Honda Jazz Reviews

The second generation of the Honda Jazz has had its fanfare, and the music is expected to be just as sweet this time round.The new Jazz is still belting out the same tune that helped the original sell more than 2.5 million examples, but this time the Aussie-bound models are a little off-key.Bigger, sharper, more powerful, heavier and a tad less fuel-efficient, the new Jazz will also be missing any hint of an electronic stability program (ESP), despite the life-saving technology being available in Europe and Japan.“We would have liked it, absolutely, but I don't think it will cost us sales,” Honda Australia senior director Lindsay Smalley says.“There are a couple of reasons we can't get it at the moment.“First, we have a different engine and transmission configuration for the Asia-Oceania region (1.5-litre engine and standard automatic). ESP is designed for the European-spec with a 1.4-litre engine and CVT transmission, the same as in Japan.”Second, he says, ESP is not seen as much of an issue in Asia.However, it will be available within 12 months.Honda has stuck with the three-model strategy for the Jazz, starting with the GLi at $15,990 (plus $2000 for the automatic)and $19,170 for the VTi manual or $21,490 for the five-speed automatic.Topping the range is the VTi-S at $21,590 ($23,920 auto).The entry-level model comes with a new iVTEC-equipped SOHC 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine putting out 73kW and 127Nm, up 12kW and 8Nm over the outgoing model.Braking across the range has been upgraded with standard rear discs replacing drums. But the base car still comes with only two airbags standard. Side and curtain bags are a $1000 option.Generally, standard equipment levels are high for the light-car class, with rake-and-reach adjustable steering wheel, 15-inch steel wheels, power windows and mirrors, central locking and a single-disc four-speaker MP3-player compatible audio system with speed-sensitive volume control.There are plenty of storage nooks and crannies and the simple-fold rear seats allow fo reasonable luggage.Stepping up to the VTi and VTi-S brings a new 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine with 88kW and 145Nm. For an extra $3200 the VTi adds steering wheel audio controls, an information display and alarm.Go to the top of the class and the VTi-S adds 16-inch alloys and more aggressive exterior styling with a sports grille, side skirts and new front and rear bumper treatment.In addition to 16-inch alloys, the VTi-S gets a sports grille and front and rear bumpers (think Type-R shape and treatment).The interior of the Jazz was and still is a reasonably comfortable place to be.The addition of reach and rake adjustments to the steering — coupled with reasonable seat adjustment — make it simple to find the best drive position.Seats are comfortable without being outstanding and most of the ergonomics in the cabin are at the front of the light-car segment.Dials are large and easy to use and information delivery is simple and to the point.Some of the interior trim — the plastics in particular — show signs of cost-management, but the car is designed to sell at the lower end of the new-car spectrum.The short (very short) launch drive program concentrated on the city environs that most of these cars will travel in, and only the 1.5-litre was offered for assessment this time.Power is not a big factor in cars of this style, but the Jazz quickly shakes off any suggestion it's a slug.Away from a standing start the car will hold its own in city traffic.Around town the steering is light and precise enough but a long way from being engaging. Missing is the previous model's constantly variable transmission, replaced by a five-speed automatic.Changes are smooth and the ratios generally sensible.Around town the tall fifth gear is rarely utilised for long. It may well come into its own when cruising, but adds to hunting between fourth and fifth in city driving.Honda's engineers claim to have stiffened the Jazz for torsional rigidity but they have also been busy refining the suspension settings.Gone is the unsettling “bounce” from the previous model, a good thing in the city, where speed bumps and poor road surfaces will test any dampers.

Contrary to what many people think, motoring writing is not all skidpan slaloms through witches' hats and tearing around race tracks.Take the Australian media's recent introduction to the new Honda Jazz, which consisted of a 60km commute through the Melbourne CBD and the city's leafy suburbs.The Honda Jazz Urban Fuel Economy Challenge (see below) involved the second generation of the light hatchback which, since its debut in 2001, has sold more than 2.5 million around the world.Honda says the new Jazz introduces new levels of styling, performance, driving dynamics and ride quality and, most importantly, environmental friendliness.There are three variants—a 1.3 litre GLi and two 1.5 litre i-VTEC (variable valve timing) models, the VTi and VTi-S. All meet Euro 4 emission standards and run on 91 RON standard unleaded fuel.Jazz GLi comes with standard power windows and mirrors, central locking and single in-dash CD stereo.Added to this is safety equipment that includes ABS anti-skid brakes with electronic brake force distribution, dual front airbags and front seatbelt pre-tensioners, all standard. An optional Safety pack comprises side and curtain airbags, and a multi-information display which includes a speed alarm, trip computer and seatbelt reminder for all passengers. The mid-range Jazz VTi gets the larger, more powerful 1.5 litre engine in addition to side and curtain airbags, the multi-information display, a security alarm system and a vanity mirror for the front passenger. The top-of-the-range Jazz VTi-S is given the sports makeover with sport front and rear bumpers, side skirts and 16in alloy wheels.The GLi features Honda's advanced 1.3 litre SOHC engine, (now with i-VTEC technology) to provide the best balance of fuel economy and lively performance.It delivers 73kW of power (up 12kW) and 127Nm of torque (up 8Nm).The 1.3 litre i-VTEC engine delivers fuel economy figure of 5.8 litres per 100km (48 miles per gallon) and produces just 138g of carbon dioxide per kilometre with manual transmission.The GLi has a five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission, the latter unique to the segment, with Honda's Grade Logic Control.Both VTi and VTi-S are powered by a 1.5 litre SOHC i-VTEC engine that has an output of 88kW (up 7kW) and 145Nm (up 2Nm).Fuel economy is similarly frugal, achieving a combined 6.4 litres/100km (44mpg) and just 151g/km in manual form.Both VTi and VTi-S are available with five-speed manual transmission and Honda's new five-speed automatic transmission, that allows the driver to change gear manually using paddles on the steering wheel (VTi-S only).The second-generation Jazz retains the same suspension layout as the previous generation, with significant improvements incorporated to enhance ride quality, handling and agility, while upgraded power steering is standard across the range.With flexible seating arrangements, interior space is used to best advantage. Leg room in the back is good and head and shoulder space generous.Driving the new Honda Jazz with skill and restraint can have its rewards.Besides feeling comfortable with the way the vehicle behaved, I and my colleague coaxed fuel consumption of 5.1 litres per 100km (55mpg) out of the 1.3 litre car and collected a prize—appropriately a Honda wallet—from the carmaker for being the most fuel efficient, and therefore economical, drivers of the 20 or so scribes on the Jazz launch. 

The Jazz presented small cars in a new way. It wasn't a downsized sedan or sedan-based hatch as had been the normal way of designing a small car.It was about the efficient use of interior space. It had ample room for five adults with the seats in their normal positions, but the seats could be flipped or folded flat to allow a wide range of objects to be carried. It was a big car in a small package.The performance was sporty with a choice of 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre single overhead camshaft four-cylinder engines. The smaller engine put out 61kW at 5700 revs and 119Nm at 2800 revs and returned 5.6L/100km. The larger VTEC engine boasted 81kW at 6000 revs and 143Nm at 4800 revs for more zip and returned 6.0L/100km.Both engines came with the choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic, the CVT trans hooked up to the larger engine offered a seven-speed sequential shift function.The suspension was a combination of MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear with stabiliser bars at both ends, while the brakes were a blend of disc front and drum rear with anti-skid protection, and the steering was electric-power assisted. Honda offered the Jazz in three models; the GLi, VTi and VTi-S. The GLi opened the range and came nicely equipped with cloth trim, power windows and mirrors, central locking, tilt-adjustable steering column, a full array of instruments, and a CD player.The VTi came with all of that plus air-conditioning, and sports cloth trim, while the sporty VTi-S came with front and rear spoilers, front fog lamps and alloy wheels.The Jazz is a city car and often driven by people living in inner-city areas, which exposes them to more of the bump and grind of gridlock than cars living in the outer suburban areas. They can often be left parked in the street, under trees and light poles, and subject to the things that fall out of the sky.So look for body bumps and scrapes, and stains on the paint work. Look for a car that has been well-maintained on a regular basis, and not just cleaned up for sale.Cars left exposed to the elements need more washing, waxing and polishing than those parked under cover.Look at the wheels for evidence of being scraped on or bumped into kerbs. If you find damaged rims, have the suspension inspected for damage. It is relatively easy to damage a drive line or steering joint by accidentally hitting a kerb. Listen for odd clicking noises when turning that might indicate a damaged joint.Check for a service record indicating regular oil changes, and lift the oil-filler cap and take a look for sludge as a result of missed oil services. On average a Jazz should have done around 60,000km if it was a 2002 model, less if a later delivery.All models boasted airbags for the driver and front passenger for reasonable protection in a crash from the front, while anti-skid brakes help you to get out of trouble when confronted with a crash situation.The chassis dynamics aren't brilliant, and steering is accurate without being responsive, but the chassis is quite well balanced, but with a slight bias towards understeer.

These days you can get a one-way Virgin flight for $49 or ride the Greyhound bus to Sydney for $50. Train travel will set you back $58.30.But you have to endure cramped spaces, and sharing your life for at least a few hours.So it didn't take long to decide on a car. And the Honda Jazz made an interesting choice, particularly as Honda Australia was keen to see if its baby could make it on $50.It's an advanced jigger that gets good economy and still has enough space for people and luggage.So the challenge was on. The rules were strict: no super-inflated tyres, no coasting on hills, and no snails-pace crawling with the windows up and the airconditioning off. This was going to be a normal, real-world run.The trip began in Melbourne at 9.30am with a clean and tidy Jazz, a few favourite CDs, some Sydney maps and a service-station stop that filled the tank but drained my wallet of $28.95, leaving only $21.05 for fuel for the Jazz and me.The drive to Albury was easy, apart from the fear of the revenue cameras, and the run passed at an average speed of 91.2km/h.Fuel economy on the Jazz's trip computer was 5.01 litres/100km. At that rate, it was looking as if I would beat the Virgin price and have money left for lunch, but a less-than-satisfactory stop at KFC cost $7.95 and the car took another $12.05 in fuel, taking the total to $48.95 and ensuring I had to make Sydney without another top-up.The actual trip from Albury to the centre of Sydney was uneventful and easy, apart from a stop to help an elderly woman change a tyre. So, six hours and 15 minutes after clearing Albury I was in the heart of Sydney, having averaged 101km/h for the second half of the trip, but with not much showing on the fuel gauge.It was enough for another 50km before the warning light came on, so the Jazz had done well.The total travel time was 10 1/4 hours and that included lunch and a couple of comfort stops. The Jazz had given absolutely no trouble -- it was comfortable and quiet, thanks to a roomy cabin and low wind and road noise -- and the overall average speed was 85km/h.If you look only at the actual driving time the average was 97km/h and fuel economy for the interstate trip was an excellent 4.92 litres/100km. And I drove like everyone does when they hit the Hume.David McCarthy covers motoring for the gay community through MCV and JOY 94.9FM, writes for Sports Car and Racer magazines and works as executive officer of People Living with HIV/AIDS Victoria.fast factsENGINE:1.3 litre inline fuel-injected four cylinderPOWER:61 kW at 5700 rpmTORQUE:119Nm at 2800 rpmTRANSMISSION:Five-speed manualBODY:Five-door hatchPRICE:$16,990

It's just that, in the grand scheme of things, she would much prefer to get around in a nice big four-wheel-drive vehicle or comfortable sedan than one of the more modest baby cars I bring home from time to time.But after a few days of Jazzing around the place, she had decidedly changed her tune. "It's got lots of room for a little thing, hasn't it?" she let slip. "And it's very nice on the highway. It doesn't even really feel like a small car."Now that, surely, would be music to the ears of the good folk at Honda.Mind you, they should be getting very used to hearing praise for the funky little Jazz, which has struck a chord with just about all the critics since it arrived on the scene last year.My colleagues at The Courier-Mail even deemed it to be their Car of the Year, ahead of luminaries such as the fabulous Mercedes-Benz E-class, and the acclaimed new BA Ford Falcon.So the Jazz had plenty to live up to when it came to visit our place and, I have to say, it did not disappoint.That's a recurring theme with Honda -- which invariably produces cars that are well-engineered, fuss-free and rewarding to drive. The Jazz fits right into that distinguished family tree.We drove the top-of-the-range VTi-S -- nicely fitted out with the bigger 1.5 litre engine (there is also a 1.3 litre Jazz), alloy wheels and plenty of creature comforts -- but in a five-speed manual rather than the tricky, seven-speed automatic with the steering-wheel controls that has won so many admirers.But selecting the gears myself was no hardship in this very smart little hatchback.While it takes up next to no space in the garage, the cockpit of the Jazz is remarkably spacious. There is plenty of leg room and shoulder space for two adults in the front -- and still with oodles of space for three kids, side by side and legs stretched out, in the back. It has at least as much space as any of the mid-sized European sedans we have driven recently, which cost twice as much.On top of that, the Jazz has an impressively large cargo space in the rear hatch.There are also numerous storage nooks, parcel shelves and cup-holders dotted around the cabin.It comes with airconditioning, electric windows and mirrors and a pretty decent CD stereo, which is nicely integrated in the modern-looking centre console.The dash, while a bit plasticky, has a high-tech look with its bold, circular dials.How did Honda fit so much into such a small space?Well, the design of the Jazz is, shall we say, quirky: short and stubby at the front, a high roofline and chopped-off tail.My wife likened it to a shrunk version of the Odyssey people-mover (another Honda we loved) and she is pretty close to the mark.It is not exactly unattractive, but it lags behind rivals such as the Mazda 2 and Citroen C3 in the style stakes.Its compact size makes the Jazz an ideal city car -- the engine's 81kW make it lively enough to dart around in traffic; its light steering and gearbox make it a breeze to turn and park.Even with a full load of two adults and three kids, and the airconditioner running, the engine coped remarkably well.On the highway, it performs with equal aplomb. The ride is solid and reassuring and it cruises happily and quietly at 110km/h, without any sense that the engine is under stress.As you would expect, the Jazz is miserly on fuel. Expect to get well over 500km between refills of its 42 litre tank (that's about $30 worth at current prices). Over that distance of combined city and highway driving, we managed a frugal 6.5 litres per 100km for the week.You will pay almost $20,000 to get into a Jazz with airconditioning (our test model costs $22,490), so it's not the cheapest of the baby hatches around. But I'd place it near the top of this category -- shading the Citroen C3 and VW Polo, both of which we rated highly.The Citroen had more gadgets, but not as much space or power; the Volkswagen was about as big and better finished, but lacked the Honda's performance.For big families, the Jazz would make the ideal second car -- perfect for picking up kids from school and groceries from the supermarket.If your clan is more modestly sized, the Jazz is big enough and capable enough to be the primary family sedan.KEY POINTSHONDA JAZZ VTi-SDETAILS: Five-door, front-wheel-drive hatchback; 1.5 litre, four-cylinder engine with 81kW power; five-speed manual gearbox.FEATURES: Two airbags, ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution; airconditioning, electric windows and mirrors; CD stereo.COST: $22,490.RIVALS: Citroen C3 Exclusive ($20,990); Mazda 2 Genki ($22,195); Renault Clio Privilege 1.6 ($23,990); Peugeot 206 XT 1.6 ($22,990).FOR: Fun to drive, plenty of space.AGAINST: At this price, it's competing against some bigger rivals.SUMMING UP: Everyone seems to love this car. Count me in.