NEVER was I a fan of small cars. As in, never did I like the idea of cramping up in just one small, tiny space as if you’re about to get stuck there for all eternity. The mere thought of it simply infuriates me.
The best word to describe it is “claustrophobic”. Well, that was what I thought, until recently, when I got behind the wheel of this sweet little charmer. No pun intended.
Honda Cars Philippines Inc. lent me a Honda Jazz 1.5 V CVT as my quick service for some auto event in Olongapo City in Zambales. And, hell, did this spunky ride changed my view about small cars.
First off, compared to the previous model, the third-generation Jazz measures 3,955-mm long (55 mm longer), 1,695-mm wide and 1,525-mm tall, with a 2,530-mm wheelbase (30 mm longer). Obviously, this just means it has a larger cabin space with a big increase in passenger space, shoulder and rear legrooms, as well as cargo space.
Not only that. It also means that this Jazz now has better functionality compared to its predecessor. This time, it boasts of UTLR (pronounced as “ultra”) seats. The four seating configuration modes are Utility (Ultra seat folded flat, enough for two passengers and larger items); Tall (Ultra seat folded up, enough for two or three passengers and items as tall as 100 cm in the second row); Long (Ultra seat folded flat and the front passenger seat reclined all the way back, allowing the vehicle to carry two passengers and an item as long as 226 cm); and Refresh—the new addition to the Ultra seat configurations, which involves reclining the front seats to connect with the rear seats, allowing the driver and passenger to have in-car relaxation.
Since day one, the Jazz is so associated with a funky vibe and timeless flair that, every time you drive it, you feel a lot bigger than the car itself. It’s as if you’re Frodo Baggins coolly carrying Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir. Everyone looks, turns their head toward you—even salivating.
Sharp and aggressive, that’s how you would want to describe it in two words.
And since time immemorial, everyone loves or secretly admires anything sharp and anything aggressive (by looks, that is.)
Based on the “Sophisticated Futuristic Cockpit” interior concept, the new Jazz features an interior that assimilates advanced and high-quality textures. For one, it features a highly visible“3-eye” design instrument cluster.
For higher variants, the push start button is another addition to the advanced dashboard design. The Smart Key with Push Start System intelligently locks and unlocks the doors without the driver having to touch the smart key. There is also a push button to start or switch off the engine.
Additional interior features (again, for higher variants) also include a 7-inch touchscreen display audio. The equipment minimizes the use of buttons, making it easier to operate while radiating a premium feel. It also has functions such as hands-free telephone (HFT) and audio streaming via Bluetooth connectivity. And for added convenience, the Bluetooth HFT and audio can be operated via the controls mounted on the steering wheel.
The drive to and from Olongapo was a gauge of how a subcompact of this caliber would perform.
The Jazz behaved like any normal subcompact hatch would—quiet, reserved and unassuming. Its refined 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine delivered a power output of a fair 120 ps at 6,600 rpm. Another plus was its aerodynamic exteriors, not to mention its crisp lines on both sides of its body. I nonchalantly cruised along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and North Luzon Expressway with the picturesque northern hemisphere as the perfect backdrop.
Being behind the wheel was even made more fun, as like any vehicle in the Honda stable, the Jazz also sports an Eco Assist system; which consists of the ECON mode that controls the engine, drive-by-wire, transmission, air-conditioning performance to improve fuel consumption; and the Eco coaching ambient light that promotes fuel-efficient driving habit by changing its color depending on the throttle input.
Indeed, this cool ride changed my perception of small cars primarily because of its larger cabin space, functionality, hip design—inside and out—and nifty vibe that makes you feel bigger than the universe. In fact, the Jazz made me feel like I could confidently drive through any black hole—just like Matthew McConaughey’s character in Interstellar.