One of the most striking aspects for this little Honda is its build quality. Everything has been screwed together with such precision and accuracy; it really feels that this is a small sized ‘big’ car rather than just a small car. This aspect is only reinforced when driving one of its competitors.

Segment B is defined as Polo-Fiesta sized cars. Segment C is the Focus sized (or rather the last Escort size since the Focus is larger).

Performance

There is a sure footedness to the car which makes it fun to drive. Sure that maybe at the expense of a firm ride but I think it is well worth it. Sure its no sports car but it is fun round bends. Gentle understeer with controlled roll angles, give it good grip and balance. The steering is accurate but dull and lifeless –typical of electric power steering rather than the more power-hungry hydraulic type.

At 4/5th, the car seems very responsive and quite quick. This shows the engine has good low end torque. However when pushing on, driving at 5/5th it doesn’t give any extra. Overtaking needs some planning as it runs out of steam a little too soon.

The car I drive has the CVT auto transmission fitted. This is a great gearbox; it is allot more efficient then the traditional auto transmission but with few of the usual drawbacks of a CVT. The drawbacks are with the driving environment and parking; the static engine revs while accelerating give an odd sensation like clutch slipping. This CVT seems to allow the revs to rise as well as the gearing when accelerating makes it feel ‘normal’. Parking CVT cars with is also difficult as CVT does not have natural ‘creep’ (where the car creeps when brakes or accelerators aren’t depressed) as with traditional automatics. However Honda has programmed ‘creep’ into the electronics; so when the car is in gear and neither the brake not accelerator are depressed, the car will creep forwards (or backwards if in reverse). And when the brake is pressed, the electronics stop ‘creep’ to save fuel and brakes. Best of both worlds.

The drivetrain is very smooth, allowing easy and relaxed driving. However, the transmission seems less comfortable when pressing-on

Its 0-60 of about 10 seconds (and another second for the automatic) tells you that it’s no sports car. It isn’t, but then that’s not what it’s about. The car feels quick, responsive, and eager all the while remaining refined and composed. It is well able to keep up with the cut and thrust of the city traffic, maintain motorway speeds even over moderate hills. In short, it has all the performance you need and maybe want.

Ride and Handling

As mentioned previously, the ride is firm to keep a relatively tall car from rolling excessively in corners. The ride maybe too firm for some people who are used to a more cosseting car but I drove a Honda Integra Type R for 4 years and this seems just fine. And I hate cars’ leaning into corners (with all the effects on handling this brings).

There is a fair amount of balance and grip in corners, with a precise steering. The steering doesn’t give any feedback, and (possibly) consequently at medium speeds, allot of correction is required to keep to the chosen line.

Running costs

Low insurance costs. Low fuel costs (45+ mpg), low servicing and near-nil unscheduled costs. Good depreciation. This is such a sensible buy; no wonder the market loves it!

Living with the car.

This ticks all the boxes; it does everything you want from it with absolute efficiency. Its solidity and high build quality mean it gets on with the job with no rattles, no fuss, no problems and no unforeseen costs. It’s very practical with a large versatile interior. It has good detailing –like the interior light goes on when the key is taken out until the doors are locked. Other not so welcome details like when the ventilation is put onto windscreen demist, the aircon goes on. I would rather the aircon only when on when I pressed its button. I think its trying to be too clever. I don’t think you would regret buying it. You might sometimes want a little more power, or a better ride or a more beautiful exterior, but most of the time you would be happy with everything about it. My wife doesn’t like the look of the car but I think it looks fine. I think some of the detail in the design –like the front lights or the steeply angles bonnet –really make the car grow on you. There is a more powerful VTEC version available, 1.5t 110PS against this one’s 85PS 1.4. It’s not officially imported into Europe but I am planning to bring one in as a personal import (I will write an e-book about the importing process and the car, later).

I have been conducting a survey of Jazz owners. Everyone I have spoken to say they are absolutely satisfied, would buy another one and can’t think of any shortcomings.

Return to Amistad Home.

This article is sponsored by Proqul Ozone store who supply the Ozonology Sanitisation service.

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