|  |  | | Compact front and rear suspension
The front MacPherson strut suspension is very space efficient and in combination with the compact engines, helps to achieve a remarkably tight turning circle of 9.4m (or 9.8m for the SE Sport with 15-inch tyres).
An extended H-shaped torsion beam span and a re-designed damper area at the rear, together with the relocated fuel tank allowing a much lower cabin floor, create more space for rear seat passengers and luggage. The adoption of a larger diameter pipe arm, wider-span compliance bushings and an improved spindle mount structure improve rear wheel-ground contact stiffness leading to more linear responsiveness, superb handling stability and a high level of agility.
The braking system features ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. ABS braking with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) is standard on SE and SE Sport models. The Jazz is equipped with a highly advanced and efficient electric power steering (EPS) to provide optimised steering characteristics at all road speeds.
Luxury Specifications
For the UK market, Honda Jazz will be offered from launch in three trim levels in line with other Honda models, S, SE and SE Sport.
Standard equipment for all three versions will include electric speed-sensitive power steering, electric front windows and door mirrors (which are also heated), central locking with deadlocks, rolling-code ECU immobiliser, trip fuel consumption display, rear wash/wipe and radio cassette player.
The SE grade adds ABS/EBD anti-lock braking, air conditioning, electric tilt/slide glass sunroof, remote central locking, electric rear windows, driver's seat height adjustment, rear speakers for the audio system and colour-coded door handles.
Finally the SE Sport model offers 15in alloy wheels, side SRS airbags and intermittent rear wiper operation.
Matching accessories
A full range of accessories will be available allowing customers to fully personalise their Jazz. External items include mud flaps, B-pillar trim, front, side and rear body protectors, rear roof spoiler, a chrome grille trim, front fog light kit, parking sensors, and additional alloy wheel designs. Interior trim includes metal transmission and window switch escutcheons, a leather steering wheel and a speaker tweeter kit. The standard centre console can be replaced with an alternative unit featuring a centre armrest with CD storage beneath, increased front storage and slide out cupholders at the rear. A full range of Honda infant, toddler and booster child seats is also available.
The Marketplace of Honda Jazz
Honda Jazz enters a market sector that in sales terms is forecast to remain fairly static; in Western Europe last year B-segment sales accounted for 25 per cent of the total market - equivalent to 3.7 million units. However the monospace sub-category in which Jazz competes is set to become increasingly popular, with volume expected to rise significantly over the next few years.
Honda anticipates the Jazz will increase Honda sales overall within Europe, at the same time attracting younger customers and further enhancing the Honda brand image.
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