DRIVEN: Honda Jazz 1.5 i-VTEC !

During my visit at the newly opened Honda 3S Centre in Sungai Long, I had the chance to test drive Honda Jazz, powered by a 1.5litre i-VTEC with 120bhp and 146Nm of torque at 4800rpm. The one I tested (above) is the Modulo version of pre-facelift Jazz, what it differs than standard Jazz is just cosmetically.

Above is the facelifted Jazz, which was launched in Malaysia not long ago. Facelifted Jazz has an extra Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and some cosmetics changes in and out compared to the pre-facelift Jazz. No revision was done mechanically though.

For your information, Honda Jazz (also known as Fit in other countries) is a popular model from Honda in overseas. However, Jazz is not well accepted by Malaysia market because of overpricing. At RM109,800 OTR with insurance, many are reluctant to get one because it's almost twice as expensive than our very own Perodua Myvi, although Jazz bears a Honda badge.

The Honda Jazz was very refine when idle. Minimal vibration and sound were transmitted into the cabin even when the engine was running. One of the highlights of Jazz is the cabin. The first impression when you enter the cabin will be the large glass area which helps to make the cabin feels airy. The cabin-forward design also makes the front occupants feel that the car is bigger than it actually is! Other than that, the flexible arrangement of the rear seats (ULTRA Seat) and ample boot space enable you to fit your weekend Ikea shopping spree's stuff with ease.

With the peppy 1.5litre i-VTEC powerplant, the Jazz performed better than what I've expected for a compact car. The engine was responsive, and mated with a smooth 5-speed automatic transmission. Jazz comes with paddle shift which I can say performed nicely under my relaxed driving condition. The engine can bring you up to highway speed easily, but have to step slightly heavier on the acceleration paddle to do so.

Undulations on the road were absorbed well by the suspension, transmitting minimum jolts into the cabin. Wind noise was suppressed well while on the go, but road noise was a little over my limit of what I call 'hush'. The engine noise, although apparent, let out an addictive, raspy note when it was pushed that make you want to push the engine again.

All in all, Honda Jazz is a very good performer, and its popularity in other countries proved my statement. Too bad Jazz is (very) overpriced in Malaysia, otherwise many will benefit from buying it.

+ Flexible cabin, cabin space, sporty styling, peppy engine.
- Price, road noise, cabin's plastic.

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