By Steve & Tamami Laser
We’ve owned four Hondas over the years, with familiar names, like Accord, Civic, and (our latest) CR-V. In Japan, Honda’s lineup includes models we’d love to own including the N-BOX (a million-plus seller), Freed, and S660. Let’s take a look at another object of desire, the newly restyled Honda Jade, launched this month in Japan.
Honda says the Jade offers a high level of comfort and utility in a stylish form with a low overall height comparable to that of a sedan. In other words, it can easily fit into Japan’s automated parking structures and other spots where taller vehicles might fear to tread.
Styling changes for the sporty Jade RS include an attractive honeycomb mesh grille flanked by LED headlights. We think it looks best in Premium Crystal Orange Metallic, a new exclusive RS hue that can be topped with a contrasting black roof.
The RS also receives new design 18-inch alloy wheels (above). Jade is powered by a 1.5-liter direct-injection DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine. Gas versions are teamed with an enhanced high-efficiency CVT, while Sport Hybrid models feature i-DCD (intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive) and one-motor 7-speed DCT. All Jades have steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Jade now offers customers the choice of new 5-passenger or carryover 6-passenger seating, with the later in a 2+2+2 configuration. The 5-passenger Hybrid RS is shown above fitted with genuine Honda accessories.
A premium 9-inch inter-navi (Gathers) touchscreen display is one of several available from Honda Access at showrooms in Japan. We also like the cool carbon-weave style dash trim on this Hybrid RS.
We’re always impressed by the range of accessories that Honda offers for its models in Japan. For example, customers wishing to turn the Jade into a sport wagon can select performance parts like these.
Jade’s flexible cargo compartment is ready to accommodate customers with active lifestyles, whether it’s transporting golf bags, luggage, or sports gear. The cargo tray accessory (above) helps to protect the floor and makes it easy to wipe up spills.
All Jades now include Honda Sensing with advanced safety features like Collision Mitigating Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist System, and Road Sign Recognition.
If Honda decides to bring the Jade to America, we can picture a Crystal Orange RS Hybrid in our driveway (as a companion to our own Molten Lava CR-V).
Note: Features and specifications for Japanese market models are subject to change without notice.
News source and photos courtesy of Honda Motor Co. Ltd.
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