Imported JDM Models
Imported Jazz/Fit models from Japan (JDM or Japanese Domestic Market) may come with a different audio unit as fitted to UK models. Even if the visual design of the radio is identical, the system fitted to JDM cars operates on a different FM waveband. The FM band on JDM radios operate between 76-90Mhz, compared to the international FM bandwidth of 88-108Mhz on UK cars. So unless you like listening to Radio 2, you will need to fit a band expander to the radio, or replace the unit with either a UK-spec design or after-market type.
Band expanders fit at the connection point for the aerial and feed the UK bandwidth into the Japanese frequency. This means that the frequency will not display correctly – e.g., 98Mhz will display as 80Mhz on the radio’s display. This also means that some devices may result in the loss of Radio 2 because of it’s waveband location of around 88-90Mhz. Fitting a band expander is cheaper and easier then replacing the standard radio unit and can be purchased online (including on ebay), although many JDM imports usually have these fitted by the import dealer as part of the process of conforming the car to UK standards. Installation will require the removal of the radio unit.
The other issue is that JDM cars don’t generally (never?) have RDS (Radio Data System), which retunes the radio as it loses the frequency and provide local traffic reports to interrupt CD playback or when listening to some national BBC radio stations.