of the GLi and VTi variants; these Vibe editions added alloy wheels (including the spare wheel), front fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity and a body-coloured sports grille.

Brochures

Honda GE6.II and GE8.II Jazz (2011-13)