- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.3i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
73kW, 127Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 5.8L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Honda Jazz GLI
If it ain't broke don't fix it - just refine it - seems to have been the approach taken by Honda to the second-generation Jazz mini-car.
It's still fundamentally the same five-door tallboy shape, still incredibly versatile inside and still one of the premium players in the class.
What do you get?
The Jazz line-up still includes a base-model GLi, mid-spec VTi and upmarket VTi-S. We're testing the cheapest model in the range, the $15,990 GLi with a five-speed manual gearbox attached to its 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine.
A five-speed auto (replacing the old model's constantly variable transmission) adds $2000.
Standard equipment includes air-conditioning, single-CD audio with aux jack, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors and a full-sized spare wheel.
Both the VTi and VTi-S come with a 1.5-litre engine, otherwise equipment advantages for the $19,170 VTi are few. The top-spec $21,950 VTi-S includes sports body work, alloy wheels, leather steering wheel trim and cruise control.
How safe?
The GLi comes with only dual airbags, but side and curtain airbags - along with a trip computer and seatbelt reminder - are part of a $1000 options pack. This brings the airbag count up to six, the same as the VTi and VTi-S. Other safety equipment includes ABS with EBD, lap-sash seatbelts and headrests for all five passengers.
Disappointingly, electronic stability and traction control are not available with the new Jazz but should be available in 12 months. Stability control is rare in this class, and Honda has missed its chance to take a lead.
As yet, there are no NCAP independent crash test results available for the Jazz.
What's inside?
Though it is less than four metres long, the spaciousness and versatility of the Jazz's interior remain trump cards. Because the 42-litre fuel tank sits under the front seats and not under the back of the car it is possible for the rear seat to split-fold down and out of the way, creating a huge carrying space. The bench can also rise vertically to create up to 1.3metres of vertical space. Lay the front passenger seat flat, and the Jazz's interior can swallow loads of up to 2.4 metres in length.
However, use the rear seat for passengers and the boot's luggage space, at 337 litres, is less than that of the old Jazz.
Rear-seat space remains exceptional, with good leg and headroom for adults. Adding 30mm to the width has also improved elbow room.
Wider-opening doors make it easier to get in and out.
The steering wheel is adjustable for reach and rake. Seats are larger and give good support. Vision is outstanding, with the A-pillars thinned and raked well forward.
The dashboard area is a less bizarre version of Honda's multi-level designs. It works efficiently, but there's plenty of hard plastic to remind you it is the cheap end of the market.
Plenty of storage options include a dual glovebox, front door bins, a lidded compartment in the centre console, a seat-back pocket and 10cupholders.
Under the bonnet
The 1.3-litre engine is a substantially upgraded version of the original Jazz's power plant. It adds Honda's i-VTEC variable valve timing system to climb in power from 61kW to 73kW and torque from 119Nm to 127Nm.
Official fuel use and emissions also climb slightly to 5.8L/100 (man) and 138g CO2/km. On the road we recorded an overall 7.5L/100 km, which was still a good result, because in the real world the 1.3-litre engine has to be worked quite hard when fully loaded or climbing a steep hill. It's enthusiastic enough and retains its composure, but needs to be revved hard to maintain momentum.
You'll also find yourself snicking around through that five-speed manual gearbox quite a lot. More than once we found ourselves wishing for a shorter fifth gear and a tall sixth-gear overdrive for freeways. Cruise control would have been handy in that situation, too.
On the road
The original Jazz was not highly regarded for its ride and handling, tending to lose composure on scarred roads. In this generation the suspension design is fundamentally the same, but there are some obvious improvements.
The Jazz now rides with far more aplomb. It still bobs about a bit on the rough stuff, as any small car will, but the overall damping is a significant improvement.
The electric steering is also good enough for the open road, just lacking true feel.
Honda claims the new Jazz is quieter, which it is, but there's still plenty of road and engine noise. It's a common mini-car problem.
The Jazz truly comes into its own around town, where its size, vast glasshouse and light steering make it easy to manoeuvre.
A larger tailgate window would help with reversing.