Honda Jazz 1,5 i-VTEC EX Automatic (2009) Driving Impression

If the world ran on common sense, it would be a very different place indeed. Take the Honda Jazz for example. Without fail it has offered the most practical and spacious cabin in its segment. Its engines deliver the best balance of performance and economy. And, according to its owners, the Honda Jazz is more reliable than, er, just about anything out there. And yet, it is not even close to being a top seller. Consumers then, appear to have other, more pressing priorities, such as impressing the neighbours. Pity… they’re missing out on a superb product.

Unfortunately for Honda, the latest version is unlikely to change the above scenario, seeing as it again features a no-nonsense look that is devoid of any flair or flash. It’s not ugly by any means, but the mono-box shape and lack of design detailing endow it with anonymity in a segment that boasts a number of handsome vehicles. Style sells, it’s as simple as that, and it’s time that Honda accepts this and does something about it…

Space, and yet more space in the Honda Jazz

As before, you’d have to venture into the MPV segment to find vehicles that can match the Jazz’s interior spaciousness and flexibility. The boxy shape has a huge benefit when it comes to interior packaging. Not only is the boot bigger than most vehicles in this segment but, fold the rear seats down, and this little car can accommodate objects that won’t fit into most large SUVs. How has Honda done this? Well, the 42-litre petrol tank is positioned under the front seats, freeing up a lot of space at the rear. As a result the rear seat cushions can even flip up, forming a large opening between the rear backrests and front seatbacks.

But the Honda Jazz is not only geared to transport “cargo”. Occupants are also well-catered for. Front seat accommodation is excellent, with a driver’s seat that boasts height-adjustment. The seats initially feel a bit unsupportive, but proved comfortable on longer trips. Visibility out of the Honda Jazz is excellent for all passengers. Rear leg- and headroom is unmatched in this segment. Again.

Futuristic facia

Considering the fact that the exterior displays almost zero design effort, the facia comes as a bit of a shock. As is the case with a few modern Hondas (Civic, especially), the layout initially appears to make no sense at all. The audio controls are placed on a large silver section, and are easy enough to figure out. But to their right are the controls for the ventilation system, grouped into little “pods”, and with another circular section to display the temperature. It’s certainly quirky, but familiarity soon sets in, so it’s not a major issue, just of interest as it appears to clash with the straightforward design on the outside.

In EX trim the Honda Jazz is very well-equipped. There’s climate control, for example, as well as a comprehensive audio system that includes USB support. It also boasts four airbags, rake/reach adjustment for the steering wheel, ABS backed by EBD and BAS, and Isofix child seat mounts in the rear. Considering its price and overall quality, there’s not much more you could reasonably demand from Honda.

It is worth noting, however, that the car’s inherent quality does not really manifest itself in its interior fittings. Yes, there are no rattles and fit is good, but the plastics don’t feel particularly high grade and the cloth trim covering the hard surfaces feel a bit “thin”.

Surprising zest

The Jazz’s 1,5-litre engine is the most powerful in this segment, offering 88 kW and 145 Nm. It is also worth keeping in mind that the Honda Jazz is relatively light, so performance is quite lively, especially compared with its competitors. Sure, an 11,6-second 0-100 km/h time is hardly anything to write home about, but it’s convincingly livelier than its rivals, and it feels faster than the claimed performance figures suggest. The five-speed automatic ‘box generally does a good job of finding the right ratio, but because the engine loves revs (maximum power is at 6 600 r/min), swift progress can be accompanied by quite a lot of noise.

Considering its class-leading power outputs, the Jazz’s exception fuel economy is a big bonus. Honda claims a consumption figure of 6,7 litres/100 km, which is just as well, seeing as the tank is a very small 42 litres.

Still firm

The first-generation Honda Jazz was widely criticised for its relatively harsh ride quality. For this second-generation car Honda has made several modifications to the suspension in an effort to soften things, but it’s still rather firm, especially at low speeds, where poor surfaces often catch it out. The handling, too, is a hit-and-miss effort – there’s decent grip from the 175/65 tyres and the electrically assisted steering is better than most of its type, but there’s also quite a lot of bodyroll. If Honda has some improvements to make, it should start here…

Honda Jazz – Verdict

If you’re looking to buy a small automatic hatchback, and you’re the kind of person who tends to wear a comfy pair of sensible shoes, then the Honda Jazz is the default choice. It does almost nothing wrong and, in the few places where it does, such as its ride/handling balance, it’s not crucial to the target market. So yes, the Honda Jazz still won’t make your neighbours’ curtains twitch with envy, but know this – you almost certainly drive a better car than they do.

We like:

• Reliability reputation
• Interior flexibility
• Performance/economy balance
• Generous standard specification

We don’t like:

• Dowdy looks
• Firm ride

Fast facts

Engine: 1,5-litre, petrol, four-cylinder

Power: 88 kW @ 6 600 rpm

Torque: 145 N.m @ 4 500 rpm

Transmission: Five-speed automatic

Wheels: 15-inch alloy

Top speed: 189 km/h

0-100 km/h: 11,6 seconds

Fuel economy: 6,7 litres/100 km

Source: www.um.co.za

Also consider:

• Volkswagen Polo 1,6 Comfortline Tiptronic: Pricey, as Volkswagen’s tend to be, but you get a refined product. The engine is not as powerful as the Jazz’s, and, even with an extra ratio in the transmission, the economy is worse, too.
• Opel Corsa 1,4 Enjoy Automatic: Another quality contender, but its 1,4-litre engine only delivers 66 kW and, when mated with a power-sapping automatic, this Corsa feels even more lethargic than its manual-shift stablemate. Lovely cabin design, but lacking the Jazz’s practicality.
• Renault Clio 3 1,6 Extreme: The Clio 3 is a likeable car with a substantial feel and a good specification level. Somehow, however, it doesn’t quite work so well as an automatic, with the transmission seemingly robbing the car of some of its inherent “zest”. That aside, it can’t match the Jazz’s interior flexibility and performance/economy balance.