Honda Jazz

ON THE ROAD

Performance
The 1.2-litre petrol engine provides reasonable performance despite its modest power output. The 1.4 petrol offers useful extra pace as well as decent fuel economy and low emissions. Both engines provide reasonable pick-up from urban speeds, but need to be worked hard to get the best from them.

Ride & handling
Decent body control means the Jazz is a spirited drive, although the steering is light and short of feel. Firm suspension gives the Jazz its sure-footedness, but also a rather stiff ride. Revisions have improved things since the car’s launch, but youl still feel bumps too easily. The optional CVT auto ’box is excellent and provides seamless power delivery.

Refinement
Both engines become rather noisy when extended and are audible at motorway pace. Wind and road noise also intrude at higher speeds, but there’s a lovely fluency about every major control – not just individually but in the way the clutch, gearbox, brakes and throttle work together.

OWNERSHIP

Buying & owning
SE and SE Sport versions of the Jazz are expensive to buy, but recent equipment upgrades have made them better value for money. The Jazz holds on to its value exceptionally well - better than pretty much every other supermini bar the Mini, in fact. Servicing for Hondas can be costly, but insurance and fuel costs are modest, particularly for the 1.2-litre model. Honda Jazz Panning

Quality & reliability
We can’t remember the last time that there was a major issue with Honda reliability, and the Jazz took top spot for the second year running in our 2005 JD Power customer satisfaction survey. Most of the cabin materials are of a high standard and the quality of assembly is a cut above most rivals.

Safety & security
The Jazz has a long list of security kit, but that didn’t stop our testers getting into the car in less than half a minute. All models have anti-lock brakes and twin front airbags, but only the SE Sport comes with side airbags. Curtain airbags and stability control aren’t available.


IN THE CABIN

Behind the wheel
You sit quite high up in the Jazz, although a good range of seat and wheel adjustment makes it easy for most drivers to get comfortable and find good vision. The cabin is well planned and attractive, with big, easy-to-use buttons. The view forwards is similar to that found in a baby MPV. Honda Jazz Front Interior

Space & practicality
For a relatively short small car the Jazz offers impressive cabin space and there’s a large boot. The rear seats either fold flat to create a long deck or their cushions tip up like cinema seats to leave a floor-to-ceiling space big enough for two kids’ bikes, if their front wheels are removed. Stowage space is also good.

Equipment
The basic S model comes with a CD player, electric front windows, split-fold rear seats and central locking, but little else. SE cars add rear electric windows, remote central locking, air-conditioning, height adjustable driver’s seat and alloy wheels. Top-spec SE Sport come with climate control. A sunroof costs extra on SE and SE Sport cars.

http://www.whatcar.co.uk/car-review/honda-jazz-hatchback