Car Test
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R0237 | |
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May 2002 |
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| Honda Jazz | ||
| Printer Friendly Page | featured model 1.4SE Sport (5 door) | |
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Honda’s stop-gap supermini was a flop – the Logo was no go. However, it’s successor, the Jazz (known as Fit in Japan), promises to be the real thing – a big player in the B-segment, dominated by Fiesta, Fabia, Yaris et al.
Clever packaging, thanks to the short-nose/tall build design, gives spacious accommodation. While rear legroom isn’t anything to write home about (it’s no match for several rivals’, for example), kneeroom, headroom and footspace are all generous. There’s also enough width for three in the back with a trio of “proper” seatbelts. Then there’s the Jazz’s nifty party piece. Thanks to the fuel tank’s central location, there are two different ways of folding the 60/40 divided back seat. This so called “magic seat” will tip forwards to create a completely flat load floor or, with cushions raised (like cinema seats), open up a spacious load area in the middle of the car. This elegant arrangement is clever, because you still have the seats with you if needs be. The front seats aren’t soft, but give the sort of posture support we really appreciated on longer trips. The Jazz needs them because the suspension can’t quill the bumps on a typical British byway and we found the electric steering too heavily and uninformative; Honda’s twin Achilles’ heels – reflected in the Civic, as well. However, when it comes to (petrol) engines there’s nobody better and, sure enough, the Jazz has a gem! It’s an all-alloy, single-cam unit with two spark plugs per cylinder, plus variable valve timing. As expected, it gives both healthy acceleration with excellent fuel economy, as well as mechanical refinement. Indeed, there should be a higher-geared version in the line-up, to exploit its economy potential more the unit’s low-speed manners would make this no hardship. In fact, there is a CVT automatic imminent, which will inevitably result in longer striding overall gearing – a prospect we relish. One of the nice things about the Jazz is the generous level of equipment and trim even on the “basic” S version – with identical power units, as well. Our choice would be the mid-range SE, however – for the extra Ł1300 you get some really worthwhile enhancements inside, including both sunroof and air conditioning. Careful fit and a good finish (so long as you like dimpled plastic) give the cabin a quality feel and the underbonnet appearance is pristine, too. Then there’s Honda’s reputation for reliability to consider, as well. |
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