As an owner of its predecessor, I was disappointed when the second-generation Jazz came out in 2007 for two main reasons: First, Honda has chosen to go back to a conventional five-speed automatic slushbox, which, in my opinion, is a throwback from its predecessor's CVT. Sure, it had issues, but it offered seamless shifts and very good fuel economy. If anything, the design and execution of the CVT was way ahead of its time.
Secondly, Honda no longer offers a manual transmission option with the larger 1.5L variant we have in this review. They claim that the paddle shifts that come with it should give a similar experience, but I digress.
Still, I'm sure there's more to this cute subcompact than just these little things.
Practically Practical
Some people complained the old Jazz looked small. Thankfully, this new one no longer does. And while I'm sure no one ever complained about the interior space in the outgoing model, Honda certainly did their homework and made sure that this new Jazz is significantly bigger inside. Likewise, legroom in both the front and back seats are definitely up, and so is cargo space.
Some people complained the old Jazz looked small. Thankfully, this new one no longer does. And while I'm sure no one ever complained about the interior space in the outgoing model, Honda certainly did their homework and made sure that this new Jazz is significantly bigger inside. Likewise, legroom in both the front and back seats are definitely up, and so is cargo space.
The ULT (Utility, Long, and Tall) seats on this Jazz also folds flat, but there's no longer a need to remove the rear headrests when doing so, unlike in the previous generation. In here, you simply pull a handle and the rear floor instantly becomes a vast expanse that's ready to swallow up items as big as the kitchen sink and even the oven too.
Another thing I'd like to point out is how the quarter glass panel in front of the side mirrors is now much bigger and significantly reduces the blind spot.
Macho Mini
The aggressive looks of the new top-of-the-line Honda Jazz is arguably a drastic improvement over the pre-facelift model. Its faux air ducts front and back, combined with sleek side skirts and large 16-inch rims, certainly minimize the need for aftermarket add-ons. Although, it might be a bit too stylized for some - boy racer-ish even.
The aggressive looks of the new top-of-the-line Honda Jazz is arguably a drastic improvement over the pre-facelift model. Its faux air ducts front and back, combined with sleek side skirts and large 16-inch rims, certainly minimize the need for aftermarket add-ons. Although, it might be a bit too stylized for some - boy racer-ish even.
To let it walk the talk, Honda engineered the 1.5L iVTEC engine under its hood to produce 118 hp. Putting that into perspective, that's as much as what the old 1.6L unit that used to drive the Civic not too long ago. It does this with significantly less exhaust emissions and fuel consumption, too. In regular stop-and-go city driving, I was able to get around 8.0 km/L which is quite respectable.
Ride comfort is a big improvement brought about by the longer wheelbase, as well as the more robust suspension. Although, there are times that it feels a tad too oriented towards comfort and no longer sport as the compact Hondas of yore were known for. But mind you, it still can tackle the corners with precision, which is one thing that hopefully will never change.
Ride comfort is a big improvement brought about by the longer wheelbase, as well as the more robust suspension. Although, there are times that it feels a tad too oriented towards comfort and no longer sport as the compact Hondas of yore were known for. But mind you, it still can tackle the corners with precision, which is one thing that hopefully will never change.
If Only
Going back to the transmission, the five-speed unit that puts power to the ground is certainly smooth when it shifts gear to gear. The paddle shifters that reside behind the steering wheel definitely give the driver the ability to select whichever gear they want to, up to a point. In fact, play around with the car right and you'd forget that it was a slushbox. It's that good, but therein lies the disappointment. If only the new Honda Jazz is this good with an automatic transmission, imagine how much better it would be with a manual tranny.
Unsurprisingly enough, with the ever worsening traffic situation, the clamor in the back of my mind complains a whole lot less and starts chanting differently. For a tag price of P857,000, I want one even with the automatic transmission.
Going back to the transmission, the five-speed unit that puts power to the ground is certainly smooth when it shifts gear to gear. The paddle shifters that reside behind the steering wheel definitely give the driver the ability to select whichever gear they want to, up to a point. In fact, play around with the car right and you'd forget that it was a slushbox. It's that good, but therein lies the disappointment. If only the new Honda Jazz is this good with an automatic transmission, imagine how much better it would be with a manual tranny.
Unsurprisingly enough, with the ever worsening traffic situation, the clamor in the back of my mind complains a whole lot less and starts chanting differently. For a tag price of P857,000, I want one even with the automatic transmission.
Objectivity be damned.
