Honda Jazz (2008-) Review

On the road

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Modifications to the electric power steering system and the suspension have made the Honda Jazz a more rewarding drive, though it's still not the sportiest. The wider track and increased wheelbase has enhanced stability and body roll is better-contained, while the brakes are sharper, and the more rigid structure makes for more accurate responses.

But that's not what this car is about; it's bought for its ease of operation, with excellent all-round visibility, good driving position, easy-to-understand controls and functions, simple displays and utterly intuitive layout.

It's not overburdened with unnecessary technology, nor rendered confusing by over-imaginative designers putting form before function. Young, tech-aware drivers may find it fuddy-duddy and old-fashioned; older drivers, learners or those simply seeking uncomplicated A-B motoring will be relieved.

The engines are lively, however, with responses improved by the new electronic throttle. Both 1.2 and 1.4 have gained Honda's VTEC variable-valve timing system, and now develop 90bhp and 100bhp respectively. The 1.2's good for 110mph and 0-62mph in 12.5 seconds, and the 1.4 does 113mph and 0-62 in 11.5 seconds (13.5 seconds with the i-Shift gearbox).

There's not a lot to choose between the engines at town speeds, but the 1.4 is the more relaxing motorway drive, and has more in reserve for fast overtaking and mid-range acceleration.

Both come with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard, with longer gear ratios than before to aid fuel economy, and this has helped higher-speed refinement as the engine revs less when going flat-out. Though both engines can be noisy when revved hard, both are very quiet in stop-start traffic and when idling.