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Honda Jazz (From Winsford Guardian)
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Honda Jazz
4:22pm Thursday 12th November 2009
Overall
rating: 4 stars
Honda has recently given its Jazz supermini a revamp both inside and out. The previous Jazz was renowned for its spaciousness and practicality and this revamped version is even more so. It retains much of what made the previous version so popular, with its excellent folding seats and high roofline to provide the optimum use of space. There are a few subtle but useful modifications on this new car, the most obvious being an exterior restyle which has been designed to give the car a sportier look in the hope of attracting younger buyers.
It's got a slightly wider track and longer wheelbase which provides slightly more space in the roomy interior and the dash has been given a refresh to bring it up to date along with more upmarket instruments and a trip computer - a new feature to the Jazz. However, although the interior is improved, it doesn't have quite the quality feel or style of, say, the Ford Fiesta.
In the rear Honda has kept the innovative rear seating arrangement from the previous model, although it's now easier to fold them down and the headrests no longer need to be removed. The boot features a clever double-trunk function in the 1.4-litre Jazz which allows it to be split into two compartments and, instead of a spare wheel, Honda has supplied a re-inflating gel canister which also saves on space.
Engines available on the Jazz are the 1.2 and 1.4 petrol units - there is no diesel option sadly - which have both had power upgrades to offer 90bhp and 100bhp respectively. Neither engine is particularly brisk - the 1.2 would perhaps feel sluggish with a full load - and both need to be revved to get the best out of them. You can expect decent fuel economy of over 50mpg on the combined cycle though.
Everything about the Jazz is easy to use and well thought out, both statically and on the road. It is an effortless car to drive, but now, thanks to some significant tweaks to the car's suspension, it is far more competent when cornering and feels solid at speed too. Ultimately though, this isn't a car that has been designed to throw around, and it shows; it is lacking the dynamism of others in its class.
It's a different breed of supermini to the Fiesta, Corsa and Seat Ibiza, being closer to a mini MPV design instead. So if you're after a car that offers lots of versatility and refinement, the Jazz will certainly please. The only small niggles against the new Jazz are that it is a little pricy compared to conventional super minis and it really could benefit from the option of a diesel engine.
What's to like
1. Plenty of front and rear space
2. Folding seats are now easier to master
3. Cheap to run
What's not to like
1. Small petrol engines feel a little sluggish
2. No diesel option
3. Dash is a little fussy and not the best quality
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Honda Jazz
Honda Jazz
Honda Jazz
Honda Jazz
See also
Environment
rating: 4 stars
Despite the lack of a diesel engine, CO2 emissions are remarkably low - no version is over 130g/km of CO2. However, no Jazz is below 120g/km either, which means there are no tax-busting versions of the Jazz.
Styling
rating: 3 stars
It's been given a refresh inside and out, and exterior improvements such as racier-looking nose, and a wider track have given it a sportier appearance. However it lacks the visual drama of the new Ford Fiesta.
Handling
rating: 3 stars
The Jazz has been designed for practicality over dynamic prowess. That said, suspension tweaks have improved cornering, whilst at speed the car feels solid. Its spaciousness does work against it here as the extra body height induces a bit more body roll than some rivals.
Comfort
rating: 4 stars
There's plenty of room for four adults to sit comfortably in the Jazz and the ride and engines are much more refined than in the previous version. Road and wind noise is not overly intrusive and at idle, the engines are almost silent.
Quality
rating: 3 stars
The interior will suit some but not others. The materials are not the best and the quality does fall short of others in this class. However the little Honda should run very soundly; reliability is unlikely to be an issue.
Performance
rating: 3 stars
The lack of a diesel engine - or a more torquey petrol unit - is disappointing as the engine options are very limited. The 1.2 will feel sluggish under a full load, whilst the 1.4 with 100bhp is decent, but lacks any real shove. Engines need to be revved to get the most out of them.
Roominess
rating: 5 stars
The main appeal of the Jazz is the amount of space inside. There's plenty of head and leg room, whilst the wider track offers more elbow room than before. The excellent rear folding seats are easier to operate and there's a useful dual-trunk system in the 1.4 too.
Costs
rating: 4 stars
The Jazz should be relatively cheap to run as both engines offer over 50mpg. Insurance is fairly cheap - bands 4 and 5 - whilst servicing should be pretty reasonable. CO2 of 125g/km for the 1.2 and 128g/km for the 1.4 puts the Jazz in VED band D (new road tax bands for 2009) costing around £120 a year.
Value
rating: 3 stars
It's a pricier alternative to other cars in its class, but view the Jazz as a mini-MPV against the likes of the Nissan Note and Ford Fusion, and it feels competitive. There's a decent level of equipment and it certainly provides plenty of space for your pennies.
Stereo
rating: 3 stars
The stereo is a competent bit of kit and comes with an Aux port and MP3 compatability. Sat Nav is an expensive in-dash option, or alternatively buyers can opt for a sat nav docking station on the top of the instrument panel.
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