Auto Trader

Auto Trader Ten Point Test Rating - 78%

Back in the Eighties a well-equipped supermini was rarer than a refined van. A manual sunroof would be a luxury let alone air-conditioning and a CD player, but times have changed.

The game has moved on with many superminis having these luxuries as standard. Auto Trader looks at the Honda Jazz.

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor | Rivals

Looks:

It’s no oil painting, but the Jazz’s looks grow on you. The funky front lights angle towards the grille giving it a pretty front, but the rear is bland and unspectacular. The flat back and highline roof makes the Jazz look like a mini-MPV from a distance but when you get up close, the Jazz isn’t at all large. Its 15-inch alloys give the Jazz a sportier look and the indicators look the part. The Sport model is sexier with a sporty grille, body kit and front fog lights.
7/10

Looks inside:

When you sit inside, it’s easy to forget you’re in a supermini because it feels more like a family hatchback, such is the amount of interior space. The dials glow behind the comfortable steering wheel which is complemented with silver panels and the CD player looks and sounds the part.
7/10

Practicality:

There’s an amazing amount of space inside the Jazz. It may be  supermini-sized from the outside, but there’s nothing mini about the cabin. The one we tested comfortably sat four six-foot plus lads, a feat many superminis would struggle with. The boot boasts an impressive 353-litres and can easily carry a set of golf clubs along with a weeks shopping. The trump card for the Jazz’s interior is its ability for the rear seats to fold completely flat to create an estate-look. You wont be able to fit a piano in the back but there’s plenty of room.
9/10

Ride and Handling:

For a car that is higher than many of its rivals you’d expect the ride and handling to be slightly suspect. The Jazz provides an incredibly smooth ride and holds it position well when cornering. When you’re stationary you occasionally have to rev the accelerator just to make sure the engine is still running because it’s so quiet. The power-steering makes light work of parking. We drove the Jazz through London’s winding streets at rush hour and at no point through the stopping and starting did we feel uncomfortable. It’s not supposed to handle like a Lotus but it does a sterling job.
7/10

Performance:

If you want a performance supermini don’t buy a Jazz. It’s not quick (0-62mph in 13.3 seconds) and only has a top speed of 106bhp. It’s got very similar performance figures to the 1.2i model and is nearly £2k dearer. However, the 82bhp engine happily cruises along the motorway at 70mph. The 87lb/ft of pulling power doesn’t sound like much but in third gear at optimum revs the car is punchy and fun.
7/10

Running Costs:

In the week we had the Jazz it drove over 400 miles in city traffic and on the motorway yet it still managed a respectable 45mpg. Honda says the Jazz will do an average of 48.7mpg and considering the London traffic they aren’t far off. It’s insurance group 3 which means low premiums. If anything goes wrong you’re well protected; it comes with a 3 year, 90,000 mile warranty.  The Jazz is in the lower tax bracket so you won’t have your fingers burnt by the DVLA. 
9/10

Reliability:

The Jazz has been around for four years now and has an unblemished record. Honda engines are pretty much bombproof so it’s not going to go wrong. In a recent Which? car survey the Jazz was named as Britain’s most reliable motor scoring 95 per cent.
10/10

Safety:

We tested the SE, which had ABS, and driver and passenger airbags. The Sport model is equipped with side airbags. In addition to this the front seats are specially designed to reduce whiplash injuries. The Jazz received 4 stars for the Euro NCAP. 
8/10

Equipment:

For a supermini the Jazz is well equipped with power steering, air conditioning, electric mirrors and remote entry. If you splash out a further grand for the Sport model you get automatic climate control air conditioning with a digital display.
7/10

X-Factor:

Honda’s entry level car isn’t a head turner. It’s subtle and discreet compared to its rivals and if you want a run around which will offer comfort, reliability and an impressive amount of space there aren’t many better than the Jazz.
7/10

Rivals
You may want to consider one of the following

Nissan Note
Toyota Yaris
Volkswagen Fox

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