Already a space leader, Honda's likeable wee Jazz has been given a chassis and engine that can take aim at the youth market, writes Dave Moore.
The Jazz set the small hatch market on its ear three years ago. Nothing before or since has quite managed to emulate its disarming ability to absorb a family's worth of bits and bobs so well within its diminutive external dimensions, and none appear to have done much work in trying to match its oily-rag frugality and hushed refinement levels.
If there was something missing it was some snap and crackle in its performance, but now, for just $2200 [$US1542] more than the base model along comes a new 1.5 litre VTEC Sport model, with sportier driving characteristics and smart, youthful looks thanks to sharp alloys and some subtle bodywork add-ons.
The Jazz Sport eschews the twin- spark two-valve 1.3-litre engine for a 1.5-litre unit, increasing power to 81kW at 6000rpm and torque to 143Nm at 4800 rpm. The power unit drives through a seven- step CVT automatic transmission with wheel-paddle shifters that allow snappy gearshift squeezes.
Available in Helios Yellow, Vivid Blue and an all-new Copper colour, the Jazz Sport has sports bumpers front and rear, side skirts, a tailgate spoiler and fog lamps. The front bumper has deeper black mesh scoop, while 38cm alloy wheels and 185/55 tyres help to better fill the car's wheel arches.
The Sport also has black and grey cloth trim and a leather-clad steering wheel rim. Changes have been made to tighten the car's suspension geometry and set-up, while the steering rack has been altered to suit the car's 38cm alloy wheels.
Initial impressions are of a very competent chassis and an engine and gearbox that positively thrives on being used enthusiastically. The car fits very well with Honda's intention to attract younger new car buyers. Honda's hot cake just got even hotter.
The Jazz Sport is priced at $24,600 [$US17,251] and the 1.3 model continues at $20,500 [$US14,376] for the manual and $22,400 [$US15,709] for the CVT automatic.
Source: Dave Moore
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3334506a30,00.html
04 July 2005
Damn, wish these were available back home
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