Auto Review Jazzy package

SHORT DRIVE

Jazzy package

• Published: 14/02/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: Life

WHAT'S NEW?

The Honda Jazz is now three years old, about time for a mandatory facelift. Exterior changes are elementary including new bumpers, lights and front grille. The rear lamps, in particular are of the LED type.
There are no mechanical changes, meaning that the 120hp 1.5-litre inline-four petrol and five-speed automatic transmission remain.
Since carmakers like to take the opportunity to hike prices during facelifts, the Jazz is expectedly dearer than before by roughly 10,000 baht on average. Prices now range from 630,000-715,000 for automatic models.
Also noteworthy is that the Jazz now comes with dual airbags and anti-lock brakes as standard across the range, something other brands would do well to take note of.
WHAT'S COOL?
Looks are subjective, but the pronounced cosmetic tweaks like the bumpers seem to sharpen up the Jazz's appearance substantially. But whether it's going to look as cool as the Ford Fiesta is open to debate.

The front grille has a new design and helps freshen up the Jazz’s face.

In fact, the Jazz was always about practicality, so its MPV-like profile really can't match the sleeker profiles of its rivals' sportier hatchback packages.
But it is also because of this that makes the Jazz stand out in the Thai B-segment. With the most cavernous interior and highest level of versatility - thanks to clever folding seats - it's the choice for practical minded buyers.
The Jazz also has the most spirited performance in its class, even though the Fiesta's 122hp 1.6-litre petrol unit is theoretically supposed to be better on paper.
WHAT'S NOT?
Competition in the B-segment hatchback class has increased, so some flaws are beginning to become more pronounced in the Jazz.
As said earlier, the Jazz isn't an outright winner on the catwalk. And with the addition of the dynamically capable Fiesta to the Thai market, the Jazz's chassis is not necessarily the best anymore, if still able in its class.

Regular auto isn’t outstanding anymore.

And true, the five-speed auto still stands out against most other players using four-speeders. But Ford has upped the ante with a smooth, efficient six-speed dual-clutch automatic to make the Jazz's unit cruder in comparison.
Just to let you know: Honda has decided to revive the CVT automatic in Europe for this same facelifted Jazz, which in Japan has been available since inception.
BUY OR BYE?
In terms of practicality, the Jazz has - and will - remain the top choice in this class. It has a body type which rivals are yet to match, plus driving manners that are still competitive enough against most competitors.
But if you're pretty sure that you don't need a big interior but merely an ultra compact car for daily use, then there are other choices in this segment - in some cases cheaper, spec on spec.
Like we found last year, the Fiesta stands out as a great all-rounder with the best driving manners, the Mazda 2 for its style and fun-to-drive factor and, despite its age, the Suzuki Swift for its zippy driving characteristics.
There's still a good reason to go for the Jazz, but there are also some other valid reasons to do your shopping elsewhere.

A flat and vast load area remains a highlight in B-segment class.

Remote switches are new additions.

Vertical intakes not to everyone’s taste.

Relate Search: Honda Jazz, LED type