Honda Jazz 1.2i SE

Jan 2 2009 John Scantlebury

THE first Honda Jazz broke new ground as a supermini compact MPV and the new replacement develops the theme of abundant space in tight dimensions.

The new Jazz is, in fact, only marginally bigger than its predecessor but there are ploys at work that magnify the effect so that not only can passengers stretch themselves but the vehicle can take up to 883 litres of luggage, outstripping many runners in the small family car category.

Some are updates on familiar features, notably the Magic Seats set-up, which shuffles the space available any way you wish, long mode (handling items of 2.4m length) and tall mode (allowing items nearly 1.3m tall). Employed in an orthodox way, with an easy one-touch that folds and drops the seats into a flat floor, the system still allows luggage space that is more than 1.7m in length.

But new design also generates space, with a windscreen that is big, steeply raked and pushed forward. That also allows changes to the front pillars in a bid to overcome the usual front-angled-vision problems of an MPV, with a more slender build and bigger quarter windows. It earns some success, although the basic visibility hindrance is still there.

The windscreen change is part of a package of style enhancements to give the Jazz a more sprightly look. The first model sold in bunches to mature motorists but had limited success with others and Honda aimed very firmly at lowering the age appeal of the new version. Cues have been picked up from the Civic, the wider stance helps and if the whole thing is not exactly racey, it is a bit sharper in looks now.

Internally, the front-end design produces a very deep dashboard of hard-faced plastic, pushing the front row back so that there is no sign of the very short nose of the car. But for the most part the height of the car allows the driver to sit tall (seat-height adjustment is standard) and, the above nuisances apart, look-out is good.

New seat designs and construction add to comfort and driving operations are also helped by some thoughtful controls and display lay-outs. The central control panel, angled toward the driver, is cleanly and simply presented with big buttons for easy use, while the deep-pocket main dials, with bright daytime lighting, are very easy to read at all times. Info is clearly shown via a button on the steering wheel, which incidentally, offers only height adjustment in 1.2 models.

There are other incentives to chose a 1.4 version, including the performance of the car. The new Jazz sees the introduction of two new four-valve i-VTEC engines, a 90PS 1.2-litre and a 100PS 1.4 unit, and the first puts economy firmly at the top of its priorities list.

The somewhat limited power and pull reach maximum quite a way up the revs counter and it was not unusual for me to drop the admittedly quite nice gear box to third in the face of any situation that could require response. That sort of thing does dent mpg averages and I returned 46 over a week rather than the 53 in the stats; but treat it carefully (and follow the computer gear-select advice) and you can get 63mpg on the open road, where the engine cruises comfortably enough.

In fact, I've no real quibble with the 1.2 engine, which responds as snappily as it can though a drive-by-wire throttle, is impressively clean and is just doing the job it is designed for; I'm not so happy about the nature of the Jazz's ride, which is somewhat unsettled. This is surprising because Honda says it concentrated especially on improving things here with major suspension enhancements, together with greater body rigidity. There is also (predictably given the Jazz's build) some lean through bends, although, again, work has been put in on controlling roll.

The completely revised electric power steering achieves more obvious success and the nimbleness of the car is one of its big attractions - a turning circle of less than 10 metres is especially welcome. The braking system, employing discs front and rear, includes electronic brake force distribution and brake assist and in 1.4 models there is a stability programme.

The new Jazz comes in S and ES trim at 1.2 level and the test car, at ES and well under £11,000, included air conditioning, electric front windows and door mirrors, front and side airbags, RDS radio and CD player and 15-inch alloys. And I must not forget an amazing array of in-car storage points, including no fewer than 10 cup and bottle holders - the ones at each end of the dash are particularly useful. And returning to the boot, there are sizeable under-floor compartments.

Meeting all needs is very much what the Jazz is all about, with the 1.4 providing the brisker responses and such items as automatic transmission availability. It is all well thought out and is a supermini which deals so easily with the needs of a family for very little outlay.

FAST FACTS

Honda Jazz 1.2i SE 5dr

Price : £10,759

Mechanical : 90bhp, 1,198cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 110mph

0-62mph : 12.5 secs

Combined mpg : 53.3

Insurance group : 4

CO2 emissions : 125g/km

BiK rating : 15%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 90,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust