2011 Honda Jazz Review
Price
from: RM106,809
to: RM113,627
Installment
from: RM1,019/mth
to: RM1,084/mth
2011 Honda Jazz at a glance
With superb versatility and good running costs, the stylish 2011 Honda Jazz is a fantastic city car that is easy to drive and live with. However the pricing is on the high side, while the ride and refinement could also be better.
2011 Honda Jazz quick specs
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Class | Small Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Honda Jazz ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
At certain angles, it would not be hard to mistake the Honda Jazz for a mini-MPV, mainly due to its tall profile and boxy design. The radical new design features a slanted windshield alongside the distinctive headlamps to create a bold face, which together with the cut-off tail make for a contemporary styling. The interior design is both stylish and clever.
Handling
The 2011 Honda Jazz handles modestly well for its class. It is obviously not built for quick, sharp corners, but even so, grip levels are rarely lacking. Considering the tall profile, the body control is decent with less-than-expected body roll. The light steering makes city driving a stroll in the park, but will provide little joy to steer on open roads. Relative to the previous Honda Jazz, it feels more planted at speed, thanks to wider tracks and the new suspension geometry.
Comfort
The ride is often unsettled, with the problem more pronounced at low speeds, but comfort does improve as the speed increases. That firmness still remains, and occupants will feel and hear larger bumps, but at least jolts are less severe now. Wind noise at higher speeds is intrusive, affecting the 2011 Honda Jazz's overall refinement, although the engine and suspension are both quiet. Having seat height adjustments plus tilt/telescopic steering means a good driving position is easy to find. Outward visibility is good, and ergonomics are intuitive despite the seemingly random control placement.
Quality + Reliability
No doubt, the stylish dashboard points to Honda's modern aspirations, but the materials used fall short of the brand's normally high standards. Hard, coarse plastics are not hard to find. But to be sure, fittings and finishing are high in quality, while controls operate with slickness. According to JD Power customer satisfaction surveys, the Honda Jazz consistently tops the class, reflecting its reliability and quality engineering.
Performance
The 2011 Honda Jazz comes powered by a 16-valve SOHC 1.5-litre i-VTEC, paired to a five-speed automatic transmission. Capable of 118 bhp and 145 Nm, the engine puts out an enthusiastic performance, though not a particularly memorable one. The engine is free-revving to the rev-limit of 7000 rpm, with the best performance coming at the upper rpm range. But work it hard, and the 1.5-litre sounds strained instead of entertaining. The smooth five-speed auto picks the right gears at the right time.
Roominess
This is where the 2011 Honda Jazz stands out with its versatility. Front and rear occupants enjoy plenty of head- and leg-room, while the boot is a generous 380 litres. By shifting the fuel tank to underneath the front seats, 84 percent of the Honda Jazz's tall body can be used for carrying bigger items. The Honda Jazz's ULTRA Seat steals the limelight with the Utility mode, Long mode and Tall mode for maximum flexibility. To make things better, everything can be executed through simple actions.
Running Costs
Running costs are low compared to similar cars. Fuel economy is excellent, while maintenance and depreciation should be reasonable. Honda models are highly reliable, which should lower the servicing and repair costs. Wearing the Honda badge means strong residual values, which are perhaps only surpassed by Toyota models'.
Value for Money
As capable as the 2011 Honda Jazz is as a city car, its pricing, especially for the 1.5 V, comes perilously close to mid-size sedans such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Altis. This will inevitably force potential buyers to either opt for the 1.5 S, or fork out a few thousand ringgit more for the mentioned mid-size sedans.
Equipment
1.5 S gets 15-inch alloy wheels, Vehicle Information Display (VID), keyless entry, power door mirror, self-illuminating metres, integrated audio (MP3 and WMA compatible), and 4 speakers. Safety kit includes dual SRS airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and front pretensioner seatbelts. 1.5 V adds sport bumpers, 16-inch alloy wheels, paddle shift, cruise control, and steering wheel audio control.
Environment
Along with the excellent fuel consumption figure, the carbon dioxide emission level is impressively low. Japanese automakers, including Honda, pay significant attention to fuel economy and emissions, which in turn translate into better savings for the consumer while limiting environmental damage.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Contemporary styling
Superb versatility
Easy to drive and live with
Unsettled ride
Some hard plastics
High price
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