Sharp price; good looks, flexible interior
Driving dynamics not as sharp as some; front seats could offer more support
Honda has bounced-back into the ultra-competitive compact hatchback segment with the all-new third generation Jazz boasting contemporary looks, a versatile interior, lots of kit and a punchy 1.5-litre engine. Prices start from $14,990 so all things considered, compact car rivals will be hearing a lot more ‘Jazz’ this year.
Mind you Honda has its work cut-out with Australia’s compact car segment as ferocious as it gets. Mazda2, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai i20 and Kia Rio are all slugging it out with a host of others and with prices sharp, margins are slim. Of course an all-new Mazda2 is on the horizon.
Launch of the all-new Jazz does write an important chapter in the resurgence of Honda products. Alongside the CR-V and Odyssey, the Jazz is an example of the ‘new’ Honda emerging as the company continues its fight back from problems which date back to the Global Financial Crisis, tsunami in Japan and floods in Thailand.
Honda Jazz Overview
The Honda Jazz lineup kicks-off with the VTi manual priced at $14,990 but Car Showroom spent two weeks back-to-back in a VTi automatic ($16,990) and the range-topping VTi-L ($22,490). In the middle is the VTi-S ($19,790).
Honda has the all-new Jazz very comprehensively equipped and, pleasingly, all models come standard with cruise control and a multi-angle reversing camera – other small hatchback brands please take note. Amongst its extras, the VTi-L grade adds a rear spoiler, some extra exterior chrome, 16-inch alloy wheels, leather seats (fronts heated), reverse parking sensors and push-button start.
Honda Jazz Engine
All Honda Jazz models employ the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine. Unusually these days it’s a single-overhead camshaft layout but still provides four valves per-cylinder.
Maximum power is 88kW at 6600rpm and peak torque of 145Nm is delivered at 4600rpm. For both of our test cars, combined-cycle fuel consumption was rated at 5.8l/100kms.
Entry-grade VTi can be had with either a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic while all others are exclusively CVT.
Honda Jazz The Interior
If you think compact hatchbacks are the budget leaders of automotive design, the all-new Honda Jazz VTi-L model will have you re-thinking that one. This car has leather elements in the dashboard trim to match it leather seats – impressive in a car which retails for $22,490.
And you can also chalk-up heated front seats for the range-topping Honda Jazz.
Dashboard layout and instrumentation gets the familiar Honda look and a nice three-spoke steering wheel is adjustable for rake and reach to optimize driver comfort. We liked the colourful multi-information display with readouts for both instant and average fuel consumption – even in a relative fuel-miser like the Honda jazz, it’s telling to see how much fuel can be used when you’re really pushing along (hence an encouragement to common-sense driving styles for everyone).
But of course it's versatility which is the ace card for Honda Jazz. Honda mounts the fuel tank centrally which gives freedom to interior layout and the fabled ‘magic’ seats can be folded/tumbled in any of 18 combinations.
As part of that story the rear seat split-folds 60/40. Luggage space is on-par with others in the segment – not massive but enough for most family needs.
Honda Jazz Exterior & Styling
At a distance you can see some cues from previous generation Honda Jazz models but in fairness that’s probably doing a disservice to this all-new third generation model range. The fresh, contemporary looks of the latest Jazz places Honda’s compact hatchback on the frontline with other all-new Hondas like the CR-V SUV and Odyssey people mover.
In these models, Honda’s new styling direction is apparent in the V-shaped front-end integration of grille and headlights. And, like the Odyssey, the all-new Jazz introduces some complexity to its design courtesy of prominent character lines on the side (in the case of the Jazz, on running upwards along a line incorporating the door handles and another lower one in the form of doors mouldings and sill).
Honda Jazz has a modern cab-forward profile with an airy look stemming from its four side window layout and door-mounted exterior mirrors. The rising glass-line is another contemporary influence.
Some have criticized the rear three-quarter look but that’s point of view we’ll argue. In fact we like the Honda Jazz rear-end with its sophisticated tail-light design and high waistline affording a European influence which again is right ‘on-trend’.
The VTi-L model (as tested) and VTi-S ramp-up the sportiness with good-looking 16-inch alloy wheels (15-inch steel wheels for entry-grade VTi).
Honda Jazz On The Road
Driving the VTi and VTi-L models Jazz back-to-back was smart (the $22,490 VTi-L gets extra rubber thanks to its 16-inch alloy wheels with 185/55R 16 Bridgestone Turanza tyres). Those alloys look great and the meatier tyres are appreciated.
Compared to major rivals, Honda Jazz has an on-paper performance edge thanks to the 88kW/145Nm 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine. And on the road, the Jazz certainly feels lively.
Both of our test cars were fitted with the CVT automatic transmission and while Honda’s CVT isn’t the worst CVT we’ve driven it isn’t the best either – the 1.5-litre offering plenty of revs when confronted with a continuous incline. Of course the steering wheel paddle-shifters offered manual cog-swapping and this was appreciated when we tackled our high-speed mountain roads test loop.
In the twisty stuff, the Honda Jazz did a reasonable job but didn’t match the Ford Focus for balance and grip. It was very safe and predictable but not as dynamic as the Ford which is the benchmark in that department.
Around town the Honda Jazz was commendably quiet - good insulation from outside noise and in most circumstances little engine noise. And again the spirited acceleration courtesy of that zippy 1.5-litre engine was a highlight (it just works hard with the CVT in full auto).
Parking is made easy thanks to Honda Jazz’ excellent standard reversing camera and compact 10.4-metre turning circle.
Honda Jazz Issues
Given the top-shelf driving dynamics we know from the Honda Civic hatchback and CR-Z sports car, we were surprised the all-new Jazz doesn’t match the likes of Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris in the twisty stuff. And that is exacerbated by front seats which are a little lacking in support when cornering.
Honda Jazz Verdict
Honda has certainly lifted its game with the all-new Jazz – a much better car all-round than the superseded model. And Honda Australia’s pricing department has the newcomer on the money in a segment where customers watch every cent (although the VTi-L is getting up there).
As always you have to look carefully at the specifications and Honda Jazz knocks-out many in this segment with that standard multi-angle reversing camera and standard cruise control. Nice work Honda – they’re two features which should be standard on every car these days.
‘Magic Seats’ aren’t advertising ‘puffery’ – in fact, the Honda Jazz scores big-time for its interior space and versatility. And while some of our motoring media colleagues don’t agree, we actually think Honda’s stylists have done a great job with the Jazz.
Good looks, well equipped and handily priced – Honda has it covered with the all-new Jazz.
Honda Jazz The Competition
Although a smidge more pricey (from $15,825 to $22,525), the Ford Fiesta is the CarShowroom.com.au Favourite compact car. The regular 82kW/140Nm 1.5-litre engine matches the best in this league and the 92kW/170Nm turbocharged 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine in the Sport model is ‘world’s-best’. Fiesta wins thanks to its German design, class-leading ride and handling and all-round quality but doesn’t match the Honda Jazz for interior space.
Mitsubishi Mirage, from $12,990 is standout value and roomy inside. However with drum brakes at the rear and ride/handling which isn’t in the ‘best-in-class’ category, the Mirage isn’t near the top of the totem pole in this league.
Nissan’s British-designed Micra is great value at $13,490 and don’t be fooled by its 1.2-litre engine as the three-cylinder powerplant packs an admirable punch. Comprehensively equipped and a good drive, the Micra should be considered by anyone buying in this segment.
The Yaris continues to command massive sales for Toyota – because its good. Like the Honda Jazz, the Toyota Yaris is sharply priced from $14,990 and despite not being the outright newest design in this segment, it gets plenty of spec particularly in higher grade models. You’ll need the 1.5-litre engine to get on terms with the Honda Jazz and Yaris’ four-speed automatic transmission is a tad outdated compared to some.
