AUSTRALIAN NEW CAR & SUV BUYER’S GUIDE | 61K
icking off from $14,990
for the VTi, the GK-series
Honda Jazz hatch brings fewer
variants, lower prices and —
bar one backward step — more
for your money.
For example, you’ll fi nd a
reversing camera, emergency-
braking indicator fl ashes, hill-start
assist, LED lighting and 7-inch
touchscreen with integrated
Bluetooth phone/audio streaming
(at last) and ports for 12-volt/USB/
HDMI/MP4 connectivity.
That’s on top of six airbags,
stability control, cruise control,
reach- and tilt-adjustable
steering, trip computer, electric
windows, remote central locking,
air-conditioning and 15-inch
steel wheels. Note, however, that
drums now replace discs for the
rear brakes — a retrograde step
for usually reputable Honda.
Another $2000 will buy you
a CVT (continuously variable
transmission) in lieu of the
standard fi ve-speed manual.
Next up is the CVT-only VTi-S
from $19,990, adding fog lights,
climate control, navigation,
better audio, alarm, fancier
cloth, electric folding mirrors,
a leather-wrapped wheel, side
skirts and 16-inch alloys.
Topping the range with a price
tag of $22,990, the VTi-L includes
LED headlights, keyless entry
and start, leather, heated front
seats, centre armrest and rear
parking sensors.
One signature Jazz exclusive
dating back from 2002 remains —
the rear “Magic Seats” that fold
down low and fl at into the cavity
usually reserved for the fuel tank
in other vehicles, allowing huge
fl oor-to-ceiling cargo space.
Plus, both rear cushions hinge
backwards against the backrest
to provide unparalleled cross-car
storage space as well.
The roomiest Jazz ever, aided
by a 30mm wheelbase stretch,
its tallness allows for easy entry,
while thin pillars and a vast
windscreen help vision all round.
The instruments are bright and
clear, ventilation is super effective
and there are more storage ideas
than in an IKEA catalogue. Is
there a more user-friendly city car
than the Jazz? Probably not.
The front seats, too, are fi ne
for room and comfort, while
the rear bench — though a
little short on thigh support —provides extraordinarily spacious
accommodation for feet, legs,
knees and heads.
A large, easy-to-load cargo
area, low fl oor (with space-saver
spare below) and one-touch
Magic Seat folding mechanism
further underline the Honda’s
unique, class-leading practicality.
On the performance front, the
88kW/145Nm 1.5-litre single-
cam i-VTEC unit that has long
served the series is standard
across the range.
Ageing perhaps, but it is a
strong little unit, providing chirpy
off-the-line performance that
keeps on coming as speeds rise.
Mated to the responsive CVT,
the whole drivetrain feels smooth
and willing. It’s frugal on the
juice and runs fi ne on 91 octane
regular. A circa-60kg weight-loss
program certainly pays dividends.
On CVT models, an “Eco
Assist” function recalibrates the
electronics to prioritise effi ciency,
while green-to-blue lighting is a
reminder to be a bit more feather-
footed with the throttle.
On the highway, the Jazz
cruises quietly and easily.
When you need to overtake, the
CVT transmission responds
immediately and smoothly.The electric power steering is
a light if rather feel-free device.
That said, there is a high degree
of handling and roadholding
fi nesse on offer, defi ned by a
fl at and hunkered-down attitude
— a corollary of the lighter yet
stronger platform.
Furthermore, a concerted
effort to cut noise/vibration/
harshness pathways has resulted
in a solidly quiet operator, backed
up by a completely redesigned
MacPherson strut front and
torsion beam rear end.
The result is also a cushier ride
quality, though some road-rumble
intrusion remains evident.
Nevertheless, loss of rear
discs aside, the latest Jazz is the
best ever by some margin and
like its predecessors it works
particularly well in town. Given
that previous models have always
featured on the front row of the
class grid, it’s a car you should
certainly test drive before you
make a decision.By Byron MathioudakisS HONDA JAZZ FROM $14,990
THINGS WE LIKE
Brilliant rear-seat packaging
Standard reversing camera
Simple Bluetooth connectivity
Fuel effi ciency
Parking ease
Interior versatilityTHINGS YOU MIGHT NOT LIKE
Rear brakes are now drums,
not discs
Overly light and feel-free steering
Fussier styling than before
Some hard cabin plastics
No digital speedoSPEX (VTi CVT)
Made in Thailand
1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol/CVT
auto/front-wheel drive
88kW of power at 6600rpm, 145Nm
of torque at 4600rpm
0–100km/h N/A
5.0L/100km highway; 7.2L/100km
city; 91 octane regular; CO 2
emissions are 138g/km
Warranty: Five years/unlimited
kilometres
Standard: Stability control, six
airbags, reversing camera,
Bluetooth phone/audio streaming,
USB port, hill-start assist, cruise
control, 15-inch steel wheels
Redbook future values: 3yr: 47%;
5yr: 37%Safety
ANCAP
Green Vehicle GuidePerformanceHandlingQuality and reliabilityComfort and refi nementValue for money
Overall
STARS
compare with ...
Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio, Mazda2,
Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris,
Volkswagen Polo