Honda Jazz
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Honda's Jazz is one of the cleverest superminis around. It's a thoroughly modern design that's innovative in its use of space, with remarkably good head and rear legroom, well specced, and fitted with frugal and characterful engines. It's at its best in town where it's both friendly and fun to drive. It's very nearly the complete package. The only criticisms are the high initial asking price (although Jazz holds its value well) and the lack of a diesel or headline model (like the Civic Type-R) to get the young driver market interested.
Comfort
Thoughtful use of space means that it seats five without anyone having to breathe in. The seats are comfortable for pottering around town, but not supportive enough for longer trips. Road noise can be a problem: it's tolerable at low speeds, but on the motorway the drone can become irritating. Despite its tall design, there's no problem with wind noise and the engine is well insulated.
Most are well-equipped which combines with the plush feel to help justify the price. Base model gets electric front windows, twin airbags and CD player. SE gets air-con.
Performance
The range kicks off with a 75bhp 1.2-litre, which was introduced to the Jazz range in late 2004 - just after Jazz got a few styling and comfort tweaks. It's a peppy unit that's well suited to town work; it's quick off the mark and nippy at low speeds. It certainly feels quicker than its 0-60mph time of 13.3 seconds suggests. The 81bhp 1.4-litre engine was the engine that Jazz was launched in 2002 and it suits most drivers' needs as it has no problems keeping up with traffic and acceleration is brisk enough for quick lane-changing. It's just as impressive on the motorway, cruising easily at 70-80mph.
Handling
An easy car to drive around town thanks to its light steering and controls. On A and B roads it feels sharp and composed, with firm and precise gearchanges and responsive brakes. It's not fun, but certainly safe and predictable. The Jazz is only let down by its harsh ride (especially on early models that had even firmer suspension), which can at times be jarring and very uncomfortable over potholed roads. Jazz is available with a five-speed manual or seven-speed Continuously Variable Transmission. The latter is an automatic with a manual override to allow you to change gear if you need to.
Safety
Euro NCAP awarded Jazz four star car for occupant crash protection, three stars for child protection and three stars for pedestrian safety. All have dual airbags (and sidebags on SE Sport), and ABS.
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Comfort
Thoughtful use of space means that it seats five without anyone having to breathe in. The seats are comfortable for pottering around town, but not supportive enough for longer trips. Road noise can be a problem: it's tolerable at low speeds, but on the motorway the drone can become irritating. Despite its tall design, there's no problem with wind noise and the engine is well insulated.
Most are well-equipped which combines with the plush feel to help justify the price. Base model gets electric front windows, twin airbags and CD player. SE gets air-con.
Performance
The range kicks off with a 75bhp 1.2-litre, which was introduced to the Jazz range in late 2004 - just after Jazz got a few styling and comfort tweaks. It's a peppy unit that's well suited to town work; it's quick off the mark and nippy at low speeds. It certainly feels quicker than its 0-60mph time of 13.3 seconds suggests. The 81bhp 1.4-litre engine was the engine that Jazz was launched in 2002 and it suits most drivers' needs as it has no problems keeping up with traffic and acceleration is brisk enough for quick lane-changing. It's just as impressive on the motorway, cruising easily at 70-80mph.
Handling
An easy car to drive around town thanks to its light steering and controls. On A and B roads it feels sharp and composed, with firm and precise gearchanges and responsive brakes. It's not fun, but certainly safe and predictable. The Jazz is only let down by its harsh ride (especially on early models that had even firmer suspension), which can at times be jarring and very uncomfortable over potholed roads. Jazz is available with a five-speed manual or seven-speed Continuously Variable Transmission. The latter is an automatic with a manual override to allow you to change gear if you need to.
Safety
Euro NCAP awarded Jazz four star car for occupant crash protection, three stars for child protection and three stars for pedestrian safety. All have dual airbags (and sidebags on SE Sport), and ABS.
