Honda Jazz is a Cute Ute That Can Fit Almost Any Lifestyle

Driveability and performance

The Jazz is not exactly a pocket rocket as some subcompact hatchbacks are meant to be. With its CVT drivetrain, driving in city roads can be a bit underwhelming, since the transmission automatically optimizes speed and power while maintaining constant RPM. There’s a “sport” mode, however, which enables the CVT to mimic the usual stepped gearing of automatic transmissions. The tranny also does the same in highway driving, particularly when you floor the pedal to accelerate to cruising speed or when overtaking.

Being a subcompact, maneuverability is one of the Jazz’s biggest plus points, especially with its shorter front overhang compared with the previous generation. Even parking in tight spaces should be easy. Shifting lanes during heave traffic should also be more manageable than when you’re driving larger vehicles.

One disadvantage with driving a car this size, however, is the tendency to be bullied by drivers of bigger vehicles — trucks, buses and SUVs. Also, because of the low driving position and small stature, you feel closer to the road than necssary. Thus, even with the suspension being tuned to be more capable for the car’s size, bumps and road irregularities contribute to driver and passenger stress.

Still, the Jazz is a frugal car. In highway driving, we were able to manage 20 Km/L (about 47 mpg). In the city, consumption is a disappointing 9 Km/L (21 mpg), however. Still, in combined situations, our result was about 14.5 Km/L (34 mpg). These results were taken with an almost full load of two adults and three kids, and is quite similar to the results we got on the Honda City.

An ECON mode is also available with the push of a green button, which results in a generally laggy feel from the accelerator pedal, but supposedly better economy. In ECON mode, the car is generally less responsive, which might be worrisome when you intend to accelerate or take evasive maneuvers in the highway. But in stop-and-go traffic, it could help save on fuel expense.

Image gallery

Verdict

Price starts at PhP 778,000 (about $17,430) for the manual transmission variant, and our review unit has an SRP of PhP 818,000 ($18,300). The price difference is worth it, since you get alloy wheels (as opposed to steel + plastic wheel cap) and steering wheel-mounted audio controls (with mobile phone connectivity) in this variant. The use of CVT, of course, is subjective. Some folks prefer the feel of driving stick, but in terms of fuel efficiency, the CVT may actually be better in the case of the Jazz.

The Honda Jazz is not your usual subcompact hatchback. While the trim and ride comfort leave much to be desired, the car does offer more space than even some bigger cars can provide. With its fuel economy, utility and maneuverability, the Jazz is a good car for daily commutes and for the occasional weekend outing.

Prices and variants