Car Showroom spent a week behind the wheel of the all -new Jazz and we’re convinced this stylish Honda has assumed the honour of Australia’s best compact car.
Sure there’s the contemporary new styling, abundant safety features, Honda’s trademark engineering excellence and superb driving dynamics. However the feature that won us over - and will win-over other families - is the interior design, practicality and space.
Compared to its predecessor the new Jazz is longer and wider - the extra 30mm interior width and deep-set door line deliver a spacious feel inside. Combine this with a well thought-out design, numerous storage bins, excellent seats and luggage space that’s noticeably bigger than other cars in the class (337l with the rear seat folded) and the Honda is a winner for family buyers, couples and singles.
Other nice features inside include greater distance between the driver and front passenger seats and rear doors that can open to 80 degrees but have two stops along the way so you can easily load toddlers, babies in capsules, golf clubs or shopping bags into the rear seat even in busy carparks.
We particularly liked the fold-down action for the rear seats which can be accomplished in a single move with one lever operated from the boot area (other vehicles in the segment require multiple actions and moving to the rear doors to fold their seats down). The Jazz rear seat can be returned upright simply by pushing on the seat backs - all very clever design with every day applications.
Jazz was first launched in 2001 and with over 2.5 million sold worldwide, it has joined the Civic as a key model for Honda. Since the new model was launched in Japan last October, it has been the number one best-selling car every month through to June.
The second generation Jazz lineup begins with the 1.3-litre GLi model priced from $15,990, then comes the 1.5-litre VTi priced from $19,170 and the range-topping VTi-S is priced from $21,590.
GLi models are well-equipped with power windows and mirrors, central locking and single in-dash CD sound plus ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and dual front airbags.
VTi models gain the 1.5-litre engine, side and curtain airbags, a handy multi-function display and security alarm system. Like other family drivers, Car Showroom particularly liked the seat belt function on the dash display which informs you if the rear seat belts are fastened (very handy with toddlers who like to unclip their belts).
VTi-S models are the sporty members of the Jazz family and can be distinguished by their front and rear bumper spoilers, side skirts and 16-inch alloy wheels. Inside there are steering wheel paddle shifts for sporty manual gear changes.
Buyers on a budget should look closely at the entry level GLi models as these can be ordered with an optional safety pack (extra $1,000) which comprises side and curtain airbags and the multi-function display.
The 1.3-litre power plant is new for the Jazz and is from Honda’s I-VTEC family which means it employs variable valve timing to optimise engine power and torque while reducing fuel consumption. For further fuel economy, at idle the engine shuts down one cylinder. Maximum power is 73kW at 6000rpm and peak torque of 127Nm at 4800rpm.
Car Showroom drove a 1.5-litre VTi Jazz with the 1.5-litre engine and 5-speed automatic transmission - Honda says the Jazz is the only vehicle in its market segment with a 5-speed auto. Numerous upgrades to the engine for enhanced performance, fuel economy and reduced emissions have delivered a package which is lively and very enjoyable to drive on both suburban roads and freeway touring.
Suspension is a McPherson strut front and torsion beam rear. Compared to the superseded Jazz, the H-shaped rear torsion beam has been re-designed with longer trailing arm lengths, larger bushings and improved spring lever ratio.
