2020 Honda Jazz Reviews

Honda Jazz and Volkswagen Up go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Honda Jazz is the smallest model from the at-times quirky Japanese car maker that’s sold in Australia. Since its launch in October 2002 the Jazz has gained an excellent reputation for build quality and trouble free running.Quality is of particular interest as the Jazz comes from Thailand, not Japan, to hold down manufacturing costs. We have visited Honda’s Thai plant and came away impressed, though hardly surprised, to note Honda's big emphasis on quality control.Honda Jazz has a high roofline to maximise interior space in what is a relatively small body. It can seat four adults with little compromising on legroom, but in Australia is more likely to carry either a couple or a family with young children. It fulfils both tasks with ease.There’s reasonably easy entry to the back seat, but some may find the rear door opening is a little tight in the original model. Those sold from the new model of 2008 this mild problem had been rectified. The Jazz has one of the best folding rear seat designs of them all. The rear seat slides backwards and forwards to let you choose your own compromise between people and/or luggage.And it can be folded in a few moments to create a huge luggage area. Even better, the front passenger seat backrest can be reclined all the way down to let you carry long loads extending from the dashboard to the rear window. In August 2008 Honda introduced a new Jazz that looked the same as the first generation, but was actually a major evolution of the old.The gen-two car is larger and sits on a longer wheelbase, so has significantly more space inside, particularly in the rear area of the cabin. Boot space increased and the 60/40 split rear seats could be folded flat without having to move the front seats a few notches forward as in the original model. At the same time the body was more rigid to improve NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness). The post-08 Honda Jazz has the sort of refinement that normally requires a car a size larger.Honda Jazz comes with a 1.3- or 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Though the engine sizes remained in the second-generation Jazz, they were actually all new. Power and torque were both increased, yet fuel consumption and emission decreased. Best of all, the torque graph has stretched to give you more grunt at the bottom end of the rev range.The gen-one Jazz has a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The 1.5 CVT comes with a sports mode offering seven preset gear ratios operated by steering wheel shifters. The 1.3-litre engine runs purely as an automatic. However, Honda decided to go back to a conventional torque-converter automatic transmission in the gen-two Jazz. Honda made this decision because potential buyers didn’t like some of the characteristics of the CVT, particularly the way it selected relatively high engine revs to gain maximum efficiency.Handling of the little Honda is good if roads are reasonably smooth, but it can be bounced about on bumps. On surfaces that suit it, the Jazz turns in easily, is happy to change direction in corners and is generally well set up for everyday driving. Enthusiastic drivers may find it a little lacking in steering precision. While the Jazz is reasonably easy for the amateur mechanic to work on, there is some underbonnet crowding that’s inevitable on a car of this size. Keep some band aids handy - and don’t forget the workshop manual.The Honda Australia dealer network is widespread in the heavily populated areas, but isn’t all that established in remote areas. We seldom hear of any real hassles with getting hold of spare parts, but if you are concerned about this it may be smart to make local enquiries before falling too deeply in love with one of these cute little models. Spare parts prices for Hondas are more reasonable now than they have been in the past.Insurance costs for Honda Jazz generally sit in the mid-range of the field. There doesn’t appear to be any real differentiation between companies on premium charges. It’s always wise to spend some time shopping around for the best deal, though.WHAT TO LOOK FORCheck that the engine starts easily and responds quickly and positively to the throttle, even when it’s completely cold. A continuously variable transmission should be crisp in its reactions to changes in throttle position and road conditions. Because a CVT transmission sounds and feels different to conventional automatics, have an expert drive it if you are not confident it’s working correctly.Make sure the brakes stop the car without any pulling to one side and that no one wheel locks while the others are still turning. Bodywork should be undamaged and free from rust. Corrosion is not common unless the car has been poorly repaired after a smash. Look over the interior to make sure it hasn’t suffered at the hands of uncaring owners, especially bored young kids. As always, it makes a lot of sense to get a professional inspection after carrying out initial checks to the best of your ability.CAR BUYING TIPCars that are always used in cities or close-in suburbs can suffer from a lot more parking scars than those that live in more spacious surroundings. Small cars are often city cars, so check them very carefully. 

Competition in the tiddler class is stove hot with perhaps 20 players vying for big sales. The whole market was thrown on its head when Chinese brand Chery lobbed with its J1 at $10,990 drive away - effectively a sub 10 grand light car.VALUEIt makes Honda's job of selling the Thai-built Jazz VTi light car somewhat problematic at around $19,190 plus on roads for the manual, more for the auto.We got a drive in the auto 1.5 VTi with metallic paint (+$400) which is around $23,500 on the road. It's a fair snip for a tiddler.Honda has added a USB audio connection plug and tacked on a Bluetooth system to the front A pillar that is difficult to use but brings the car partially into the modern "connected" era. A multi mode instrument panel gives adequate info read-outs.DESIGNJazz has been around for yonks albeit freshened last year with some new body plastic, some new colours, extra kit and some interior detail changes. It's in the now dated tall-boy idiom looking like a mini people mover and is infact quite practical because of this.The "magic" seat folding system is the best in class and allows Jazz to be used as a virtual commercial vehicle if required. The interior looks OK but is all hard, cheap plastic.TECHNOLOGYThe engine is a single cam unit with VTEC variable cam timing and an 88kw/145Nm output. It drives the front wheels through a five speed auto in this case. The engine passes Euro4 emissions regulations and sips regular fuel at a miserly 6.7-litres/100km in the auto, less in the manual.SAFETYA five star crash rating means six air bags, stability control and a host of other gear.DRIVING We found the drive acceptable dented by the auto's tendency to hunt up and down ratios in order to maintain a given speed uphill on the highway. It's really annoying. The engine drives 1115kg Jazz auto pretty well all things considered and you can always self select gears to keep it on the boil.Ride and handling have a slight sporty edge and it steers and brakes well. It's a cinch to park and is really practical for shopping trolley duties. There's a full size spare under the rear floor. Bit of a mixed bag really but definitely the 1.5-litre engine over the 1.3-litre in the entry-level Jazz.Honda Jazz VTi AutoPrice: from $22,240Warranty: 3-years/100,000kmSafety: 5 stars ANCAP ratingEngine: 1.5-litre; 4 cylinder. 88kW/145NmBody: 5-door hatchbackWeight: 1115kgTransmission: 5-speed automatic, front wheel driveThirst: 6.7l/100km, CO2 159g/km

Being green is easier than you might think; you don't have to buy an expensive hybrid or oil-burner as some people would have you believe.A smaller car, one with a smaller petrol engine, will do the trick for most folks. While hybrids are still expensive and diesel fuel is dear small cars like Honda's Jazz are economical and affordable.Often, when you think about it, they will get the job done for most people as well. Why carry around all that sheetmetal and cast iron when you don't have to?Besides, small cars are easy to drive, easy to park, and easy on the pocket. There's plenty of choice when it comes to small cars and prices vary wildly from brand to brand.The Jazz, like Hondas tend to be, is one  of the premium models in its class, but that didn't hold it back when it came to popularity. The second generation GE arrived in 2008 and built on the first generation and the success it enjoyed.There was a new body, although it looked much like the old one that had proved popular, particularly with women buyers who were taken with the styling. The same two engines continued to be offered, but they were revised.The 1.3-litre entry-level engine in the GLi was given four valves per cylinder, which made it rev easier and more smoothly. Its output also went up substantially. The VTi and VTi-S were both powered by the larger 1.5-litre engine and its output was also boosted by a healthy amount. Gone was the quirky CVT transmission of old that had been some what troublesome, and in its place was a regular five-speed auto. For those happy to shift themselves there was also a five-speed manual on offer.The Jazz, with its upright peoplemover type body, is a practical little car offering good interior room, flexible seating and clear   visibility. On the road it steers well, handles with assurance, is comfortable and is easy to park.IN THE SHOPHondas generally have a good reputation for being reliable, although parts and servicing can be more expensive than some other brands. Good independent service agents specialising in Hondas are a good alternative to dealers if you want to save a few bucks. It's important, however, that the Jazz is well serviced and has the recommended oil changes.Fresh oil and clean filters keep modern engines alive longer, so check for a service record for any potential purchase. The switch from the CVT transmission in the older model to a regular  auto is good news; the CVT suffered a number of problems that caused buyers headaches, none of which will bother buyers of the auto in the GE model.IN A CRASHANCAP judged the Jazz as a four-star performer when it came to safety, it would have probably got an extra star had Honda made electronic stability control available. It didn't, but the Jazz did have ABS braking across the board, and traction control on the VTi and VTi-S. Dual airbags were standard on the base GLi, while the VTi and VTi- S also had head and side airbags for added protection.UNDER THE PUMPFuel economy is one of the most important considerations when most of us sit down to select the next car we will buy. Hybrids and diesels have been the flavours of the month in the last few years, but both come at a hefty cost that most people refuse to pay.Small petrol-engined cars, like the Jazz, are a viable alternative, especially when they return fuel consumption figures of 5.8 L/100 km (1.3) and 6.4 L/100 km (1.5) as the Jazz does.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $17,990 to $23,920 Engine: 1.3-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 73 kW/127 Nm; 1.5-litre 4-  cylinder petrol, 88 kW/145 NmTransmission: 5-speed auto, 5-speed manualBody: 5-door hatchVariants: GLi, VTi, VTi-SSafety: 4-star ANCAPVERDICT:Practical, roomy, economical, it's hard to beat. 

Ford Fiesta Zetec and Honda Jazz VTi-S go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Small cars demand a different approach than do their larger cousins in order to achieve an efficiency of packaging that delivers a level of comfort and everyday practicality for their owners.Honda's Jazz is a case in point. By any definition it's a small car, but at the same time its rather upright wagon-like shape gives it a roominess that belies its modest dimensions.MODEL WATCHThe Jazz arrived in local showrooms in 2002 and was updated in 2004 and 2006 with extra equipment that kept it fresh.  Despite its upright and boxy shape the Jazz had a cheeky appeal with its steeply sloping front, bright eyes and corporate Honda grille.Wide-opening doors and a high roofline made getting in and out of the Jazz a breeze, something that appealed to older buyers who struggled getting into other lower models. Inside, passengers sat in rather upright, but supportive seating that combined with the tall body to make a roomy and comfortable cabin.Another advantage of the upright style was the visibility, which was good all round.  With the rear seats folded to form the flat floor there was quite good space for whatever might need to be transported in the Jazz.  Honda offered the Jazz in three models, the 1.3-litre GLi entry level, and the 1.5-litre VTi and VTi-S.The GLi was only available with the 1.3-litre engine, but buyers could choose between a five-speed manual gearbox and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which was an auto of sorts.When working at its peaks the 1.3-litre four was putting out 61 kW and 119 Nm. It was a smooth driver around town, but was found out when asked to climb hills or accelerate quickly.For better performance there was the VTi and VTi-S with the 1.5-litre engine that put out 81kW and 143Nm. The larger engine handled the cut and thrust of city traffic much better and was more at home on the highway.VTi and VTi-S buyers could choose between a five-speed manual and a CVT transmission that could be overridden and driven as a seven-speed manual.At first the GLi was fairly basic and didn't come standard with air until 2006. By then it boasted central locking, a trip computer, power steering, mirrors and windows and four-speaker CD sound.The VTi came with air from the get-go and also had remote central locking, while range-topping VTi-S also boasted alloy wheels, a body kit, fog lamps, leather steering wheel, rear spoilerIN THE SHOPHonda enjoys an enviable reputation for reliability that many other carmakers can only dream about, but nevertheless it's always prudent to ask for a service record that confirms regular maintenance has been done. Servicing is required every 10,000 km or six months.Modern engines live and die on oil and missing oil changes is a recipe for disaster. Oil galleries clog up and in extreme cases it can be virtually impossible to clean them out without dismantling the engine and putting through a hot tub.Honda has had trouble with the CVT transmission in the Jazz, as reported by a number of CarsGuide readers. When test driving a potential buy look for shuddering when accelerating away from a standstill, and walk away from any car that shudders.Changing the oil in the transmission and resetting the computer have fixed some cars, but others haven't been able to be fixed that way and the transmission has had to be replaced at a considerable cost.It should also be noted that Honda claims that CVT-equipped cars need to be taken back to a dealer to have the computer reset if the battery has been disconnected for any reason. That includes those situations when a battery is replaced, which makes replacement a rather more expensive exercise.Honda parts and servicing can be more expensive than those on other makes and models, but there is a number of independent specialist service mechanics that can do the work more cheaply.IN A CRASHDual front airbags and ABS anti-lock braking were standard across the range, enough to receive a creditable four star rating from ANCAP.AT THE PUMPOne of the strengths of the Jazz is its fuel economy.  Honda claimed the 1.3-litre would do 5.2 L/100 km on average with the manual gearbox, and 5.1 L/100 km when equipped with the CVT.With the 1.5-litre engine Honda claimed an average consumption of 5.6 L/100 km for the manual and 5.5 L/100 km for the CVT.  One of our readers reported the consumption of their 1.3-litre manual   never goes above 5.5 L/100 km around town and sinks to 4.5 L/100 km on the open road.OWNER'S SAYGraham Bewley currently owns a 1.3-litre auto Jazz GLi, having previously owned a 2006 1.5-litre CVT Jazz VTi for three years. He says it is quiet and smooth, and roomy with a bigger car feel, it's   also economical, the steering is improved and it has a full-sized   spare. Against that he says he doesn't like the large windscreen, the air-conditioning is barely adequate, and the gearing is a little too   high with the 1.3-litre engine. But in summary, he says that while the Jazz is no sports car, it is very pleasant to drive and both of his cars have been super reliable. There were no problems with the CVT in his previous car.Dr. Graeme Paton has racked up more than 300,000 km in his 1.3-litre 2003 Jazz GLi and says it still feels tight, and starts first time, every time. It has been routinely serviced and has been very reliable only requiring routine brake pad and disc changes, and replacement of the wheel bearings, which Honda did under warranty.LOOK FORCute, but practical stylingRoomy interiorEconomical runningModest performance from 1.3-litreShuddering CVT transmissionHonda resaleTHE BOTTOM LINEA well built, spacious small car with good blend of performance and economy. 80/100

As a shopping trolley, the Honda Jazz got it all - looks, function, features, price and frugal manners.  But insert the word ‘performance’ into any of these descriptions and you'll erase the words that have become firmly embedded in the Honda Jazz.Adding a supercharger to a Jazz appears like a giant overkill, like adding an instruction label to a cup, but there is method in the move.  Perth-based Sprintex Superchargers - a division of publicly-listed Automotive Technology Group Ltd - let a current-model supercharged Jazz lose in my hands this week with the clear instructions that it wasn't a high-performance machine.Sprintex's business development manager Jay Upton says it is one of five trial cars to test the supercharger's benefits of lifting performance while lowering fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.DrivingThe Jazz starts like a Jazz and outwardly, the only difference is the subtle whine of the supercharger.  It feels a little more lively directly off the mark but won't reveal any power band surprises as the tacho needle hurries its way around the dial.In fact, such is the conventional power delivery, it could just be a bigger-engined Jazz.  But it's definitely quicker, with 100kW heading towards the bitumen as compared with the standard model's 72kW - as measured by Sprintex.What I expected, and didn't get, was a noticeable jump in torque. Given other Sprintex-equipped cars I've driven in the past, the low-end torque should bite hard and that leads to short-shifting the gearbox - which is one of the reasons for supercharged engines being so economical.But it feels a little soft. Upton says it's a trial unit and the problem - to do with engine mapping and not the supercharger - was being addressed. Though there's a bit of work to do at the lower end of the rev range, there's no doubting this Jazz's strong midrange delivery.  Fifth gear can be held down to 1000rpm and the car will pull away smoothly. Corners can be taken in fourth and all this makes the drive easy and the engine similarly easy on petrol.The trip computer shows 6.9 litres/100km which, after some heavy footwork, was pretty good.  Nothing changes inside the cabin or to the bodywork.  It's all under the bonnet where the weeny alloy-bodied supercharger sits just in front, and above, the cam cover.It appears to be a snug fit and close to the Jazz's tiny bonnet, but the exposed drive belt shows it can easily be replaced without too much work.  Upton expects to continue to hone the unit before sales start into next year.

Raised in the digital age, they expect to have 24/7 accessibility to their friends and family as well as the must-have iPods and internet savvy smart phones.  Their needs also extend to their cars. They want the latest in-car gadgets but in many cases are not prepared to pay for it, according to a JD Power survey published in the US last year.The survey of more than 19,000 car buyers also found that today's buyer expects standard features but may not necessarily use them.  About half of car owners surveyed us an auxiliary input jack for their portable digital music player in their vehicle, while about 20 per cent use a wireless FM transmitter.Almost two-thirds want the ability to listen to a portable digital music player through their vehicle's speakers, while 27 per cent say they want ‘smart’ phone music capabilities mated to the car stereo.Other findings show that 68 per cent of owners use their vehicle's in-car Bluetooth, compared with 47 per cent who have this feature but do not use it.Entertainment and connectivity related devices are among the most desired technologies for buyers, leading to companies like Ford introducing Bluetooth and voice activation controls as standard in its Fiesta LX and Zetec.To test the JD Power theory, Carsguide gave four Gen Y buyers an opportunity to try out several cars specifically aimed at them.  After spending a few days checking them out, they came back with some surprising findings.What Gen Y wants in a carSteering wheel mounted audio controlsPowerful amplifierSub-wooferMood-lightingMetallic finish dashboardPrivacy glassPersonalised seat trimAirbagsiPod connectivityUSB/CD/MP3 connectivityVolkswagen Beetle CabrioKatherine FirkinThis car looks so cute I easily got as much enjoyment out of seeing it parked in my driveway as I did actually driving it.  With its chic exterior and sleak styling, the VW Beetle Cabrio looks more like a fashion accessory then a practical mode of transport.Getting behind the wheel for the first time is a bit daunting, unless you're used to driving in a bubble.  The curved dashboard seems to stretch out endlessly, making it difficult to perceive the distance between yourself and the car in front of you.And like every good fashion accessory, what it adds in looks and style, it lacks in practicality.  The biggest shortfall is the size of the boot. The compartment is so small you'd be struggling to ever pack more then a plane's hand-luggage allowance, and trying to wiggle your bags in and out of the compartment is a nightmare.The visibility is also poor.  While you do eventually get used to guessing how much space is left in front of you, don't even try to reverse the car when the top is down.With the top lowered, rearward vision is almost totally blocked - which possibly explains why the car has such an outrageously loud horn.  Even with the roof up, over-the-shoulder visibility is still poor.Lowering the roof is also not as easy as you'd expect. It was disappointing to discover you have to muscle the roof on and off with a twist-and-rotate action - not the easy click-of-a-button motion I was expecting.But for all the difficulties getting the roof lowered, the drive well and truly makes up for it.  The Cabrio is relatively smooth and easy to drive.  Cruising along an open road with the top down is magic, and you can't help but notice admiring glances from other drivers.The stereo has good sound quality, and I was relieved to find an AUX port for my iPod and other bits and pieces.  The car also feels sturdy and safe, and seems to be fairly fuel efficient.The driver's seat is comfortable, although the same can't be said for your passengers - who'll either be squashed against the glove box in the front, or have their legs cramped in the back. It's certainly not the most practical car, but it sure is fun.  And if you value looks and personality over practicality - and who doesn't? - you'll be hard-pressed not to fall in love.LikesThe overall look and feelThe sound systemThe easy manoeuvrabilityDislikesThe tacky plastic flowers that come as standardThe poor visibility, especially when the top is downThe slight groaning noise the car often makes when you take your foot off the breakVolkswagen Beetle CabrioPrice: From $37,700Engine: 2.0-litreEconomy: 8.8 litres/100kmFeatures: Dual front and side head airbags, anti-skid brakes, air conditioning, electronic stability control, vase with flower, 10-speaker CD stereo, iPod adaptor, electric windows If you like this try this: Peugeot 207CCNissan MicraNathan Mawby‘THAT'S so cute’ are not words most guys want to hear about their car.  If the veiled snickering from the men I showed it to and universal adoration from the women are anything to go by, the Nissan Micra is definitely marketed at young female drivers.Having said that, guys, if you're prepared to embrace your inner-woman (just borrow a Dirty Dancing soundtrack before you hit the road and you'll be right) this is a car that will grow on you.  A ‘make-up’ mirror in the driver's side sunvisor left my hair looking the best it has in years and a surprisingly gutsy 1.4-litre, four cylinder engine (hello, fuel economy!) was versatile enough to zip around the city and hit the freeway.The first thing to note is that the Micra is tiny, microscopic even.  Perfect if you're going to be driving around the city, or inner suburbs - not so good if you're the designated driver and need leg room to stop back-seat fights.Meanwhile responsive steering helps with maneuverability in traffic, narrow lanes, the fast food drive-through and parking.  I even found myself seeking out the dreaded reverse parallel park in heavy traffic just for funsies!Thanks to clever design you can see everything going on outside the car - unfortunately that also means everything inside is on display.  Nissan balance this with clever hidey holes: a sliding tray under the passenger seat and the boot is completely concealed from the outside world.But if like many Gen-Y's you run your life from your iPhone, hiding the AUX port in the back of the glove box could present a problem when you have to sift through it to find your phone.  But no matter what you listen to, a robust sound system means you can listen to it loud - a necessity for Australia's iPod affected youth.There are few basic issues, sacrificing your masculinity aside, that give you pause, however.  No tachometer, having to hit a button to see the time (how many Gen-Y's actually wear a watch?) and no obvious temperature gauge probably won't bother the targeted drivers.The absence of side and curtain airbags as a standard feature should (they are available as part of the City Collection Option, though).  Sure there are "blokier" options out there - but if you picked one of them you'd probably have to give back that Dirty Dancing soundtrack...LikesManoeuvrabilitySound systemVisibilityDislikesNo tachometerNon-standard side and curtain airbagsGender biasNissan MicraPrice: From $15,990Engine: 1.4-litreEconomy: 6.8 litres/100kmFeatures: Four-speed automatic, Dual front airbags, anti-skid brakes, air conditioning, MP3 player input, CD stereo, front seat storage draw If you like this try this: Holden BarinaKia SoulTravis KennedyTaking a brand new Kia Soul for a spin was easy to accept - especially given the fact my regular drive is an old Honda Legend with 300,000km on the clock and the squeaks and creaks that goes with the longevity. I'm very much an A-to-B type of driver.  I rarely venture into long drives, unless I have to. The Soul is not the type of car that would normally appeal to me -- a bloke in his early-twenties, who would probably call it "a bit of a girl's car".  It's just not the type of car most hot-blooded young men would choose if part of the buying criteria was to turn the collective heads of the opposite sex.It won't: But I swallowed my pride and hit the road. Without overstating the obvious, the car is a bit of a box.  It's almost as if it has an identity crisis -- on one hand it looks like a 4WD and, on the other, it has small car aesthetics.It makes a bold impression on the road with its unique look and, interestingly, I noticed many drivers paying it quite a lot of attention.  The Soul is the perfect commuter, giving great flexibility moving in and out of bumper-to-bumper traffic.Parking is a cinch, but beware blind spots caused by chunky rear end of the car. They can be dangerous, especially when reversing.  The 1.6-litre diesel engine makes a noticeably loud chugging sound, but all is forgiven by its excellent fuel economy. The Soul handles well on the open road.It does lack a little instantaneous grunt, especially when on the freeway, but it's still zippy for most regular traffic situations.  The lack of cruise control is a little annoying.Inside, there is a surprising amount of room for the driver, but back seat passengers may struggle for leg room. The boot is small, but the rear seats fold flat to open up reasonable amount of space for most items.  Tech-savvy buyers will love the interior features - the inbuilt USB port for iPod connectivity and the rather punchy sound system are impressive.I like listening to my music loud and this system more than met my expectations.  The speakers also have red lights that pulse to the beat of the music or can be toned down to a softer-mood setting -- a little bit tacky, but it makes night driving more interesting.The Soul won't appeal to everyone and, being a young man, I feel it's more suited to the female market or middle-aged singles looking for a nippy, economical car.  It's a bit of a grower, though -- the more I drove it, the more it won me over.LikesHandles very wellEasy to parkEconomical dieselDislikesRear blind spotsNo cruise controlRear passenger leg room is less than generous.Kia Soul Price: From $20,990Engine: 1.6-litre petrol or dieselEconomy: 5.2 litres/100kmFeatures: Dual front, side and curtain airbags, anti-skid brakes, air conditioning, central locking, MP3 CD stereo with six-speakers, Aux/iPod input If you like this try this: Fiat 500Honda JazzAntonia MageeBeing at the upper end of Generation Y, I knew the Jazz VT-i was not for me as soon as I pulled onto Swan St, Richmond in pouring rain on a Friday night only to see several saturated people stop and stare as I drove past in the blazing yellow vehicle.I know that is just the colour, but I am part of an apparently fickle generation and the way the car looked was important to me.  On first glance inside though, the Jazz had everything a Gen Y driver would be looking for.The extra windows, huge windscreen and big dashboard made me feel as though I was in a much bigger car, the back seat was roomy and the boot was much larger than it looked.  The technology was on the pulse, with a MP3 plug for one's iPod and a quality stereo and CD player.And as one would expect from any car in the new generation of excessive paraphernalia, the storage space was excellent.  There are several pockets and holders for coffees, phones, CDs, iPods and sunglasses.It was also extremely nifty driving around the streets of the CBD and parking in a tight spot was a dream.  But the real test for me was when it was pushed to its upper limits.Four months after selling my own car I was, finally, able to hit the open road without relying on someone else to pick me up and drop me home.  After the impressive feel while driving around the city, the car was a tad unimpressive on the freeways of Melbourne. The problem was once I hit 100km/h.That is the speed limit, I hear you say, but the VT-i just didn't feel completely comfortable going even that fast.  The 1.5-litre four felt a little buzzy and in need of a sixth gear to cope. It made me feel like I was straining the car.There is no doubt it is fuel efficient around town - Honda says the 1.5-litre manual VT-i will sip 6.4 litres for every 100km - but the little hatch ran out of legs while out on the open road.  This could be a problem for a young person doing a long daily commute, but for a student or worker not having to travel too far, you would be hard pressed to go past the Jazz for a zippy, modern city car.It felt just a tinge tinny, but to be fair it ticks all the boxes for a $18,000-plus car. All in all, this would be a great inner-city run around vehicle.LikesExtremely spacious for a small carGreat for parkingiPod accessDislikesGrunt- just didnt have anyFuel efficiencyLack of legroom when driver seat pushed backHonda JazzPrice: From $16,990Engine: 1.3-litre or 1.5-litreEconomy: 5.8 litres/100km (VTi/VTi-S 6.4 litres/100km)Features: Dual front airbags, anti-skid brakes, CD stereo with MP3, auxiliary jack, air conditioning, 10 cupholders If you like this try this: Suzuki Swift

DrivetrainsBoth cars are fitted with a 1.5litre SOHC i-VTEC engine that puts out 88kW at 6600rpm and 145Nm at 4800rpm. The VTi we tested gets power to the wheels via a five speed automatic transmission and the VTi-S uses a five speed manual.Combined fuel economy for the VTi auto is 6.7L/100km. That figure drops by 0.3 for the manual. The VTi auto has a CO2 emission rate of 159g/km and the VTi-S creeps under that at 151g/km.ExteriorThe Honda design team call the new Jazz shape a ‘super forward form with front pillars as far forward as possible’. The tapering effect gives the impression of more space but also makes it look agile and ready.Side-on you notice the quarter window in front of the a pillar which takes a bit of getting used to but again gives the impression of more space outside and in. On the outside, the main bits the VTi-S gets over the VTi are 16 inch alloys, side skirts and sports bumpers.InteriorInside the Jazz is deceptively spacious. The front quarter window — although a bit weird — does help it look bigger thanks to the extra light. Honda has retained the same simple principles of the outgoing Jazz for the interior design in the new one. The dash is simple and intuitive and the finish is polished.As well as a multi-information display, steering wheel controls and 60/40 split fold rear seats, the VTi-S also gets a little more leather and cruise control. The cabin has plenty of storage space including 10 cup holders and the cargo area holds 848 litres with the back seats down (337 litres with them up).SafetyBoth the VTi and VTi-S have achieved a four(out of five) star ANCAP safety rating. Safety features include a front and rear airbag package, ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, central locking and an immobiliser.PricingThe Honda Jazz range starts at $16,490 for the manual GLi. The automatic VTi costs $21,890 and the VTi-S manual is $22,490.DrivingThe Jazz has undoubtedly been a sales success for Honda here in Australia. It is a competent, practical car for the young female market as well as pensioners with active grandchildren.Honda has a reputation for quality and there is a minor prestige associated with the name but does the Jazz offer enough bang for your buck. We thought probably not.After driving both the VTi Auto ($22,790) and the VTi-S Manual (22,990) were left less than impressed. The auto in the VTi made highway cruising a frustrating experience with a poor change pattern and whining engine tone. The manual is a far better option.The manual is also the better option for purchase price and on-going costs with the auto adding $2300 to the tag and 1.1 litre of fuel per 100km under urban driving conditions - which would account for most of the driving this type of vehicle would do.While styling is mostly a thing of personal taste, the Jaz appears both fussy and bland. The main selling point with this style of car is its versatility, and in that respect it delivers, but so does its competitors.Overall, it is competent and not a bad choice – just not the best choice. Recommendation? Also look at the Korean Honda – the Hyundai i30CW.Rating: VTi auto - 6.6/10 — Vti-S manual: 6.8/10.

There was a time when you bought a small car only because you couldn’t afford a full sized one, but today we are capable of making smarter decisions and buy small mostly because it better suits our individual motoring needs. Back when we bought small cars because we were impoverished they lacked many of the creature comforts we would have expected in a larger car. You paid less so you expected less, and by God you got less and didn’t dare complain about it.But there’s been a massive shake-up in the market and small cars, like Honda’s Jazz, lack little in comparison to their larger cousins.The Jazz was clearly an upmarket small car when it was launched in 2002. It was meant to appeal to those who wanted it all in a small package.MODEL WATCHThe Jazz presented small cars in a new and innovative way. It wasn’t a downsized sedan or sedan-based hatch as had been the normal way of designing a small car, its packaging was quite different.It was about the efficient use of the available interior space. It had ample accommodation for five adults with the seats in their normal positions, but the seats could be flipped or folded flat in a variety of ways to allow a wide range of objects to be carried. It was a big car in a small package.Being a Honda the performance was sporty with a choice of 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre single overhead camshaft four-cylinder engines. The smaller engine put out 61 kW at 5700 revs and 119 Nm at 2800 revs and returned 5.6 L/100 km, the larger VTEC engine boasted 81 kW at 6000 revs and 143 Nm at 4800 revs for more zip and returned 6.0 L/100 km.Both engines came with the choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or a Continuously Variable Transmission — CVT — automatic; the CVT trans hooked up to the larger engine offered a sporty seven-speed sequential shift function.The suspension was a combination of MacPherson Strut front and torsion beam rear with stabiliser bars at both ends, while the brakes were a blend of disc front and drum rear with anti-skid protection, and the steering was electric power-assisted.Honda offered the Jazz in three models, the GLi, VTi and VTi-S. The GLi opened the range and came nicely equipped with cloth trim, power windows and mirrors, central locking, tilt adjustable steering column, a full array of instruments, and a CD player.The VTi came with all of that plus air-conditioning, and sports cloth trim, while the sporty VTi-S came with front and rear spoilers, front fog lamps and alloy wheels.IN THE SHOPThe Jazz is a city car and often driven by people living in inner city areas, which exposes them to more of the bump and grind of gridlock than other cars living in outer suburban areas.They can often be left parked in the street, under trees and light poles, and subject to the things that naturally fall out of the sky.So look for body bumps and scrapes, and stains on the paint. Look for a car that has been well maintained on a regular basis, and not just cleaned up for sale.Cars left exposed to the elements need more protection in the form of washing, waxing and polishing than those parked under cover.Look at the wheels for evidence of being scraped on or bumped into kerbs. If you find damaged rims have the suspension carefully inspected for damage. It is relatively easy to damage a driveline or steering joint by accidentally hitting a kerb. Listen for odd clicking noises when turning which might indicate a damaged joint.Hondas need proper servicing, they don’t appreciate being neglected so check for a service record indicating regular oil changes, and lift the oil filler cap and take a look for sludge as a result of missed oil services.On average a Jazz should have done around 60,000 km if it was a 2002 model, less if a later delivery.IN A CRASHAll models boasted airbags for the driver and front passenger for reasonable protection in a crash from the front, while anti-skid ABS brakes helped you to get out of trouble when confronted with a crash situation.The chassis dynamics weren’t brilliant. Its steering was accurate enough without being responsive, but the chassis was quite well balanced with a slight bias towards understeer.LOOK FOR• Inner city bumps and scrapes• zippy performance• quirky CVT gearbox• roomy and flexible interior• Honda credTHE BOTTOM LINERoomy interior with great flexibility makes Jazz a much bigger car than its small stature suggests. It’s the perfect town car.RATING• 75/100