Honda Jazz VTi 2013 review

Honda Jazz is all about style at the front – and space and practicality at the rear. Which comes as no surprise as it comes from a Japanese car maker that has never followed mainstream thinking. Probably because it began life as a motorcycle manufacturer, so was aiming its products as much at fun as function.

Value

The new Honda Jazz VTi starts at $17,790 for the manual and $19,790 for the automatic. Standard features include Bluetooth connectivity (phone and audio), USB socket, multi-information display, 10 cup holders and tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel. The two higher-specced models also get cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio controls, alloy wheels and foglamps.

Technology

Jazz comes with the choice of two petrol engines, with capacities of 1.3 litres (GLi) and 1.5 litres (VTi and VTi-S). Power from the smaller engine is 73 kW and torque 127 Nm, the torque graph shows the output is relatively flat. Indeed, the 1.3-litre may have all the power and torque you need if the car isn’t used in hilly areas and isn’t used to cart big loads.

Design

The Jazz has large moulded headlights, a sleek bonnet that drops down sharply for good air penetration, neat sculpting at the rear end and LED taillights to brighten up the look of the tail. The higher-specced VTi and VTi-S models get sporty bumpers, side skirts, a gunmetal grey grille and alloy wheels, while the VTi-S benefits from a neat little tailgate spoiler.

The first thing you notice when you step into the Honda Jazz is how much light is present. With its large windscreen and rear window, low waistline and tall styling there’s a bright, airy feel that appeals to many in the land downunder. Just as importantly, the all-round visibility provided by the light and airy feel complement the slim A-pillars and large side mirrors make the Jazz safer. The smallest Honda car sold in Australia will spend most of its time in urban areas so good outward visibility is pleasing. Other car makers take note.

Although it's not a full five seater for large adults, the Honda Jazz can carry four average-sized adults in reasonable comfort with the bonus of a number of practical and convenient in-cabin stowage areas including under-seat compartments. The typical load of mum, dad and a couple of kids will find there’s stretch out room.

Jazz’s boot space in is very good and its capacity can be expanded with a very clever three-mode seat folding arrangement. It provides up to 1720 mm of luggage length with the rear seatbacks folded flat, which makes it long enough to hold a bicycle. Even better there’s up to 2400 mm of interior length if the front passenger seatback also folded flat. The rear seat base folds up to make maximum use of the Jazz’s height – just the thing for carrying tall potted plants home from the nursery.

Safety

Honda Jazz has been tested to the five-star ANCAP safety crash rating. There are six airbags (front, side and curtain), front and rear seatbelt reminder, ABS with Brake Assist and Vehicle Stability Assist.

Driving

Our road test was carried out in a Honda Jazz VTi with the 88 kW, 145 Nm 1.5-litre engine and five-speed manual gearbox – there's also a five-speed automatic that’s optional in the GLi and standard in the VTi-S. As expected the larger engine has a more refined and responsive feel and the gearbox has nicely spaced ratios.

We found ourselves using just under six litres per hundred kilometres on the motorway and in the mid-sevens around town. On the road we were pleasantly surprised at how well the Jazz handles. For a tall, squarish car it grips the road well and hugs the corners better than one would expect. It’s no sports hatch but will suit the sensible person more interested in easy running than hard charging.

Verdict

Honda Jazz has long been one of the yardstick models in the Australia small car field thanks to high levels of quality and the sort of refinement and comfort that normally requires a car a full size larger.