2003 Honda Jazz 1.4DSI from South Africa
Summary:
A great family car. Almost a class leader, but lacks outright refinement.
Faults:
None.
General Comments:
Fantastic space and flexibility.
Above average fuel economy.
Easy to drive and surprisingly grippy in hard cornering and hooligan antics.
Tasteful interior and comfortable ergonomics.
Very good CD stereo.
The CVT transmission has an annoying high pitch whine.
Interior plastic panels not always neatly aligned in its fitment and trailing plastic edges poorly rounded-off.
Certain switches also poorly fitted and mal-aligned.
Air conditioning too weak on hot scorching days with 4 adults.
The 8 valve, 1339cc engine becomes very loud and coarse sounding at above 4000rpm.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th February, 2004
27th Mar 2004, 07:19
If only Honda will make the SOHC 80kw 1.5VTEC unit universally available in all the markets. Test drove one in Asia. Definite power improvement over 1.4 unit. Still sounds coarse.
31st Mar 2005, 07:48
I need to say that it is senseless to compare a 1.6L Renault Scenic with Jazz thus their classes are completely different. Here tow comparisons act: One between a 1.4L motor with its brother 1.6L one and the other between a super-mini with its brother. Expectations should be lowered when a super-mini is in consideration in terms of engine.
12th Jul 2005, 17:53
The engine of honda jazz is perfect in its class. there is not so much sound. i love honda at all. when I drive my honda I feel so good that a renault driver can never feel.
27th Feb 2004, 10:11
I too agree with you the Jazz's 1.4i 8v engine does sound a bit coarse at above 4,000 RPM. I test drove one it put me off the Lack of Refinement the performance really died off at above 4,500 RPM. It was a used one so you have to put your foot down to make sure it's performing. So I bought a 1.6L 16V Renault Scenic.