Honda Jazz Vibe Arrives From Japan To Fill Australian Supply

Honda Australia has announced the release of two new Jazz variants, Vibe and Vibe-S, arriving from Japan next month to plug the gap in local supplies.

With the Australian-delivered Jazz normally sourced from Thailand, devastating floods in the region saw local supply slow to a crawl.

Speaking with TMR today, Honda Australia's Melissa Cross said that the Vibe and Vibe-S grades will enter as a temporary replacement for the regular GLi, VTi and VTi-S variants, until Honda's Thai plants are back on deck.

The entry-level Jazz Vibe picks up a number of features from the VTi and VTi-S grades, including 15-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, steering-mounted audio controls (auto transmission only), rear spoiler, power-retractable side mirrors with integrated indicator, and driver and passenger vanity mirrors.

As with the GLi, the Vibe is powered by Honda's 1.3 litre petrol engine producing 73kW and 128Nm of torque. It is available with a five-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmission. 

The top-spec Vibe-S adds 16-inch alloy wheels, sports bumpers and side skirts. It is powered by the 1.5 litre engine that drives the VTi and VTi-S, delivering 88kW and 146Nm of torque.

Although it replaces the VTi and VTi-S, the Vibe-S misses out on the VTi's manual transmission, available instead with a five-speed automatic transmission only.

Standard features across both models includes includes Bluetooth hands-free calling, iPod connectivity, height adjustable driver’s seat, power windows with driver’s side one-touch auto up/down, and a five-star ANCAP safety rating with six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist and Traction Control System.

Pricing

The Jazz Vibe and Jazz Vibe-S are available from February.

• Vibe 1.3 Manual - $17,990 drive-away
• Vibe 1.3 Automatic - $19,990 drive-away
• Vibe-S 1.5 Automatic - $22,240 drive-away