After reviewing the Type-R, it was a pleasure to also get to experience the Jazz Sport which replaces the current Jazz Dynamic derivatives. Inspired by the sportiness of Honda’s top-of-the-range Type-R, this car has become much more eccentric.
By KEVIN DU PLESSIS
I always thought the Jazz was a bit of a mom-car but the Sport definitely goes beyond that. It has a very sporty new aerodynamic exterior with a fresh red trimmed front splitter and rear spoiler. The hatchback now has a wider, lower stance and with a sleeker grille, LED daytime running lights and 16-inch black allow wheels; you would have to be a pretty hip mom to drive this car.
The interior is similarly upgraded with red stitching, sport pedals, a good sound system, soft-padded dash, and keyless entry with a push button start system. Don’t you just love how many standard features Honda can fit into a vehicle?
Tech-wise I was very happy with the 7-inch screen infotainment system, which has a CD receiver (if anyone still cared), and a rear-view camera with standard reverse sensors for effortless reversing. It also comes equiped with cruise control and automatic air-conditioning.
Safety-wise, it is a peace-of-mind kind of vehicle, with 6 airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes, Hill Start Assist and other optimised crash safety features.
It has a CVT gearbox, which South Africans are not huge fans of, that I suggest you check out in a test drive to see if you are fine with its whiny sound. The 1,5-litre i-VTEC engine featuring Earth Dreams technology is strong and very efficient on fuel. The dual overhead camshaft engine is exclusive to this model in the Jazz line-up, so if you buy any Jazz, it should be this zesty go-getter.
