 The brilliance of the Jazz lies in its unbelievable space efficiency. It also demonstrates Honda’s engineering expertise and lateral thinking in putting to good use every millimeter of the car. The key to the brilliant packaging in the cab-forward design and centrally-mounted fuel tank which liberates space under the rear scats (where most fuel tanks usually sit). So even though this car’s wheelbase, at 2500mm, is shorter than other big hatchbacks like the Hyundai i20, the car has acres more space.
Entry into the massive cabin is made easy by large doors which open wide. Outside visibility is superb thanks to the generous glass area (especially the large, front quarter-windows) and slim A-pillars. The front seats have a tall seating position and are pretty broad with generous bolstering but there’s no height adjust which compromises ultimate comfort.
In the rear, the seat squab is a touch short, so under-thigh support is not as good as we would have liked. Other than that, it’s hard to fault the back seat. The high ‘H-point’ adjustable back rest, terrific head-and legroom plus generous width make the Jazz’s bench the comfiest we have seen in any hatchback by far. The flexible manner in which the rear seats function Is also outstanding. Well-engineered latches and levers allow you to flip up or collapse the seats neatly into the floor, with just one hand.
You can spend the whole day discovering ingenious storage areas Honda has carved out of the Jazz. There are two medium-sized glove boxes with a shelf in between, some storage space under the central console and between the seats, a secret box under the rear seats as well and 10cupholders. Honda hasn’t spared the boot area either. There’s a small shelf tucked into the side. The boot area is massive too-366litres which can take a couple of large suitcases without the need to fold the seats.
 While the Jazz shares a lot of its mechanical components with the City, there is very little on the inside to suggest this. The steering wheels, dials and gear knob are the only bits that are shared but otherwise the Jazz’s cabin has a completely different vibe to it. In fact, interior quality feels a notch above the more expensive City. The Jazz’s plastics and fabrics have a richer feel and even the doors shut with a more solid thud than the City’s.
The dashboard design and functionality is very different from the norm. Honda has packaged all the essentials into the top of the central console, freeing p storage space below. Steering audio controls, real-time fuel consumption, airbags and ABS are also standard. There are no alloys but the dull silver wheel caps on steels wheels look quite good.
The edgy styling gives the Jazz a futuristic look that modern Hondas are known for. The stubby, pointed nose with large triangular headlights is particularly stunning. The power bulge on the bonnet catches the light perfectly and the car has been given a strong chin too, which goes well with its tipped-forward stance. Honda designers have used a bulging rear wheel arch with strong cut lines to break up the mass of the side of the car and at the rear a wide flush-mounted windscreen makes the car look unique too.
The Jazz comes with a wide range of engines for international markets but for India there is only one engine option – a 1198cc petrol motor developing an impressive 89bhp. While Maruti and Hyundai offer double overhead camshafts on their 1.2engines for greater performance and control, Honda fights back with a single camshaft but with a new version of its patented variable valve timing system (i-VTEC). Slender rocker arms play the 16 valves like an expert trumpeter, deactivating one intake valve below 2100rpm. This not only improves low-end response, the theory being that the narrower passage (with only one valve closed) speeds up airflow.
 The theory works. The Jazz responds smartly to a bad on the accelerator and feels quite perky at low speeds. Ambling in traffic is quite easy and part-throttle response is pretty good. Flat-out acceleration is pretty strong, considering the size of the motor. Zero to 100kph comes up in 13.2seconds with 120 taking a total of 18.6sec. This easily makes the Jazz the fastest of the 1.2petrol brigade. This engine is also very refined. Idle is almost inaudible, the motor purrs at low engine speeds and it’s only when you are really pushing it to the maximum that it gets slightly louder.
If there’s a flaw in this engine it’s the weak midrange. Peak torque is a decent 11.2kgm but it is developed at a high 4800rpm.
The stiff chassis and taut suspension give decent body control resistance Michelins, which give up grip quite easily. The jacked-up and stiffened suspension copes well with smooth surfaces but it crashes over sharp ridges and portholes, which makes it pretty jarring for passengers.
 Dynamically, the Jazz is a far cry from the Fabia or Grande Punto which feel much more planted and secure at highway speeds and over rough surfaces. Pushing the Jazz to its limit isn’t always fun and you are much happier turning the pace a notch down. The Jazz is not a great highway car and it feels most comfortable at moderate speeds in urban surroundings where the light steering and nimble handling become strengths.
Available with only one engine option but in three variants, the Jazz’s pricing is stratospheric by hatchback standards. The base model nudges Rs 8.28 lakh (on-road Mumbai) while the top-of-the-line Active model, which gets an assortment of sporty body mods and add-ons costs Rs 8.66 lakh. There is a decent level of equipment but not enough to justify the over-the-top-price. To put it in perspective, a fully loaded Skoda Fabia 1.2 costs Rs 1.6lakhs less. The Jazz’s price is closer to the City’s, which is also expensive by saloon-car standards.
No doubt, the Jazz is a brilliantly designed and engineered car. The 1.2 engine is adequate for city use and promises to be efficient. Like most Hondas, the Jazz should be super-reliable. As an overall package, it does the job better than any other hatchback in the market. It offers everything except value for money, especially for a hatch.
However, what you get is something unique, a classy, well thought-out and engineered car built to global standards. You get that precise Honda fit and quality, the brilliant packaging, plenty of clever bits and the promise of great fuel economy and reliability. If you are looking for an entry saloon or pure driving pleasure, the Jazz is not the car for you. It’s a smarter, more stylish and better packaged alternative to a saloon but nonetheless an expensive one. |
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