Honda Jazz 2014 Model Test Drive Review

This all new Honda Jazz offers strong value for money, loads of space, a fantastic reliability record and a decent equipment count. What it lacks in charisma it makes up for in dependability and utility.

Looking From All Angles

The Honda Jazz sits in a segment with absolutely zero margin for error as the competition is never resting. Now comes an all new model with ‘more’ in every single area. When it comes to styling and design with this new Jazz, practicality is everything. The gentle curves are cleaner with a more shapely bonnet and headlamps swept back into the wings. It is a styling effort that is very practical for a family hatchback. The larger interior features a remarkable 4.9 cubic feet increase in passenger volume and a 4.8-inch increase in rear seat leg room, all the more remarkable considering its even more compact exterior footprint, including a1.6-inch decrease in overall length.

This Jazz is one of the biggest family hatches around, although the evolutionary shape does much to disguise this bulk. The cabin design is more striking; mainly thanks to the dashboard design which raises the controls for the stereo and air-conditioning system up and within easier reach of the driver. Build quality is as good as anything in the segment with the use of classier materials. There’s soft touch plastic for the dash top and a nice silver finish for the eye-catching centre console.

What Is Offered

What differentiate the All-New Jazz the most is its highly functional and versatile interior, which is translated from Honda’s “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum” philosophy. The innovative central fuel tank remains, cabin space is bigger, weight is lighter, wheelbase is longer and its much-loved Versatile Magic Seatswith four configuration modes are better than ever!

The All-New Jazz is equipped with advanced and intuitive innovations and connectivity features that add to its fun-to-drive element. It is the first car in its segment to be equipped with an Advanced 7 inch Display Touch Audio with MirrorLink function (V variant). It also includes a Multi Information Combination Meter, Touch Panel Automatic Air Conditioning (V Variant) and Smart Entry with Push Start Button (E & V variant). The multi-function steering wheel features the advanced Hands Free Telephone Control (V variant) and Voice Recognition Control (V variant), providing convenience at the driver’s fingertips.

As with all Honda models, safety is a top priority for the All-New Jazz. The All-New Jazz is equipped with more enhanced safety aspects that include 6 Airbags (V variant; including Dual Front SRS Airbags, Side Airbags and Side Curtain Airbags), Emergency Stop Signal (E & V variant), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) (E & V variant), G-CON body and ISO Fix.

All 3 variants are available in five colors: New Tinted Silver (new colour to coincide with the All-New Jazz), Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic, Taffeta White, Crystal Black Pearl and Modern Steel Metallic.

Honda Malaysia offers a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage and service interval is 10,000 km, providing additional reasons for customers to make the Jazz the vehicle of their choice. With a total of 76 authorized dealers nationwide, Honda customers can rest assured that their cars will be taken care of with quality services.

Driving Experience

With a 1.5-liter engine shared with the hugely popular Honda CITY this engine develops 120bhp and a maximum torque output of 145Nm at 4,600rpm the Jazz is able to reach 190km/h where speed limits have been abolished and leans towards being very comfortable in the ride/handling compromise in city traffic. It soaks up speed humps and uneven city tarmac with aplomb, helped by the relatively generous suspension travel and the wide tyres.

This is a good handling car with its variable power assisted steering providing reassurance at speed and a light touch when manoeuvring. The suspension absorbs bumps expertly and in a manner that puts some far larger cars to shame. The Jazz driving position provides good adjustment in its driving position and even taller individuals will be able to get comfortable behind the wheel.

Summary

This all new Jazz offers strong value for money, loads of space, a fantastic reliability record, high levels of safety equipment and a decent equipment count. It is a vehicle that is well built well equipped and well priced from RM72,800 for the Grade S, RM79,800 for the Grade E and RM87,800 for the Grade V which comes with class best features, it will appeal to those who value reliability and space over marketing gimmickry.

Honda Jazz Specifications

Engine: Inline-4, SOHC, 16V, i-VTEC

Capacity: 1,497cc

Transmission: CVT

Max Power: 120PS@6600

Max Torque: 145@4600

Price: From RM72,800 to RM87,800.00