HONDA JAZZ REVIEWS | 2014 – 2019 MODEL
Read and compare reviews on the Honda Jazz 2014 – 2019 Model from top New Zealand automotive journalists on trusted websites.
Honda sharpens up Jazz RS hatch
SOURCE: DRIVEN | YEAR: 2018 | WORDS: PAUL OWEN
One of the highlights of my previous working life as a motorcycle reviewer was my frequent encounters with each new generation of the iconic Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade sportsbike.
What has this to do with this comparatively meek and mild, newly revised Honda Jazz RS hatchback? Well the RS version of the Jazz is the four-wheeled Honda that most reminds me of the scalpel-sharp Fireblade, and not just because the $25,200 manual model (seven-speed CVT: $26,600) and the $27,995 superbike inhabit similar pricing territory.
Now, before you demand a drug test for this commentator, let me explain. It was the 1.5-litre engine and six-speed manual gearbox powertrain that first encouraged this personal comparison between the two philosophically similar but physically diverse Hondas.
In these days of rev-restricting turbochargers, it’s rare to find a motor willing to go beyond 6000rpm, and the naturally aspirated, direct-injection 1.5 inline-four of the RS will stretch to 7000rpm.
It also sounds inspiring while snuggling up to this redline, emitting a coarse metallic rasp that I found lovable. As for the six-speed, it offered the same number of ratios as the sequential box of the bike, and snicked through the gears with similar precision and ease, courtesy of short lever throws and one of the lightest, most easily manipulated clutch pedals in all car-dom.
Honda Jazz RS vs Suzuki Swift RS – Japanese Rennsports
SOURCE: AUTOCAR | YEAR: 2018 | WORDS: PETER LOUISSON | PHOTOS: TOM GASNIER
Rs used to be reserved for fireball models but not any more, as there are now mildly wild rs versions of swift and jazz. Are they worthy of the hallowed badge?
Overseas in big European cities small cars rule the roost. They’re sized about right for tight spaces, and fuel is expensive. Here though, the situation is somewhat different. While small cars remain relatively popular for similar reasons – Swift GL kicks off for under $20k – compact SUVs are now stealing the limelight.
How come? Traditionally small cars lacked boot and rear seat space, Jazz being the main exception. Honda took the unusual step of resiting the petrol tank under the front seats in Jazz, freeing up an extra 100L of boot space. The company went a step further, developing the ‘Magic’ seat which permits carriage of tall items in the rear seat area (the squab lifts up and locks in place against the seat back). And the compacted rear seat can also be folded over creating a totally flat load space. In the Swift there remains a step.
So if practicality is high on your priority list, and you don’t fancy driving a compact crossover, then Jazz should be your first port of call.
Honda Jazz RS – Car Review
SOURCE: DRIVELIFE | YEAR: 2015 | WORDS: FRED ALVREZ
Preconceptions are a dangerous thing. I had high hopes for the Jazz – after hearing much about it for years, I still had never driven one.
The almost legendary stories about having as much space as an S-Class Mercedes-Benz (that’s the claim) played on my mind as I went to pick up the test Jazz RS. Would it live up to my expectations?
My other preconception of the Jazz is that it’s a Nana’s car. For some reason, you see many ‘older generation’ people driving a Jazz, and often it’s the racier looking RS model (which we tested). I am guessing there are some loyal, elderly Honda buyers out there that will have no other car than a Honda, and the Jazz is the cheapest in the range. Remember when you saw lots of older people driving a Honda City? They’ve moved on now with the demise of the City to the next Honda in the range. This isn’t a bad thing – it’s an easy car to drive, for people of all ages.
All Jazz’s come with Reverse Camera, Navigation, Bluetooth, TouchScreen, Speed Sensitive Volume Control (SVC), Alloy Wheels, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, Magic Seats and a 5 year, unlimited km Warranty.
