Honda Jazz VTi 2011 Review

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $19,790
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Metallic Paint $395
Crash rating: Five-star
Fuel: 91 RON ULP
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 6.7
CO2 emissions (g/km): 159
Also consider:Mazda 2, Nissan Micra, Toyota Yaris   

Celebrating a decade of production, the Honda Jazz has this year received a mild nip and tuck to keep fit its ageing design.

The first major change since the current series was introduced in 2008, all 2011 models add LED tail lamps, mesh-look grille (which is shaped to resemble a 'happy face', sigh), and, on up-spec models, new look bumpers, side skirts and front fog lamps.

The Jazz VTi, as tested, also scores a revised wheel pattern for its 15-inch alloys, include a matching spare (good one, Honda), gunmetal grey grille treatment and, inside, a satin look centre stack. USB connectivity and A-pillar-mounted Bluetooth device are also standard.

And that's essentially where the update ends... Engine options are unchanged for Honda's entry-level model, a choice of 1.3 and 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrols available in accordance with model grade. The Jazz VTi receives the larger of the pair, and in the case of our test car was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control (which Honda says helps Jazz 'think' through its gear selections over hilly terrain).

The combo works quite well, the Jazz is never caught napping when you need that extra oopmh, and around town performance is brisk enough. On the open road however, and try as it might, Jazz's 88kW/145Nm car can only offer so much, meaning overtaking can be a slow process.

On the open highway Jazz's boxy body seems also susceptible to its fair share of wind buffeting. Crosswinds and even large trucks will unsettle Jazz's lane position, a factor not helped by the steering's ultralight on-centre feel.

But that's about where the negatives end. And if you use the Jazz for inner-city or suburban work these points will prove inconsequential. The Jazz is a terrific car to live with around town and an absolute delight in tight parking spaces where well assisted electro-mechanical power steering, outstanding visibility and a near-perfect driving position all come in to play.

Likewise, dash layout and controls are all user-friendly. Big buttons and chunky HVAC dials make Jazz less fiddly than some in this category. Pleasingly, all the interior amenities are of a good quality (for the price), the stereo and aircon and heating systems particularly so.

If we had to be picky, the USB plug and Bluetooth system do look decidedly like an afterthought. The inconveniently positioned Bluetooth device is especially annoying at night when its bright blue 'on' light distracts your vision (we ended up switching it off). Also irritating was the constant and bright orange illumination of the centre stack which does not dim in sync with the instrument panel.

Where it counts, however, Jazz's interior space, array of oddment storage compartments and versatile rear seats make the little car a clear standout in the category. Cargo space totals 337-litres (or 848 with seats down).

The front pews are also wonderfully comfortable, even if the blue/black cloth clashes visually with the Fresh Lime paint of our test car.

With four-wheel discs assisted by antilock, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution and six airbags (including full-length curtains), three-point seatbelts and stability and traction control, Jazz earns top marks in ANCAP testing. Its overall score 35.1 from a possible 37.

On test, Jazz also scored well in the fuel economy stakes, adhering closely to its combined average with a 6.9L/100km result (the official figure quotes 6.7L/100km).

At very close to 20-grand the Jazz VTi may not be one of the cheapest light cars on the market, but it is consistently well finished, extremely versatile and, around town at least, a joy to drive. The added equipment, full-size spare and freshened looks make it well worth another look.

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