Honda Jazz 2015 Vs Hyundai Elite i20: Design Comparison

For past a couple of years, Honda hasn't had a right contender in the premium hatchback segment, as the company phased out the highly acclaimed but overpriced and slow-selling Jazz. With the new Jazz, Honda wants to increase sales into the even more premium territory. The new model seems larger and more upmarket than the previous one. Based on an all-new platform, the new Jazz has a striking similarity with the last generation car and carries the same cab-forward design philosophy. What went wrong with the previous model was the lack of a diesel powertrain and high pricing, but with the new model it seems like Honda has addressed these two issues. Now, the new Jazz is available in diesel and is likely to be priced competitive, thanks to use of local components.

Design Review

Hyundai too launched the latest generation Elite i20 hatchback in the country last year. After the Grand i10, the South Korean automaker added more taste to its i20 range as the new Elite is bigger, more premium and even more spacious than the previous one. At first glance, the new hatchback appears larger and more upmarket. In short, the new Elite i20 offers good looks, loads of equipment and an upmarket feel. So in an ideal scenario when one gets down to actually comparing the two, this is what we have found out for you.

Styling

 Both cars have a very different styling however while comparing them it is the Hyundai Elite i20 that is radical to look at out of the two. The new Elite i20 flaunt the company's immensely popular 'Fluidic' design theme. It features sharper, straight lines and angles that add to its striking appeal. Upfront is a big hexagonal grille, slim headlamps and stylish fog lamps. The flared wheel arches have been fitted to newly styled 16-inch alloy wheels that give it a lot of presence. At the back, the intricate tail-lights add to its classy look.

On the other hand, the new Jazz features the company's latest EXCITING H-Design Philosophy that makes it look contemporary. The new generation carries an attractive exterior design, which is definitely better looking than before. The vehicle gets the multi-element grille with single chrome lining infused into the angular headlamps that resembles the City sedan. There is a strong belt-line that starts from front doors and runs across the length to meet the large 3D-effect tail-lights. The rear end looks attractive with a chrome strip, spoiler and large glass-doors. Having mentioned their distinctive design elements, in perspective we find that the Hyundai’s Elite i20 is for those who are on the lookout for something refreshing and sporty. While Honda’s Jazz is for those who like to keep their life simple and uncomplicated, it’s subtle but still serves the purpose of having good looks.  

User Experience Review

All features and design layout have been directly adopted from the sedan sibling. Its design elements like the centre console that has an advanced infotainment system features a 5-inch monitor with an LCD display and a touch-screen air-conditioning unit. The triple-spoke steering wheel gets controls for audio, which is also directly lifted from the City. It is easily the most spacious car in its league with excellent headroom, legroom and shoulder space for all five occupants. However, Honda could have done better with quality of plastic which seems little low market.

Now talking about Hyundai Elite i20, the premium hatchback's dual-tone dashboard (similar to the one found in Grand i10) looks simple but in our view the predecessor had a better looking dash. The material quality fit and finish come across to be top notch in comparison to the Jazz. The driving position is good, thanks to its height-adjustable driver's seat and adjustable steering. The multi-functional steering wheel is wrapped in leather, while the instrument dials are clear and high-resolution digital trip computer works. The vehicle offers decent space for both front and rear occupants. On the whole, in reference to space, it is the Jazz that comes out on top while in the number of features being offered and quality the Elite i20 is the one to lookout for.

Performance Review

Honda claim to have worked upon the NVH levels in the Jazz which was an initial problem with the Amaze as well as the City having the same powerplant. Having said that while driving it, the NVH levels initially seem to be minimal but once you get the vehicle up to speed it is still pretty noisy. The transmission powering this hot hatch is six-speed manual gearbox that caters to smooth shifts. Meanwhile its petrol variant is propelled by a 1.2-litre i-VTEC unit that is good for 90PS and 115Nm of torque. It offers both a five-speed manual and CVT Transmission for use. Mentioning this, despite its higher power output the petrol Jazz still feels a bit sluggish especially in the mid-range at lower speeds however once beyond 3000 RPM is a swift affair for the new Honda Jazz. Ride and handling in case of both variants fairly good and suited for Indian driving conditions.

The Elite i20 on the other hand is powered by a 1.4-litre diesel engine that produces a healthy 89bhp and 220Nm of torque. This engine is refined that enables linear power delivery but there is an element of sluggishness until the turbo kicks-in. Comparing it to the Jazz on sheer numbers, Elite i20’s power output is much lesser than the 1.5-litre iDTEC motor. Its wheels are powered by a 6-speed manual transmission that fairs well in Indian conditions. The petrol on the other hand is a 1.2-litre motor that produces 82bhp and 115Nm of torque matted to 5-speed manual transmission handing out smooth shifts. Hyundai’s Elite i20 provides a good ride along with great handling characteristics.

Verdict

Both Honda Jazz and Hyundai Elite i20 are special in their own ways. The Jazz being the most recent does attract the curiosity element  of what Honda would have to offer to the end consumer. In design, we simply liked the Elite i20 out of the two due to its radical and sport outlook however if you’re the kinds who would not like to experiment much and like to keep it plain and simply then the Jazz is the perfect fit. Their interiors are mostly at power with each other, though the quality in the Jazz is a bit on the downside but the number of features being offered are exceptional in the i20. In regards to space, the Jazz beats the Elite i20 by a fair margin. The introduction of a diesel power plant in the Jazz further brightens up the prospects for this hot hatch not dismissing its petrol model which has been the most valued pick until now. Elite i20’s existing line up is known to deliver be it petrol or the diesel, they are well suited for Indian conditions.