The 2009 Honda Jazz Review
The Honda Jazz is the KING of all subcompact cars here in the Philippines. With Honda’s class leading reliability, you can never go wrong with buying the 1st generation Honda Jazz also known as the GD by car enthusiasts. It made people think about small cars differently because of it cargo flexibility, safety, and handling. The 1st generation Honda Jazz was indeed a hard act to beat until its newer sibling was introduced in the market.
Sibling Rivalry
I had a chance to drive the 1st generation Jazz 2 years ago. With it’s iDSI engine, it proved to be a very well suited car for the everyday Manila traffic. This engine was discontinued because of its expensive maintenance since it needs 8 sparkplugs instead of 4. The2009 Honda Jazz employs a 1.3 and 1.5 i-VTEC power plant that reacts and delivers power to the front wheel like no other engine on any car today. The one that I tested is a 1.3 i-VTEC with manual transmission. Compared to the old i-DSI engine, it is very spirited and the VTEC kick is present at 6000 rpm. While driving the car at low speeds you will notice that its cruising ability is similar to a golf cart, with a diluted feel of engine braking, you will feel comfortable while occasionally removing your foot on the gas pedal to increase the gas mileage present on the dash.
The engine of this car is the smaller version of the i-VTEC power plant present on the current Honda Civic. With a power of 100 horses running under hood as you see the tachometer hit 6000 rpm, it propels the light Honda to the horizon like a rocket. The brakes are far more superior than the earlier version since it uses ABS and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) that adjusts the brake force on individual wheels depending on the road condition, load factor, and speed of the vehicle. This technology in the past was only present on sports cars and high end German vehicles. I had a chance to test the brakes on the Jazz’ stock 15 inch wheels and from a speed of 100kph, it stopped the car at a flip of a dime. I was amazed with it’s braking performance which is better than the 2001 BMW 318i that I have driven in the past. Honda is truly giving the Germans a run for their money.
On paper the new Jazz claims that it can travel 19-22kms with a liter of gasoline. With my experience and knowledge on power plants, it is very disappointing to report that the new Honda Jazz was only able to deliver 15.7kms/ liter as based on the onboard counter and 16.5kms/ liter based on manual computation. We have tested the Jazz on flat land road conditions traveling to Tanauan Batangas at 7 am in the morning. These numbers are not bad but Honda might consider placing more realistic numbers on their brochure. The 1st generation Honda Jazz was able to deliver 19kms per liter on manual computation driving on almost similar road conditions on a Sunday. This proves that the old i-DSI power plant is better at fuel economy but I have to admit that it falls short on power.
The Moves
The handling department is where the new Generation Honda Jazz shines the most. The suspension is very stiff which gives the driver critical information on the road condition and traction. I have tested the all new Honda Jazz on hairpins, easy left turns and twisties, wet and dry and never found a single weak part on the chassis and the stock suspension. The steering wheel is very responsive, again better than other race tuned cars that I have driven in the past. This car will be even better if the suspension will be upgraded, not that it is not good enough but it will be an easy upgrade to make your boy (or girl) racer dreams come to life. I am really amazed how Honda created an entry level car that performs even better than race tuned cars.
Versatility
The Honda Jazz is 1st ever car to use ULT seats (Utility. Long. Tall) mode seats. This gives the Honda Jazz SUV cargo capacity. Both of the 1st and 2nd Honda Jazz have the same configuration but the latter model is easier to fold and configure. The 2nd Gen Honda Jazz also provides more cargo space for you to haul furniture from your house in Manila to your out of town condo in Subic.
The Verdict
I say both cars have something to brag about. But the new Honda Jazz is an exhibit of Honda’s technological superiority. It showcases how far the Japanese has gone to perfect the art of creating cars. With the integrated manifold, plastic valve covers, oil cylinder jets and pedestrian safety hood to name a few. Just when you think that the old Honda Jazz is hard to beat, Honda never fails to surprise its consumers with new and better versions of their already legendary cars. I give the old Jazz a 5 and I give the new one a 5 as well. Buy one now.
