Driving Review: Honda Jazz
When people ask me about which car they should consider buying there are always a few things I need to know first, budget being the most obvious. When someone is sniffing around the B-Segment mark almost always, the Honda Jazz is suggested. As is the Polo, Fiesta and Rio. Last week saw the 2015 Honda Jazz launched in South Africa.
Combining a new exterior design with a more compact footprint, offering more interior space, enhanced interior appointments and greater overall efficiency, this third-generation Jazz represents a significant step up from its highly successful, and hugely popular, predecessor. I can count on two hands the friends who have owned a Honda Jazz at some point. And many have become loyal customers of Honda since.
An all-new construction of the Honda Jazz links reduced weight to higher strength and rigidity, which in turn allows substantial upgrades of the suspension and steering systems. The new chassis accommodates a longer wheelbase, which benefits ride quality, directional stability and handling.
The exterior styling is unmistakably Honda. Compared to its softer, more rounded predecessor, the new Jazz looks linear and aggressive, with a streamlined front end, steeply raked windscreen and sculpted flanks.
The new Honda Jazz is offered with a choice of two engines. A new, highly efficient 1,2-litre four-cylinder engine, and the tried and trusted 1,5-litre four-cylinder unit already familiar from the previous Jazz. Both engines employ Honda’s i-VTEC intelligent variable valve timing system for enhanced efficiency and performance. There are two transmission choices: a five-speed manual gearbox or a Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT). Drive is to the front wheels in both instances.
We were only able to drive the 1,5 on the launch, it is primed to be the top seller with around 200-300 units sold monthly. The engine is punchy and there is adequate power to overtake on long stretches. My only gripe was not having a sixth gear. Road and engine noise is a little intrusive and I think that it could have been reduced with that sixth gear.
The new Jazz line-up in South Africa consists of seven models spanning two engines, two transmissions and four specification level choices. The most affordable Jazz will be the 1.2 Trend offered with a manual gearbox which comes in at R179 900, followed by the Jazz 1.2 Comfort, which is available with a choice of manual or CVT transmission.
With the 1,5-litre engine, there are a choice of four Jazz derivatives. The Jazz 1.5 Elegance can be ordered with either manual or CVT transmission, while the range-topping 1.5 Dynamic offers the same two transmission choices and costs R264 900.
The Jazz Trend and Comfort models come standard with a front loading CD system, while the Elegance model has a five-inch colour display. Dynamic is equipped with a seven-inch touch-screen infotainment system. I don’t love the touch-screen, especially when it comes to changing the volume. I found myself clicking at the screen like a mad woman trying to turn the volume down before being able chat to a colleague on the side of the road. I would prefer traditional responsive controls.
Standard across the range are both auxiliary and USB connections for the sound system, as well as Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free operation of compatible mobile phones.
Passive safety highlights include front, side and curtain airbags fitted to all new Jazz models, together with three-point inertia reel seatbelts with height-adjustable anchor points. As far as active measures are concerned, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and emergency braking assistance (EBA) are also standard across all models.
The new Honda Jazz range goes on sale in February 2015 through Honda Motor Southern Africa’s national dealer network. All models except the entry-level Trend benefit from a four-year/60 000 km service plan included in the price, while services on all models are at 15 000 km intervals.
Jazz 1.2 Trend Manual R179 900
Jazz 1.2 Comfort Manual R204 900
Jazz 1.2 Comfort CVT R221 900
Jazz 1.5 Elegance Manual R234 900
Jazz 1.5 Elegance CVT R249 900
Jazz 1.5 Dynamic Manual R249 900
Jazz 1.5 Dynamic CVT R264 900