Honda Jazz; Review

 

The Honda Jazz was launched in August 2002 and it instantly took the fashion position in the micro market. When it was introduced, Honda chose to bring in the 1.3-litre i-DSI model and has consistently sat at number one in private and company sales combined. While the 1.3-litre micro range holds the majority of sales, demand has developed for micro cars with a slightly larger power train.

Interest is also growing from younger buyers looking for a sporty small car. This has led to Honda introducing the Jazz Sport ? a 1.5-litre VTEC version of the popular Jazz, with sportier driving characteristics and looks. Available in three bright new colours ? yellow, blue and the all-new copper ? the new Jazz Sport has fully integrated front and rear sports bumpers, side skirts, rear tailgate spoiler and fog lights. The front bumper includes a deep aggressive additional black mesh scoop. Unique 15in alloy wheels with wider 185/55 tyres complement the exterior styling.

Inside there is two-tone black and silver sports upholstery, and drivers will enjoy the leather steering wheel.

The Jazz Sport comes with a responsive CVT automatic transmission, and the addition of sevem-speed sports-shift manual mode. Activating the manual mode is easy ? a button is pushed on the steering wheel, and then the driver can manually change gears using the steering wheel paddles. Using the manual mode provides seven fixed gear ratios. When manual mode is activated the CVT gearbox converts to a stepped automatic and displays the current gear until the paddles are touched, when it converts to full manual mode.

In manual mode, Drive-logic is applied to optimise gear selection when reaching the redline and also accelerating in too high a high gear. Manual mode resets when the ignition is turned off or the main gear is changed between D, S and L.

The 1.5-litre VTEC engine is a lightweight and powerful engine, and the VTEC activates just before 4000rpm providing an instant increase in power and torque. Combined with Sports-shift, the engine provides for buyers requiring the Jazz functionality wanting a sporting drive. A longer stroke is applied and a VTEC cylinder-head is added increasing power to 81Kw at 6000rpm and torque to 143Nm at 4800rpm. This maintains the weight balance required to allow for the versatility of the Jazz. The Jazz Sport also falls within LEV II emission standards. Weight is increased by only 30kg.

Suspension changes include geometry setup and new steering rack to accommodate 15in alloy wheels as standard. The Jazz Sport is priced at $24,600. Jazz 1.3-litre is priced at $20,500 for the manual and $22,400 for the CVT automatic option.