Road test - Honda Jazz 1.4Si
Author: Ian Strachan
I’ve always liked the Honda Jazz, with its good looks and pleasant interior. And now it’s just got better with the addition of a sporty Si spec to enhance the range.
I've always liked the Honda Jazz, with its good looks and
pleasant interior. And now it's just got better with the addition
of a sporty Si spec to enhance the range.
In a bid to attract younger drivers, the Jazz now gets smart 16
inch Chronos alloys, lots of chrome trim and a rear spoiler to
enhance its sportier credentials.
The Jazz is pitched into the hotly contested and over-populated
C sector, so it has to be good. It's up against some well
established competitors.
But despite this exalted competition, the Jazz can hold its head
high, content in the knowledge that it combines good looks with
high spec, excellent engines in terms of both performance and
frugality, and the kudos of the Honda name.
To look at, the Jazz is compact and elegant, with a sporty look
to its front end. I test drove the 1.4Si which comes in at
£13,510 on the road.
The Jazz is roomy and very well specified. Dual airbags, power
steering, electric front windows, air conditioning, an RDS radio
and CD player and rear split seat come as part of the package.
Windows above the dash, immediately behind the forward A post make
the interior feel even bigger than it is.
The 1.4 engine is lively but composed, with a dashboard
indicator which tells you if you're not in the most fuel-efficient
gear. It is quiet in the extreme - so quiet. It's only the lack of
warning lights on the dashboard that tell you that you haven't
stalled. On motorways it cruises nicely, never feeling overworked,
even at higher revs. Unlike a lot of five-speed manual cars it
doesn't feel as if it needs a sixth cog. It returns excellent fuel
consumption figures of 51.4 mpg in mixed driving.
Loadspace is large and uncluttered, and can be increased by
folding the split seats.
Ride and handling is impressive - as good as anything in its
class - with a solid feel and no roll, even on winding country
roads.
As well as a very good car at a good price you get peace of
mind, with Honda's three year, 90,000 mile warranty
package.
With the sportier credentials of the Si spec, Honda has opened
up the Jazz to a whole new set of drivers who can only be impressed
with the likeable car.
Road test by Ian Strachan Communications
Ltd
Ian Strachan is a motoring and business writer and PR
consultant. He can be contacted on 01543 490932 or 07949
202596 or via email: ian@strachan13.freeserv