Spacious and durable, it’s the perfect fit

Since then it has built a reputation for unrivalled durability and spaciousness. What I loved and admired most from the first time I drove the little car (although one has to qualify little), was its magic seats which allow the rear seats to be folded completely flat, which of course, is awesome for adding space and accommodating luggage.
It was also one of the first cars that offered dual air bags and ABS in its segment. The Jazz – somewhere in between a mini-MPV and a supermini – has, as a result won a raft of international awards. The list is likely to grow, considering the positive response from the market on this new model. Staff at our local dealer in Mbombela, is beyond themselves with enthusiasm for the new model and I experienced this every time I bumped into them in town. The first question always was: “When do you have an open weekend to take the Jazz?”
Well, I have now driven the 1,5-litre manual and here’s my 10 cents worth.

Cool on the outside
She certainly is cool on the outside and rightly so.

She looks different – modern and funky with strong contemporary-design features which makes her stand out in the crowd of boring same old same-olds; the strongest element being the front end.
One recognises the Honda heritage, but it is that strong powerful grill and slim-tapered headlight clusters which focuses one’s attention.

Everything is designed to create a wider lower look and feel. Also adding to this are the thin A-pillars, coupe-like side-window design and the generous glass areas.
The side view is dominated, in my mind, by that strong and very sharp design line just beneath the door handles, linking that seriously strong-looking front bumper with the rest of the car.
The rear end looks more like that of a panel van type of offering. The sculpted broad and wide bumper creates a powerful but short overhang.

The rear-light cluster design with the spoiler at the top of the tailgate, I think, is what creates or ads to my earlier panel-van reference.
Previous models of the Jazz offered a rounder/softer design than this new model. This one certainly is a lot more edgy and sharp which is accentuated differently as a result of how light is being reflected on the surface.

It’s not on top – it is inside
Is it a big little car or a little big car? I don’t know because the Jazz is a very unique product.
The interior is toned down but still extremely elegant.

Finish and fit is excellent to the extent that even the plastic bits and bobs seem like luxury compared to other products.
The centre console is tilted towards the driver – the centre instrument cluster behind the steering is large and clear, offering easy visible access to the normal array of driver-important information.
The steering is both height- and reach-adjustable. In terms of driving, I would prefer the steering to be slightly heavier at higher speeds.
Although the Jazz offers most of the mods and cons like connectivity and so forth, it is the interior space and its versatility in terms of configuration possibilities, that does it for me. It makes the Jazz one of the most practical and family-friendly (small) cars available.
Even with three adults in the rear, one never experiences that sense of claustrophobia which is so prevalent in other similar products.

On the road again
I drove the 1,5-litre fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox and although it offers only 88kW@6600r/min and 145Nm@4600r/min, and accepting the fact that you need to keep the revs up, the Jazz is quite willing and able.

The only thing which surprised me just a tad, was the engine noise. This is the only factor which I think Honda can and should improve on in this model.
Although certainly not power-drive material, the Jazz offered a comfortable driving experience.
On a bumpy road surface the suspension can be a little harsh, but then, this is not exclusive to the Jazz only.

Conclusion
The Jazz offers an extensive range of safety and luxury features – excellent fuel consumption – superb and flexible space utilisation possibilities and yes, I know where I will be going for my next small-car purchase even though I think that its price, compared to other products in this segment, needs some sharpened pencils.

Photos: www.quickpic.co.za