- Fuel-efficient powertrains
- Spacious and versatile interior
- Small turning circle
- Generally competent ride/handling balance…
- … though short-travel suspension struggles with bigger bumps
- Vague steering
- Touchscreen interface not particularly user-friendly
- Front seats lack travel while rear seats are flat
Review: Honda GK5.I Jazz (2014-17)
Overview
Released in Australia in July 2014, the Honda GK5 Jazz was a light, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Ayutthaya, Thailand, the front-wheel drive Honda Jazz was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). Furthermore, the Jazz range consisted of VTi, VTi-S and VTi-L variants.
From 1 July 2017, the Honda GK5 Jazz was sold with a five year, unlimited kilometre warranty; if the vehicle was used for commercial purposes, however, the warranty was limited to five years or 140,000 kilometres, whichever came first.
L15A7 engine
The GK5 Jazz was powered by Honda’s L15A7 engine which had a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), four valves per cylinder, a compression ratio of 10.3:1 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,
- Variable Timing Control (VTC) of the intake camshaft phasing to retard valve timing at lower engine speeds and advance timing at higher speeds.
| Engine | Variant | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda GK5 Jazz | 1.5-litre petrol I4 (L15A7) |
VTi | 5sp man., CVT |
88 kW at 6600 rpm | 145 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| VTi-S, VTi-L |
CVT |
Dimensions and body
Compared to the Honda GE6 and GE8 Jazz , the GK5 Jazz was 96 mm longer (at 3996 mm), 1 mm narrower (1694), 1 mm lower (1524 mm) and had a 30 mm longer wheelbase (2530 mm). For increased rigidity, the chassis had a higher proportion of ultra-high strength steel.
Steering and suspension
The Honda GK5 Jazz had electric power-assisted steering (EPS), MacPherson strut front suspension and H-shaped torsion beam rear suspension. For the GK5 Jazz, suspension changes included a new link between the suspension and the front stabiliser bar (to reduce friction) and, for the rear dampers, a dual-path mounting system and blow-off valve.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Honda GK5 Jazz included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
ANCAP crash testing
In ANCAP crash testing , the Honda GK5 Jazz received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 36.58 out of 37. In the frontal offset test, protection of the driver’s head, thighs and feet were rated as good, though chest and lower left leg protection were rated as acceptable (i.e. a slight risk of serious injury). In the side impact and pole tests, maximum points were awarded.
In Euro NCAP testing , the Honda GK5 Jazz received a five star safety rating which included a 93 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 85 per cent child occupant protection rating.
Features: Jazz VTi, VTi-S and VTi-L
Standard features for the Jazz VTi included 15-inch steel wheels with 175/65 R15 84T tyres, Honda’s ‘Display Audio’ system with four speakers, a CD player, WMA/MP3/MP4 compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod/HDMi), a seven-inch colour touch screen, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, air conditioning, cruise control, black fabric seat trim, a multi-angle reversing camera with parking guidelines, 60/40 split and flat folding rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.
From February 2017, the Honda Jazz VTi was fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels as standard.
Features: Jazz VTi-S
The Jazz VTi-S was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels with 185/55 R16 83H tyres, a six speaker sound system, climate control air conditioning, premium fabric seat trim, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, power retracting door mirrors, a 12 volt power socket in the centre console, a front armrest console and an alarm. Furthermore, the Jazz VTi-S could be identified by its chrome rear licence plate garnish.
Features: Jazz VTi-L
The range-topping Jazz VTi-L was distinguished by its black leather seat trim, heated front seats, rear parking sensors, proximity key (i.e. keyless entry), push-button start, rear seat fold-down armrest and tailgate spoiler.
2015 Honda Jazz Limited Edition
Released in September 2015, the Honda Jazz Limited Edition was based on the VTi variant but further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, sports pedals and metallic door sills. Visually, the Jazz Limited Edition could be identified by its rear tailgate spoiler and ‘Limited Edition’ badge. The Jazz Limited Edition was also sold with an extended warranty (five years of 140,000 kilometres) and five years of Roadside Assist included within its Manufacturer’s List Price of $18,290.
2016 Honda Jazz Limited Edition
Released in September 2016, the Honda Jazz Limited Edition was based on the Jazz VTi with CVT but further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps and rear parking sensors. Visually, the 2016 Jazz Limited Edition could be identified by its black sports grille and rear roof spoiler.
Brochure
Related links
Review: Honda GK5.II Jazz (2017-20)
Overview
Released in Australia in September 2017, the Honda GK5 Series II (GK5.II) Jazz introduced cosmetic and interior updates. Visually, the GK5.II Jazz could be identified by its new bumpers (front and rear) and new front grille; the Jazz VTi-S and VTi-L also received new design alloy wheels, while the Jazz VTi-L was distinguished by its bi-LED headlights (with high and low beam) and LED daytime running lights. As an extra-cost ($1498) option, the GK5.II Jazz could also be fitted with a ‘Luxe Pack’ which consisted of black alloy wheels, door visors, bonnet protector, alloy pedals, carpet mats, door sill garnish and luggage tray.
Inside, the GK5.II Jazz was fitted with a ‘Touchscreen Audio’ system as standard which included a seven-inch touch screen, Bluetooth mobile phone and audio connectivity, an auxiliary (3.5 mm) port and a USB port. The Jazz VTi-S and VTi-L were also fitted with satellite navigation as standard.
| Engine | Variant | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK5.II Jazz | 1.5-litre petrol I4 (L15A7) |
VTi | 5sp man., CVT |
88 kW at 6600 rpm | 145 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| VTi-S, VTi-L |
CVT |
Safety equipment
Compared to its predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Honda GK5.II Jazz was unchanged.
Features
For the Honda GK5.II Jazz, standard features were extended to include a ‘Touchscreen Audio’ system which had a seven-inch touchscreen.
For the GK5.II Jazz VTi-S, standard features were extended to include satellite navigation and LED projector-beam headlights. The range-topping Jazz VTi-L gained bi-LED headlights and LED daytime running lights (DRL).
2018 Honda Jazz +Sport Limited Edition
Released in July 2018, the Honda Jazz +Sport was based on the Jazz VTi-S, but fitted with 16-inch gloss black alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, a ‘+Sport’ badge and a gloss black rear licence plate garnish.
Related links
