Surprise... the new Honda Jazz City comes in a sedan version with a spacious boot. Photo Gallery
In the light car class, hatches rule.
But Honda has taken a leaf out of the Toyota Yaris book and introduced a sedan version of its Jazz, called the City.
But the City also has designs on the Holden Barina and Nissan Tiida sedans.
Like its hatch sibling, the Honda sedan shares plenty with the Jazz, including 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and suspension.
However the big difference is out back — the boot.
The City's exceptionally roomy boot holds 10 litres more than a Holden Commodore Omega.
At 506 litres with a 60/40 split fold rear seat the boot is bigger than even the Accord (450 litres), Accord Euro (467 litres).
Visually Honda designers have tried to make the exterior and interior more `grown-up', individual and sporty.
It gets a striking grille, slim-line headlights and front end treatment Honda calls `arrowshot form' while at the back there are some obvious styling cues from the larger Honda sedan family.
Two models are offered; the VTi and the VTi-L, both with the 1.5-litre engine.
Prices kick off at $20,490 for the VTi manual and $22,790 for the auto, with the L spec adding $2,500 and the metallic paint option $325 extra.
The VTi gets power windows and mirrors, central locking and an iPod/MP3 compatible single in-dash CD stereo.
Safety kit includes anti-skid brakes, brake assist, dual front, side and curtain airbags and front seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Electronic stability control is on the agenda but is unlikely to be available for another two years.
The VTi-L adds tilt and telescopic steering, 16-inch alloys, chrome door handles, foglights, better trim and leather steering wheel.
Both models are available with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission and get a full-size spare.
Like the Jazz, the City has employed the same suspension layout, with MacPherson struts up front and torsion beam rear end for maximum packaging efficiency.
The single overhead cam, 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine produces 88kW at 6600 revs and 145Nm at 4800 revs, which is identical to the Jazz VTi and VTi-S.
Fuel economy is similarly frugal, achieving a combined 6.3 litres/100km for the manual and 6.6 litres/100km for the automatic.
Tree huggers will be pleased that the C02 emissions are 148g/km the manual and 156g/km in the auto.
Being a sedan, the City has room for five and it shadows the Jazz in everything except length.
At 4410mm long, it is a massive 510mm longer than the Jazz but is 55mm lower in height and the same width.
The wheelbase is 50mm longer at 2550mm. Front track is 1490 and rear 1475, 2mm narrower at the front while the rear remains the same.
Depending on the model it is also between 40kg and 60kg heavier than the Jazz.
Although the previous-generation City was sold in other markets, it is the first time Honda Australia has sold it here.
The City has been a sales success for Honda with more than 1 million sold in the Asia Oceania region since its debut in 1996.
The previous-generation City was sold in 39 countries, ranking it alongside the Civic as one of Honda's most successful models.
Driving
It is not exactly Dr Who's Tardis but the wee City has enough room to spare. And that's the big selling point for the car.
A roomy boot with 60/40 split rear seatbacks and enough rear seat leg and headroom to accommodate most adults.
A full-size spare is also a refreshing inclusion as many of the City's rivals opt for space-saver spares.
By styling the car in a more mature manner, Honda has cleared tried to move the City away from the funky Jazz so it can be used as a stepping stone up to the Civic sedan.
It may well share the same platform as the hatch but the styling of the sedan is more distinctive and attractive both inside and out.
First impressions in an automatic VTi-L around inner-Sydney revealed a competent and well-built car. The 1.5-litre engine has a reasonable performer and the cabin remains quiet at highway speeds with little road noise from the 16-inch alloys fitted on the VTi-L we drove.
The overall fit and finish is up to Honda's usual standards but some hard plastics on the door trim and dashboard, as well as the narrow cabin, do take the edge off.
Not so the seats. Both front and rear seats are comfy, supportive and feel as though they've come from a class above. Up front, both driver and passenger sit up high because, like the Jazz, the fuel tank is under the front seats.
However, the VTi-L has reach and height adjustable steering so most drivers will be well accommodated.
The electric power steering is reasonably direct but lacks feedback and the suspension leans to a softer bias for comfort over outright dynamics.
Audio fans will appreciate the latest iPod compatible stereo with a USB port auxiliary jack. Once plugged in the stereo controls mimic those of the iPod, allowing specific music settings.
Cruise control and the full suite of airbags is also welcome in this segment.
There's no doubt the City will appeal to younger buyers and empty nesters who have an eye on economy and Honda's excellent reputation.
The biggest problem is price. Honda will have to sell off the strength of its badge to lure buyers confronted by a range of small Japanese and Korean brands that are cheaper and in some cases more powerful.
The highly competent latest-generation 2.0-litre Kia Cerato comes to mind.
But for many, the simple fact that the City has a Honda badge on its new rump is enough.
Snapshot
Honda Jazz City
Engine: 1.5-litre i-VTEC
Power: 88kW/6600rpm
Torque: 145Nm/4800rpm
Economy: 6.3 litres/100km (man), 6.6 litres/100km (auto)
Emissions: 148g/km (man), 156g/km (auto)
