Jazz the Way I Like It!

MANILA, Philippines - As a two-time veteran and twice second-place winner of the Petron Xtra-Mile Challenge, where we drove a Honda Jazz, and as a member of the three-time champion team in the Honda Media Challenge, where we raced the Jazz, I have a lot of respect for Honda’s super mini car. It’s a cute, reliable, tough, fast, economical and practical automobile. But with the all-new Jazz, this respect has elevated into a new level – I simply want one!

I first saw the new Jazz on display at the Makuhari Messe during the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and it was love at first sight. Now, with the new Jazz on our roads, I’ve been fighting the temptation of getting one for as our family car. But my resistance is getting weak as this new version of the Honda Jazz is about to put Japan back on the map as a world leader in the art of building small cars.

Big Shoes to Fill

The new Honda Jazz has a lot to live up to because in only six years, its predecessor racked up two million sales in 115 countries. Understandably, Honda has carefully designed its replacement and it certainly looks sharper, as it gets the family face that debuted with the new Accord as well as a sleeker profile. Under the skin, the five-seat hatchback is based on a development of the chassis which underpins the current model, and it retains that car’s centrally located fuel tank, which helps free up interior space.

The new design also promises an improved ride and larger interior since the new Jazz is bigger than before. The wheelbase is longer and the Jazz gains 55mm in length, at 3900mm. By bringing the windscreen forward, stylists have not only altered the Jazz’s profile, but created a roomier cabin that matches family sedans. The Jazz’s trademark and clever triangular windows have now been sculpted into the front doors, which further improved visibility. The fit and finish of the cabin has been refined, too, with better quality plastics, more supportive seats and rake and reach-adjustable steering that gives a better driving position. The new dashboard is more aesthetically pleasing while passengers in the back seats will appreciate the increased legroom.

More Power and Economy

It’s a bit more jazzed-up under the hood as the modifications are more dramatic. The new Jazz buyers have a choice between a 99hp 1.3-liter and an 118hp 1.5-liter i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder power plant, which completes Honda’s i-VTEC engine line-up up to the CR-V. Both engines feature Honda’s latest i-VTEC variable valve timing technology, and manual or automatic gearboxes. Performance from our test car’s 1.3-liter engine mated to the automatic is more than adequate, it’s fun! On winding roads, it feels more sure-footed than before, and it’s more stable under heavy braking. At cruising speeds, a stiffer chassis means refinement is improved. Its electric assistance and revised steering geometry reduced the amount of effort required when trying to maneuver in tight spaces, although some find too light and lacking feel, particularly around the Metro.

It’s also economical as the fuel economy and trip computer indicated an average fuel consumption of 11.0 in the city, with the heavy December traffic, the seasonal gift load and the occasional Christmas rush. And if economy, power and fun are not enough reasons to drive to the nearest Honda dealer to check out the new Honda Jazz, you better check your pulse. You might not have one.

For me, the new Honda Jazz is built just the way I like it. It’s fun, fun, fun!