Honda has launched the for-2018 Jazz in India, with prices starting at Rs 7.35 lakh and going up to Rs 9.29 lakh for the top-spec diesel trim. While there are no significant design-based or mechanical changes, the new premium hatchback gets additional equipment over the previous model.

The Japanese brand has also re-jigged the premium hatchback’s line-up so that the S trim is now the base variant (previously there was an E trim below) and is only available with the diesel engine, while the higher V and VX trims get both petrol and diesel engine options. The mid-spec SV trim has also been discontinued.

The base Jazz S variant is available with features such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, LED tail-lamps, 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, a four-speaker audio system with a 3.5-inch screen, steering-mounted audio controls, driver's seat height adjust, a front-centre armrest, power-adjustable wing mirrors, driver and co-driver vanity mirrors, rear parking sensors and a rear defogger. The mid-sped V trim adds 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, keyless entry and go, automatic climate control, steering-mounted telephone controls, a 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that doubles as a reverse camera display, premium beige interiors and a rear wiper. Cruise control is available on the diesel and the petrol-CVT V trims, while paddleshifters is only offered on the petrol-CVT V trim. The top-spec VX variant gets a larger 7.0-inch touchscreen system with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electrically adjustable and folding wing mirrors with integrated indicators, and leather on the steering wheel and gear knob.

Honda will offer five exterior colour finishes for the new Jazz, including a new silver one and a red paint shade. Unfortunately, the Magic Seats, previously available on the top-spec variant, have been dropped from the features list.

Like the outgoing model, an optional CVT automatic is only available on the 90hp, 1.2-litre petrol motor that gets a five-speed manual as standard. The 100hp, 1.5-litre diesel motor, meanwhile, is paired to a six-speed manual transmission.

The Jazz rivals the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno (Rs 5.36-8.50 lakh) and the Hyundai i20 (Rs 5.41-9.22 lakh). At this price point, the Jazz is still dearer than its competition.

All prices, ex-showroom, Delhi