Long Term Review - First Report

I am so happy to see the Honda Jazz enter our longterm fleet. For me the Jazz has defined what modern practical hatchbacks are supposed to be. It blew the concept of small cars can't be big on the inside, right out of the window and it boasted of sedan-busting space and MPV shaming practicality.

We have got the Jazz powered by the 1.2 i-Vtec petrol in manual transmission. This is just perfect, as I am going to use the Jazz for my daily commute in the city and this is what most petrol manual variant customers buy their hatch for. On first impressions the new Jazz is more contemporary and stylish than the old car.The chunky grille that meets the angular headlights lends the Jazz lot of character. In profile, the large glasshouse and the strong belt line that originates at the front doors and progressively widens towards the rear looks attractive. But like before it still looks a bit MPVish and the small wheels and its large mass makes it look a bit under-tyred.

But more than anything else, I like this Honda for its functional design. For example the boot which has one of the lowest loading lips which makes loading large bags easy. The hatch opening is huge and the boot at xxx litres is very well shaped. The larger doors open wide, the seats are perched at an ideal height and the sheer space inside will shock you. As for the dashboard, a large silver ‘T’ forms the core of the new design and, against the black dash, it looks aesthetically pleasing. However, the overall design looks a bit too gimmicky and lacks the cohesiveness or simplicity I would have liked.

Although the new Jazz is well priced as compared to the old car, it's still is the most expensive in its class. Over the next three months I am going to figure in minute detail if the Honda Jazz is worth the premium Honda is asking for. So will the super practical Jazz prove to be the ultimate all-rounder? Stay tuned on CarWale for further reports.

Pictures By - Kapil Angane