Louth Motors: Honda Jazz Hits the Right Note
Ditch the SUV Pretence and Nab the Cleverest Small Car on Sale that's Surprisingly Priced
16mm, that's the difference in ride height between the Honda Jazz Crosstar and the three other models in the Jazz range.
This allows the car to attract the rugged label and pretend SUV credentials giving Honda a variant that allows them appeal to those who must have an SUV type car despite the fact they really don’t need it.
The visual differences are matt black plastic protection around the wheel arches and on the sills with silver protection under the front and rear bumpers like you'd see on a Range Rover / Defender.
In addition, the Crosstar is the only model to get roof rails and because those rails will be used for outdoor activities the seat coverings are waterproof to ease up on the cleaning.
Now If I was partaking of those outdoorsy activities I very much doubt I’d opt for a Crosstar Jazz preferring something a bit bigger than the baby of the Honda range here in Ireland.
So it's really a trim that will be bought for its look rather than its purported ability.
Granted those 16mm in higher ride height would be useful to access some of the places for those outdoor activities but in reality it would only be wanted by those wanting a higher seating position (the hip point is also 16mm higher) which is, as we know, quite a lot of buyers.
Lookswise its inoffensive and functionality seems to have been the overriding requirement.
A benefit of this is when you are inside there is fantastic visibility from all seats.
The front and rear hasn't made any groundbreaking advancements but the profile of the car allows Honda claim it has the largest boot in its class at 304 litres.
And if that boot isn't big enough or tall enough for your needs you can lower the rear seats and - and it is a big and - raise the rear seat upwards to carry an item to avail of the full floor to roof height space afforded by what Honda calls Magic Seats.
They’ve been on every Jazz and this feature should be in every car.
They are super practical and I reckon not expensive to engineer.
I’d prefer this capability over any rear seats that are getting the sliding option.
The interior is very pleasant and Honda has resisted the minimalist trend.
You get a good mix of physical and touch controls that feel like they have been designed and led by someone with ergonomic and common sense credentials.
They did however drop a few points because the central infotainment screen catches the sun and could/should have been angled a bit more towards the driver.
Materials are fine and long lasting feeling suggesting quite a resistance to wear and tear.
All trim levels are powered by a 1.5l petrol hybrid engine that produces 122PS.
All models get a CVT transmission system which for every scenario, apart from brisk acceleration, is fine. If there was a cost saving to fit a manual I’d opt for that as there is nothing like a small car with a manual gearbox.
When asked to unleash all of its power the engine noise announces its presence quite loudly and I’m still not a fan of the dissociation between the noise and the actual performance.
And it feels delayed as if the engine makes a fuss before delivering the power.
It’s a capable unit and for normal, day to day driving it is more than adequate and not unrefined.
Other noise is kept at bay that allows all passengers to enjoy a comfortable ride.
The suspension absorbs a lot of potential intrusions in an unfussed manner and controls body roll very well.
Over and above all its capabilities and traits the overriding delight in driving the Jazz, and indeed any Honda, is its “easy-to-drive” feeling.
I can’t stress this enough because driving the Jazz Crosstar is a stress free experience and the best reason to buy a Honda.
The Crosstar is the highest level trim offered by Honda which sees it costing €3,500 more than the entry Elegance model that starts at €31,495 - so inexpensive it isn't.
Then again neither is its biggest rival the Toyota Yaris Cross, which is currently the best selling car in Ireland, but the cheapest Jazz is cheaper than the cheapest Yaris Cross but the SUV Crosstar version isn't.
But the Honda has some items included that the Toyota hasn't - anti-fatigue seats for instance - so you should look at the Crosstar if you are looking at the Yaris Cross and you might be swayed towards the Honda.
Both cars have excellent engineering history that sees them both as amongst the most reliable cars on sale which is what you really must consider when buying.
There's currently a €2,000 deposit contribution offer for 262 models to help sweeten the deal and chip away at the expensive label the Jazz Crosstar has.
You can also avail of 3.9% PCP and a 3 year service plan. But as the Yaris Cross is the best seller in Ireland and similarly priced is it really expensive?
What would make me buy the Jazz? Well the simple fact that it is not every second car on the road and Honda’s reputation for delivering a supremely reliable car that has quite a premium feel to it. I’d also save myself a few bob and stick with the non-SUV variant because you are not really missing out on anything.