Honda Jazz 1,5 Sport

While Honda hopes its new Jazz Sport will harness some of the excitement around its new halo Civic, a CVT transmission does it few favours

IN what’s clearly an attempt to bridge the chasm that exists between its traditionally conservative model portfolio and the exuberance of that Civic Type R on page 38 – as well as appeal to a younger audience – Honda South Africa has replaced its top-of-the-range Jazz Dynamic model with this new Sport derivative.

If not quite worthy of a famed red Honda badge on its grille, the Jazz Sport nevertheless offers subtle red pin striping throughout its revised bodywork. Notable styling upgrades include new front and rear spoilers, sill extensions and black 16-inch alloy wheels. Included in the seven colour options for this model is a new Skyride Blue scheme, as well as a less-than-subtle Helios Yellow option.

There’s more Type R-inspired red highlighting to be found in the solid interior where, aside from a pair of aluminium pedals in the foot well, a decidedly racy-looking starter button adds a touch of cheeky character.

Linked to this button is an allnew 1,5-litre engine that employs “Earth Dreams” technology for improved responsiveness and efficiency. In truth, though, the additional 7 kw and 10 N.m it brings to the party compared with the unit in the outgoing Dynamic model is less significant than the 1,4 L/100 km fuel-consumption saving.

The rather droney fly in the ointment of the Jazz Sport, however, is the CVT. In other markets, there is a manual transmission available, but unfortunately not here. Despite Honda’s assertion that it has been specifically adapted with artificial steps and features paddle-shifters to access these faux gears, the transmission inevitably detracts from any sense of playfulness you might expect. While piloted casually, it’s a drivetrain that quickly finds its steady groove, but any request for additional oomph is met with a monotone wail of protestation as the rev needle hunts aimlessly through the 97 kw power band.

On the upside, while the standard fitment of a larger wheel size has firmed up the overall ride quality, its impact on the impressive levels of compliance associated with the current Jazz range is minimal.

With its neat styling updates, classy interior and well-considered levels of versatility, if I were Honda South Africa, I’d be rushing to secure a batch of manual versions to attract a younger, fun-seeking audience to the Jazz range. As it stands, the package has unrealised potential.