Honda Jazz Review & Road Test

Review by www.new-car-reviews.co.uk

Summary

The Honda Jazz was Japanese car of the year in 2002 and offers class leading space and versatility. Competition comes in the form the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa.

Drivers

Honda offers only one engine in the Jazz, a new chain-cam engine called i-DSI, that has two valves and two spark plugs per cylinder. It is a 1.4 unit that offers good levels of power (0-60 in 11.7 seconds, max speed 106 mph) and excellent economy figures (combined economy figure of 49.6mpg, urban cycle 41mpg). Emission levels are also very low (CO2 output of 134g/km).

The 1.4 DSI delivers solid pick up at all urban speeds and cruises quietly and effortlessly at motorway speeds with its limitations only become apparent when accelerating up-hill. Dynamically, the Honda Jazz also handles well and feels very surefooted - on the downside the ride is a little on the stiff side and over rougher roads can be jarring.

A high seating position gives a good view of the road and all controls are solid, neat and operate with a reassuring solidity.

Passengers & practicality

By moving the petrol tank from under the rear seats to under the front seats, the Jazz has the ability to fold all of the rear seats flat into the floor pan, creating a huge loading space in the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the rear seat squabs can be lifted into a vertical position to create a discrete storage space in the middle of the car.

The Jazz is also refined car with engine and road noise kept to a minimum, although wind noise does become obvious at higher motorway speeds.

Safety & Security

All Honda Jazz models get anti-lock brakes, twin front airbags with side airbags as an optional extra (included as standard on the SE Sport).

Quality & Reliability

The Jazz is now every bit as well constructed as a VW, and Honda has an excellent reputation for long term durability - the Jazz looks and feels like it will continue this tradition. Honda's confidence in the quality of its cars is underlined by its 3-year/ 90,000-mile warranty.

Owning

Honda has a reputation for solid engineering and consequently the Jazz has low depreciation rates - although SE and SE Sport are expensive cars.

Review ©2006 New-car-reviews.co.uk