irishcar.com - Honda Jazz review

The original Honda Jazz was a rather small, basic little runabout that found favour with few Irish motorists. Whilst it suited the Japanese market the Irish motorist wanted something more substantial.

However, in name at least the Jazz has returned, but as a completely new and actually very impressive compact car.

The new Jazz is hard to pigeon-hole into a segment. Outside its dimensions are extremely compact, with a very short bonnet and a wheel at each corner of the car (no overhangs). Inside though it’s almost as roomy as the new Honda Civic. Clever design has made it versatile, almost like a mini – MPV. Power is supplied by a high tech 1.4 litre engine.

Distinctive in a cute sort of way, the short nose and huge bug-eye headlights give it a snazzy look up front. The rear is, however, less appealing. But then people don’t buy small cars for Ferrari looks – practicality and functionality is more important and the Jazz has loads of that.

The cabin is simply first class. The minute you sit behind the wheel you really would be forgiven for thinking you were in a much larger car. The beautifully styled dash looks and feels very good, while the high quality of material, fit and finish immediately impress. The driving position is perfect and the standard equipment is high. Twin airbags, tinted glass, power steering, a quality stereo, central locking, electric windows, and even smaller details such as map reading lights and a trip computer. Head and leg room both front and rear is very good and overall visibility is excellent. All in all the interior of the new Jazz has to be one of the best I’ve seen of late in a small car.

More pleasant surprises! The new Jazz is powered by a new 1.4 litre Dsi 82 bhp engine, yet another example of Hondas engineering prowess. The 1.4 is all-new (and not the same as that which powers the new Civic 1.4). The new engine is engineered for better fuel burn, resulting in massive leaps in fuel economy. In all my years road testing l’ve never had a car that genuinely returned 50 mpg – but the Jazz did! Acceleration is very lively probably even better then the 1.4 Civic and it will cruise at motorway speeds with all the refinement of a much larger car.

The ride I thought was a little on the firm side – but maybe I’m being picky here – it can’t be all good news? The handling is surefooted and noise levels are commendably low, with wind, road and engine noise all very well suppressed.

Without a doubt, the new Honda Jazz is one of the most impressive small cars I’ve driven. It’s extremely versatile. Rear seats fold forward magically to reveal a huge flat load area. It’s well equipped, supremely economical, yet performs very well. But most memorable of all it feels like a much bigger and more expensive car in terms of quality and drive. Mark my words this car will be a strong contender for the Irish Car of the Year Awards at the end of this year! At present the Jazz is available in one model version only and costs 16,500 Euro, ex works.