Now for a younger audience
Honda’s third generation Jazz has a much sharper demeanour than its forebear, writes Lerato Matebese
RIGHT from the outset, the Honda Jazz has been a brilliant little car in my book, and has won numerous quality accolades along the way, stamping its authority as a well sorted proposition in its segment.
The first generation model may have had an MPV visage about it, but under that cloak was a genuinely well thought out and practical vehicle. It had the perceived quality that would leave many of its competitors in its wake, all the while offering spunky performance for the keen driver.
But it lacked the universal appeal to attract a younger audience, hence its image was geared more towards a mature buyer profile. The previous second generation model continued with this design train of thought, which left the younger sets looking elsewhere for inspiration.
Now the outfit has launched its third generation model and it is clear that besides increasing the practicality quotient, much sharper and more youthful styling was part of the proviso. In particular the front end has more than a whiff of its Civic hatch sibling, thanks to those slimmer, wraparound headlights, black plastic elements and a much sportier lower valance. The rear has also been injected with a more contemporary design, with the vertically stacked rear lights not far removed from those used by Volvo. In addition, the chrome slat below the rear window and the chiselled bumper add a dose of pizazz, too.
Overall, compared to the previous model the new entrant has an increased wheelbase — by 30mm — which equates to a much roomier interior, while the rear overhang has increased by 50mm, which has increased the boot capacity, now measuring 363l in standard guise and 881l with the rear seats folded. The boot aperture itself has been widened for easier loading of items, while the boot lid opens a touch higher for those bulky items.
Moving inwards, space has been optimised and the rear quarters in particular offer exemplary legroom. The rear Magic seats of its predecessor remain and can easily be operated to accommodate cumbersome items. Practicality still remains one of its fortes.
There are four trim levels, two engines and seven derivatives available. Trim comes in the form of the entry Trend, then the Comfort, Elegance and Dynamic. Engines, meanwhile, come in the form of a 1.2l with 66kW at 6,000r/min and 110Nm at 4,400r/min (similar to that used in the Brio range), and a 1.5l with 88kW at 6,600r/min and 145Nm at 4,400r/min, which is essentially a carryover engine with some tweaks to the intake for better efficiency and performance.
At launch we drove the high specification Dynamic models with a five-speed manual transmission (there is also a CVT option). Appointments, it must be mentioned, are similar to those found in the Ballade, which includes a seven-inch touchscreen and an instrument cluster with an eco-driving light indicator, as well as an onboard computer to relay information such as fuel consumption and range to empty. A high definition slot is also on offer and you can run apps from your smartphone, including one for naviga- tion, which can be viewed on the screen. There is also a nifty climate control system to keep things cool during hot conditions. You also get cruise control, which can be operated on the multifunction steering wheel.
The new model is an easy thing to operate with all the controls within reach. Visibility of one’s surroundings is also good and, thanks to the more conventional hatch styling, it has less of an MPV driving position than its predecessor. Speaking of driving, the previous generation model always offered nippy performance, particularly the 1.5 variant, and the new model is no exception. Thanks to its peaky nature, the engine will spin to its 6,600r/min rev ceiling, reminiscent of the Vtec engines of yore. Allied to the sneaky five-speed manual transmission of the car I drove at launch, rowing the gearbox is an occasion for those who enjoy changing gears themselves.
Wind and road noise are within acceptable levels and the ride quality is good, as we experienced on some of the undulating roads of the Cape winelands.
In all fairness, the new Jazz has succinctly taken over the baton from its predecessor, but is now wrapped in a more enticing package than its forbear. Although a hybrid variant is available internationally, there are no immediate plans to bring it to our shores due to the small uptake of the previous model, which was grossly overpriced in my books.
The new model should appeal to the younger set looking for a Bsegment hatch with superb quality, reliability and practicality. Granted, there are slightly cheaper models in the segment, but few offer the Jazz’s versatility.
Pricing:
1.2 Trend R179,900 1.2 Comfort R204,900 1.2 Comfort CVT R221,900 1.5 Elegance R234,900 1.5 Elegance CVT R249,900 1.5 Dynamic R249,900 1.5 Dynamic CVT R264,900