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Mugen Overload

Drenched in every single Mugen part made for the Jazz, this GK5 is a complete JDM show car that's driven.

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In the world of subcompacts, few platforms have earned as loyal a following as the Honda Jazz. Haunching back from the OG; the GD and the GE model following it, the GK model was the most loved for its practicality and agility, the GK5 is also one of the most modifiable hatchbacks in Honda’s stable. But every now and then, a build comes along that redefines what a Jazz can be — not just in function, but in form, focus, and finish.

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This particular GK5 is not just modified — it’s Mugen personified. From aero to interior, handling to engine bay, nearly every inch of the car has been thoughtfully enhanced with authentic JDM performance parts, primarily from Mugen, Honda’s most iconic tuning partner. So be warned: the word "Mugen" will be repeatedly typed and read, on account of the uncounted number of parts from the tuner's catalogue. 

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An L15B with an Added Flavour of Mugen

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The heart of the build is a L15B four-cylinder engine swap from the FL RS Sensing variant, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission — a rare and desirable combo. But this isn’t just a swap — it’s a reengineering of the Jazz’s performance DNA. Supporting mods include:

  • Js Racing complete hoses and pipes

  • Ogura clutch system

  • R18 throttle body for improved response

  • Mugen air filter, oil filter, radiator cap, and engine oil

  • MSD coil plugs & HKS spark plugs

  • Air Speed carbon-fiber intake box

  • Cusco performance battery

  • Mugen FL-RS sport silencer exhaust & muffler

The result is an engine bay that’s as much a functional upgrade as it is a JDM collector’s showcase — combining proven performance with unmatched attention to detail.

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Chassis & Handling, Tuned for Precision

For a car to wear Mugen parts proudly, the handling must be razor-sharp — and this GK5 delivers:

  • Mugen Sport Adjustable Suspension for optimum ride height and damping control

  • Mugen strut bar for rear-end rigidity

  • Cusco front strut bar and 6-point roll cage to stiffen the chassis for track-readiness

  • Beatrush rear-floor bar to reduce chassis floor flexing

These upgrades create a planted, responsive drive — translating every input directly into road feedback.

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"Endless" Confidence in Braking Power

Stopping power is handled by a mix of premium components, with a Front Endless S4F 4-pot brake kit anchoring the system:

  • Mugen Type-T brake pads (front & rear)

  • Mugen slotted brake rotors

  • Mugen high-performance brake fluid

With this setup, the Jazz offers track-level braking performance that inspires confidence in any driving scenario.

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Perfect Fit for a Mugen Fit.. or Jazz

A classic look done right — this Jazz rolls on 16-inch bronze Mugen MF8 wheels, with PCD 100, 7JJ width, and ET43 offset. Secured with Mugen wheel nuts and lock nuts, the wheels are finished off with red Mugen center caps, completing the subtle yet aggressive stance.

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Sitting In A Mugen Cocoon

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Step inside and you’re greeted by one of the most complete Mugen-themed interiors ever seen in a GK5. Every detail has been addressed to create a cabin that’s sporty, functional, and unmistakably Mugen:

  • Mugen Assist Speedometer

  • Mugen Carbon-fiber gear knob

  • Hybrid Racing short-shifter kit with Js Racing shift boot

  • Mugen Defi DSDF digital display

  • Mugen Engine Start/Stop Button

  • Mugen pedal set

  • Mugen red scuff plates

  • Mugen full-set carpets

  • Mugen steering wheel with Worksbell quick-release and indicator

  • Js Racing titanium screws & meter cover

  • Illuminated gear console & retrimmed black headliners

  • Mugen titanium emblem plate

  • Mugen 4-point harness

  • Mugen carbon-fiber rear-view mirror cover

  • Two Mugen MS-Z Alcantara semi-bucket seats on M-Tec railings

The cockpit balances race-day ergonomics with daily-driving comfort — an interior that shows how deep the rabbit hole of quality JDM tuning goes. Honestly, there were too many swapped items, that we took more than 30 minutes, just to highlight as much interior details as we could in image form.

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Mugen-ly Crafted Form

Again, we took as long as we shot the interior, to shoot the exterior, but you can see that visually, this Jazz stands in a class of its own — a full Mugen Aero Kit combined with rare accessories and a custom Boost Blue paint job that ties it all together. Exterior highlights include:

  • Mugen Aero front hood & front bumper

  • Mugen front sport grille & Aero illumination

  • Mugen LED fog lights & rear fog light

  • Co-Plus V4 LED headlights

  • Mugen side skirts, under-spoiler, and tailgate garnish

  • Mugen carbon-fiber rear spoiler

  • Mugen door-handle protectors & hydrophobic side mirrors

  • FL RS tail-lights

  • Mugen ventilated door visors

  • Valliant wide wheel arches

  • Mugen Commander Eye decal

Every component fits flawlessly, proving that the GK5 can be both functionally aerodynamic and visually aggressive — without sacrificing its daily usability. 

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The "Boost Blue"print for JDM Perfection

This Honda Jazz GK5 isn’t just a build — it’s a JDM love letter, a high-spec machine that blends uprated but usable performance, street practicality, and tuner culture authenticity. Every component has a purpose, every piece tells a story, every journey for the owner to hunt down each and every rare items on this car, will forever be a sentimental value. and it has stood out from the wave of other GK5s that we have seen, and it's why this particular Jazz is worthy of a feature on our humble branding website.

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With its rare parts, meticulous execution, and deep Mugen integration, this Jazz raises the bar for what a modern hatchback can be. It’s a car built by an enthusiast — for enthusiasts who understand that “Mugen” is more than a brand; it’s a statement.

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So, WHAT'S NEXT?

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The owner has completed this long-process build and missing only one or two catalogue items, only due to said items being unavailable & discontinued, so it stays as it is. But it's not over for the owner, as he is intending to pursue a "Boost Blue" twin for this Jazz, and it would be an original factory colour Boost Blue. Surely you could guess which Honda (or specifically, Type R) comes in the specific colour. We hope the best for the very chilled owner, who drove from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur, just for our feature shoot. It only proves how passionate the owner is, and how each proud owner should be putting the effort for their beloved prized-possession.

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