The jazz gets bigger and better

The new Jazz is marginally bigger than its predecessor.

The  human zoo. That is where we live. Tight little enclosures where we struggle for personal space and try not to look into the eye of the passer-by. Maybe that explains why cars like the Honda Jazz are getting bigger, just by a fraction maybe.

The new Jazz is 20mm wider and 55mm longer. But hey, is this not a "compact" hatchback? Then why has it grown into minivanlike proportions?

The new design has made it easier to choose between the Jazz and its main rival, the Toyota Yaris. If you are looking for something small and funky, get the Yaris. If you want value for money and lots of space, go for the Jazz.

The front is now shorter, and the 1.5-litre, 120-horsepower engine is almost hidden under the dashboard. The interior of the Jazz has an ergonomically designed centre console, with the air-con controls on the right. The sporty steering wheel is similar to the one in the Civic, and a fuel-economy display meter helps save fuel on the highway.

What are distinctly noticeable, though, are the bigger windows, which make the Jazz feel a lot roomier. There are 10 bottle holders and a direct USB port, which allows you to plug in your thumb drive directly. There is also an auxiliary jack for other audio devices. These options are a first in a car in this class, again stressing the value-for-money factor of the Jazz.

On the move, the Jazz is a crisp handler, although at high speeds the car does feel a little fidgety, due to the sharp steering. Acceleration is impressive, but the 10hp increase in horsepower is barely noticeable.

You can now change gears using an F1-style paddle shift, which is cool, but the Jazz performs well in standard operating mode anyway. Really stunning, though, are the brakes. They were so quick on reacting to any foot action that I can imagine inexperienced drivers braking too hard or quickly.

The top-end Jazz will set you back Bt695,000, while the cheapest one costs Bt550,000. It is Bt10,000 cheaper than the older version, thanks to lower taxes on the new E-20-compatible Jazz. The new Jazz is more spacious, loaded with more options, more powerful and adds more premium, which makes it a real bang for your baht.

     At a glance

Engine: 1.5-litre i-Vtec

Displacement: 1,497cc

Max power: 120hp at 6,600rpm

Max torque: 145Nm at 4,800rpm

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Steering: Power-assisted rack-and-pinion

Brakes: Ventilated discs/discs

Dimensions (mm):

Length: 3,920 

Width: 1,695

Height: 1,525

Wheel(f/r): 16-inch alloys

Price: Bt695,000

Distributor: Honda Automobiles Thailand

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