Honda Jazz road test by Steve Rogers
For
nigh on 20 years the Honda Jazz has held the unofficial title of most practical
supermini on the planet.
Yet
even this enviable accolade has not been enough to make it the first car on the
supermini shopping list, never enjoying the sales, or adoration, of the likes
of Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa or Volkswagen Polo.
There
are a couple of theories, one that it is a bit pricey and the other that it's a
car for older folk lacking the pizzaz of a Fiesta, Seat Ibiza or Peugeot 208.
Whatever, Honda has tried to put it right with the latest fourth generation
model, jazzing up the design (excuse the pun) but here's the thing, it is even
more practical.
They
have really gone to town with sharper styling but maintaining its unique
identity, fashioning a new dashboard, using plusher materials, and making it a
tad longer so it is even more of a tardis than before.
The
first thing to notice is the terrific all round vision. Styling trends dictate
less glass, more metal but Honda has taken a different tack with a big
windscreen and a wafer thin front pillar, half as thick as before, so nothing
blocks the driver's view, and it is the same in the back with light flooding in
for passengers.
In
fact the back is probably the most interesting part of the Jazz. First up the
doors open wide, so great for parking the kids, then there is all this legroom,
cars this size should not have this much space, or head room, but Jazz does.
Then
we have the pièce de résistance, the cinema style pop up seat cushions. Why no
one has copied this is beyond me because it is simple yet so clever and great
for carrying those tall garden centre plants, you can even wheel in a
youngster's bike.
Talking
of youngsters they will like the little top pocket in the back of the front
seats which is ideal for storing a mobile phone and watching whatever it is
they watch. Storage slots are aplenty on Jazz and as well as the standard glove
box there is another on top of the dashboard.
Honestly,
just call this car Mr Practical because the back could be a model for all small
cars. There is a wide opening tailgate with low loading height taking you into
a big boot which almost turns into a mini van with the back seats folded. It
really is a outstanding space.
From
day one I have found the ride a tad hard and although Jazz has improved down
the years it can't match the likes of Peugeot 208 and Citroen C3 for comfort.
It is fine on smooth roads but disappoints on poorer surfaces. And if you want
a more dynamic drive pick a Fiesta or Ibiza.
No
complaints on performance, there is only one engine option - 1.5 litre petrol
harnessed to two electric motors so it is particularly quick to 40mph and hits
sixty in nine seconds. Driven through a CTV automatic gearbox the engine sounds
strained when pushed and because of the nature of CTV sometimes feels if it
holds on to the gear for too long but that is quickly forgotten when you see
how much it is doing to the gallon.
I
never went below 58mpg and got 70mpg on a 100 mile saunter to Manchester
airport, which is better than good. The electric motor helps a lot and the car
jumps from petrol to electric power as and when although on the open road the
engine does the majority of the work.
The
redesigned dashboard is functional and simply laid out with a nine inch
touchscreen for the technical functions and a neat panel of chunky switches for
the heating controls, just the way I like it.
I
was also impressed by the steering wheel controls which are cream enamel and
stand out for easy use. Small details mean a lot.
So
new Jazz ticks all the main boxes and I have recommended it to my son who wants
a small car with lots of room, big economy and low emissions. I would give Jazz
10 out 10 but have to knock it back to a nine because it is pricey - put a
battery pack, electric motor and automatic box on any car and the price will go
up.
The
price drawback with Jazz is one engine size fits all and when choosing a spec I
would ignore the base SE even though it has a decent amount of kit and look at
the SR but if you want to be pampered the EX is the one to go for.
Fast
facts
Honda
Jazz EX
£21,385
(starts £18,985)
1.5
litre+electric motor 107bhp
0-62mph
9.5secs; 108mph
61.4mpg
combined
83g/km.
1st VED £110
Insurance
group 20
Boot 304 - 1205 litres
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