Honda will continue to focus on Thailand as an export hub for its vehicles while production in Malaysia remains solely for the domestic market.

This was stated by Asian Honda Motor Co Ltd president and chief executive officer Fumihiko Ike during the launch of the second-generation Honda Jazz at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on August 20.

Ike said it was not feasible to export Honda cars from Malaysia due to the small production volume.

The Honda Malaysia plant in Pegoh, Malacca has an annual production capacity of 35,000 vehicles.

According to Ike, second Honda vehicle production plant in Ayudhaya, Thailand was due to begin operating later this year.

“Eventually, both our plants in Ayudhaya will have an annual production capacity of 240,000 vehicles,” said Ike, adding that cars such as the Honda City was exported from Thailand to Japan and Turkey.

Ike also pointed out that India might be another export hub for Honda in the future.
“In India, we have a production capacity of more than 100,000 vehicles,’ said Ike.

Meanwhile, the new Jazz is touted as having best-in-class spaciousness as well as class-leading performance with larger body dimensions and a more powerful engine compared with the previous model.

Compared with the previous model, the new 5-door hatchback has a wheelbase that is longer by 50mm.

The total length and width of the car have also increased slightly.

There is more headroom in the cabin as well as better front and rear visibility due partly to a larger wind shield.

The new Jazz also provides enhanced seating flexibility and cargo space via foldable seats which can be rearranged in three different modes.

Also, it is the first car in its segment to have a five-speed automatic gearbox as well as a tilt and telescopic steering wheel.

“The telescopic steering wheel enables owners to have a more comfortable driving position,” said Kohei Hitomi, who is the chief engineer from Honda R & D Co Ltd.

Hitomi pointed out that the CVT (continuously variable transmission), found in the previous model, was replaced as surveys indicate that Honda customers outside Japan prefer a sportier driving style.

The new Jazz imported as a CBU unit from Thailand is said to have a fuel consumption of 24km per litre based on test drives done in Japan using a model with CVT.

According to Honda, the new Jazz has the best collision safety performance in its class and was awarded six stars from the Japan New Car Assessment Program.

Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Atsushi Fujimoto said the new Jazz would appeal to fashion-conscious young singles and families looking for a highly practical and reliable car.

“The new Jazz is also positioned as a premium car in its segment,” said Fujimoto, pointing out that the unconventional 20-minute fashion show during the launch of the car was intended to convey a strong statement about its outstanding features and styling.

The first 300 buyers of the new Jazz will be given exclusive polo t-shirts from Malaysian fashion designers Melinda Looi, Khoon Hooi and Jonathan Cheng. Each piece has a unique design. The new Jazz comes in two variants, namely S and V.

The V variant offers additional features such as dual mode paddle shifts, cruise control, steering wheel audio controls, retractable door mirror with turn light, 16-inch alloy wheels and sporty-looking exterior fittings.

A Modulo accessories package for the new Jazz, applicable for the V variant only, is priced at RM3,000.

Also, those interested can log on to www.defyconvention.com.my to view a television commercial of the new Jazz before it is aired on August 27.

specifications

HONDA JAZZ

Engine: 1,497cc SOHC 16-valve i-VTEC
Max power: 118hp @ 6,600rpm
Max torque: 145Nm @ 4,800rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with Shift Hold Control
Features: Dual airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, front pretensioner seatbelts
Price: RM104,800 (S edition) and RM109,800 (V edition) OTR with insurance

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