The Jazz is one of the most fuel-efficient petrol engined cars on the road and consumption on the EU combined cycle is an impressive 49.6 mpg (5.7 l/100 km) for the S and SE - and 48.7 mpg (5.8 l/100 km) for the SE Sport. These figures are matched by CO2 emissions of just 134 and 137 g/km for the respective models. All comply with the tough EU2005 emissions regulations.

Adding to overall efficiency are a number of friction reduction measures including roller followers on rocker arms, an offset cylinder layout and world-first molybdenum-impregnated piston skirts.


Engines contribute to 'short-nose' design

The new i-DSI engine is notable not only for its advanced combustion technology; it is also remarkably compact. This benefits overall packaging, liberating more space for passengers and luggage. Key features in this respect include the narrow valve angles to create a more compact combustion chamber; reduced spacing between cylinders that use centrifugally-cast iron sleeves; the mounting of auxiliary equipment directly to the engine and driven by a serpentine belt system; a compact cam chain drive; a rolled-up intake manifold pipe; and the use of a more compact air cleaner. It means that across the width of the engine bay the engine/transmission assembly requires almost 70 mm less space, and from front to rear the reduction in engine size is almost 120 mm.

Like all Honda petrol engines the new i-DSI unit employs all aluminium construction for the cylinder block and head. Other weight saving measures include a plastic intake manifold and an exhaust manifold constructed of stainless steel (which also reduces exhaust gas heat loss) and the new engine is some 8 per cent (7 kg) lighter than the Logo's 1.3 litre unit.

Better packaging and more rapid heating of the catalytic converter result from the mounting of the exhaust manifold on the rear of the engine. From the manifold, the exhaust gases enter the catalytic converter at an oblique angle rather than in-line and this has the effect of increasing the degree of contact between the exhaust gases and the surface of the catalytic converter, boosting its efficiency and reducing the precious metal requirement.


Manual and CVT options

At launch Honda Jazz will be equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. Minimal play, a short shift stroke and reduced load characterise the refined mechanism allowing quick, sporty gear changing.

A new Honda CVT option will become available, featuring a 7-speed semi-automatic shift control system with steering-wheel mounted controls. This brand new, continuously variable transmission offers levels of fuel economy approaching those of manual equipped cars together with exceptional flexibility. More details will be made available at launch.


Precision handling

Honda Jazz's compact dimensions and excellent manoeuvrability are complemented by a suspension design that sets out to deliver a high degree of agility and stability.

At the front, the strut suspension arrangement has been selected for its packaging efficiency matched to high performance. To overcome the tendency of dampers to flex under load, which increases friction and compromises ride comfort, the Jazz features special springs in the front suspension which when compressed generate a force cancelling out the side forces generated by damper curvature. The damper rod diameter is also increased to provide greater bending resistance.

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