|
|
|
|
04/11/2011
REVIEW By ALISTAIR KENNEDY
|
|
|
The first thing you notice when you step into the Honda Jazz is how much natural light there is. With its large windscreen and rear window, low waistline and tall styling there’s a bright, airy feel that contrasts with the dark interiors that characterise many European marques.
More importantly, the all-round visibility that these features provide, together with sensibly designed A-pillars and large side mirrors, makes it safer. The little Honda is likely to spend most of its time in urban areas, with all that means in the way of traffic approaching out of side streets, so good outward visibility is vital.
Jazz has been on sale here for just over ten years in what has become Australia’s most highly competitive market segment. Despite the car’s obvious quality it has never been able to challenge the big guns in its field, such as Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Getz and Mazda2, largely because of its higher price.
The current model was released in 2008 and given an upgrade earlier this year with new larger moulded headlights, a sleek bonnet that drops down sharply for good air penetration, smart sculpting at the rear end and LED taillights. The higher-specced VTi and VTi-S models get new sporty bumpers, side skirts, a new gunmetal grey grille and alloy wheels, while the VTi-S also gains a tailgate spoiler.
Shortly after the upgrade, the prices of all Honda Jazz models were reduced by between $1400 (for the VTi) and $2000 (for the GLi) bringing the entry-level GLi with manual transmission down to a competitive $14,990. Government and dealer charges need to be added to these prices.
Although it's not a full five seater for large adults, Jazz can carry four average-sized adults in reasonable comfort with the bonus of a number of practical and convenient in-cabin stowage areas including under-seat compartments.
Boot space in the Jazz is very good and its capacity can be expanded with a three-mode seat folding arrangement that provides up to 1720 mm of luggage length with the rear seatbacks folded flat – long enough to hold a bicycle; up to 2400 mm with the front passenger seatback also folded flat; and for tall items such as potted plant the rear seat base folds up to make maximum use of the Jazz’s height.
In terms of safety Jazz gets the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, with equipment that includes six airbags (front, side and curtain airbags), front and rear seatbelt reminder, ABS with Brake Assist and Vehicle Stability Assist.
Other standard features include Bluetooth connectivity (phone and audio), USB socket, multi-information display, 10 cup holders and tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel. The two higher-specced models also get cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio controls, alloy wheels (15-inch and 16-inch respectively) and fog lamps.
Jazz comes with the choice of two petrol engines, with capacities of 1.3 litres (GLi) and 1.5 litres (VTi and VTi-S). Power from the smaller engine is 73 kW and torque 127 Nm, the latter relatively flat to give handy improvements at relatively low revs. Indeed, the 1.3-litre may have all the power and torque you need if the car isn’t used in hilly areas and doesn’t transport big loads.
Our most recent test was in the Honda Jazz VTi with the 88 kW, 145 Nm 1.5-litre engine and five-speed manual gearbox – there's also a five-speed automatic that’s optional in the GLi and standard in the VTi-S. As expected the larger engine has a more refined and responsive feel and the gearbox has nicely spaced ratios.
We found ourselves using just under six litres per hundred kilometres on the motorway segment of our test and in the mid-sevens around town.
On the road we were pleasantly surprised at how well the Jazz handles. For a tall, squarish car it grips the road well and hugs the corners far better than one would expect.
Honda Jazz has long been one of the yardstick models in the Australia small car field with a standard of quality and refinement that normally requires a car a full size larger. Sales, especially to fleet buyers, have been hampered by its comparatively high price in what is a very price-sensitive market segment. With its new starting price of $14,990 it’s now a must to be on the short list of anyone shopping for a versatile small car.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Jazz GLi 1.3-litre five-door hatch: $14,990 (manual), $16,990 (automatic)
Jazz VTi 1.5-litre five-door hatch: $17,790 (manual), $19,790 (automatic)
Jazz VTi-S 1.5-litre five-door hatch: $20,990 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer charges. Contact any Honda dealer for driveaway prices.
FEATURES
ABS Brakes: Standard in all models
Automatic Transmission: $2000 option in GLi and VTi, standard in VTi-S
Cruise Control: Not offered in GLi, standard in VTi and VTi-S
Dual Front Airbags: Standard
Front Side Airbags: Standard
Electronic Stability Program: Standard in all models
Rear Parking Sensors: Option in all models
Reversing Camera: Not offered
USB/Auxiliary Audio Inputs: Standard in all models
Bluetooth: Standard in all models
Steering Wheel Mounted Controls: Not offered in GLi, standard in VTi and VTi-S
SPECIFICATIONS (Honda Jazz VTi 1.5-litre five-door hatch)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.497 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Head Design: SOHC, four valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio: 10.4:1
Bore/Stroke: 73.0 mm x 89.4 mm
Maximum Power: 88 kW @ 6600 rpm
Maximum Torque: 145 Nm @ 4800 rpm
DRIVELINE:
Driven Wheels: Front
Manual Transmission: Five-speed
Automatic Transmission: Five-speed
Final Drive Ratio: 4.294:1
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 3900 mm
Wheelbase: 2500 mm
Width: 1695 mm
Height: N/A
Turning Circle: 10.4 metres
Kerb Mass: 1070 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 42 litres
Towing Ability: 400 kg (1000 kg with braked trailer)
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: MacPherson struts, anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension: Torsion beam, anti-roll bar
Front Brakes: Ventilated disc
Rear Brakes: Disc
PERFORMANCE:
0-100 km/h Acceleration: N/A
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: Petrol 91RON
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 6.4 L/100km
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 7.5/10
Air Pollution Rating: 6.5/10
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years/100,000 km |
|
|
|
|
|
Print Article
Submit Feedback
Email This Article
