Honda Jazz

On Paper, there is so much to like about the new third-generation Jazz. No other super mini approaches Honda’s baby for interior space, versatility and practicality.

The seats fold to 18 configurations, including one that provides a flat floor from the tailgate through to the rear of the front seats. For extra-long luggage, the front passenger seat back folds flat, and the total boot capacity can be 1495 litres, brilliant for a hatchback that’s just under four metres long.

Nor can you question the equipment levels. The Jazz is the first car in its class to make a reversing camera standard, even on the entrylevel $14,990 VTi, and it’s viewed via a large 7.0-inch touchscreen. Bluetooth, cruise control, six airbags and hill-hold assist are included in the VTi to validate the Jazz as a value-for-money proposition, though the value becomes less compelling the further up the three-tiered range you go. For all its leather-faced trim, 16-inch alloys, parking sensors, climate control, keyless entry and leather steering wheel, the VTi-L struggles to justify the extra $7500 when it’s still powered by the same 88kW/145Nm 1.5-litre single-cam four as the base car.

Wheels is a magazine for people who love cars and driving, and here the Jazz struggles.

The engine needs plenty of revs, but is coarse and noisy when pressed, and lacks the refinement we once took for granted from Honda. The gear change is typically Honda slick and fast but the clutch pedal is too far off the floor, while the CVT never disguises its technical compromises. Worse, the now electric power steering is sloppy around the straight ahead, slow and vague off-centre, and far too light.

Small cars should be fun and eager, a delight to drive. Sadly, the Jazz simply doesn't point like a Fiesta or Mazda 2. Nor is the ride class-leading. And the Jazz swaps the previous generation’s rear discs for drums, further proof that this model is a product of GFC development.

Even the packaging isn't the miracle it seems at first sighting. The front buckets offer limited rear travel, so tall people anyone over six feet (183cm) struggle to be comfortable on flat seats that offer little lateral support.

Finally, we can’t overlook the car’s appearance. We can only agree with one critic who described the Jazz as dorky. The nose, in particular, is clumsy and awkward, the rear too busy, and the flanks are a contrived distortion.

The third-generation Jazz, it's clear, has not built sufficiently on its predecessors' successes.

BODY
Type5-door hatch, 5 seats
Boot capacity350 litres
Weight1048-1130kg

DRIVETRAIN
Layout front engine (east-west), FWD
Engine 1497cc 4cyl (88kW/145kW)
Transmissions 5-speed manual; CVT automatic

CHASSIS
Tyres 175/65R15 – 185/55R16
ADR81 fuel consumption 5.8-6.2L/100km
Greenhouse emissions 135-144g/km
Collision mitigation n/a
Crash rating5-star (Euro NCAP)
Prices$14,990 – $22,49