Honda's Jazz has been around for more than ten years now and it is still holding its own in sales in Australia in the light car class
It continues to make some headway on rivals in the segment, last month selling more than twice the number it did in the same month a year ago, just over 800 compared to 350.
During my week with the test car I was amazed at the number of Jazz out there. Everywhere I went there seemed to be dozens of them
The styling has been "jazzed up" but the same basic shape remains, and it looks pretty good.
Not only that , the Jazz has one of the more practical and clever interiors you will find in the segment.
The Jazz has what Honda calls Magic Seats, enabling no fewer than 18 different seating configurations. T
he operation to re-jig the seats is not too complicated and makes the Jazz the most versatile in the class in this respect.
This is the top of the line VTi-L.
The interior is remarkably spacious, and with the driver's seat adjusted for my 6'3" frame there was still plenty of leg room behind me.
Visibility is good all round thanks to the large glasshouse, and the heated leather clad front seats are firm-ish, but provide good support. All four windows are power operated but only the front pair are auto up/down.
A sure sign that everything is well put together is the sound the doors make when closed.. I can report that on the Jazz they all shut with a quality thud... very encouraging.
This top spec model comes with most of the things you'd expect, including plenty of connectivity options, reversing camera with a large clear 7" touch screen, and easy to read instruments. Fog lights are standard on the VTi-L.
The wing mirrors fold in at the touch of a button in tight spaces and there's keyless entry and start.
The sound system is more than adequate, even though there are only four speakers.
Headlight brightness is good on low beam but the spread on high is only average.. still it's better than some others I've driven.
At the rear, Honda has appeared to have borrowed the vertical bent taillight styling from Volvo's V 60. Regardless it makes for a classy looking and distinctive set up.
The 1.5 litre four cylinder engine is no powerhouse at just 88kw and 145 nm, but it is very willing and no slouch when given its head.
When you do, you are rewarded with a nice throaty snarl from under the tiny bonnet.
The CV transmission is operated by steering wheel paddles and locks in to seven positions for a more sporty drive.
Under full acceleration there's none of the usual CVT "slipping clutch" whine from the gearbox. Honda has somehow engineered the automatic box, to make it more like a regular torque converter auto. There's an eco mode which helps deliver an average fuel consumption of just under six litres per 100 kilometres.
.At highway speeds there's very little in the way of wind and road noise..
You won't be disappointed with the handling of the Jazz.. it's benign and surprisingly good in corners. It sits flat and is a ball to punt quickly through bends.
Ride quality is good, not too much gets by the suspension into the cabin...very impressive Honda.
The Jazz is quiet, comfortable and roomy, with style and overall practicality that sets it apart from the rest.
Really, you couldn't ask for more in a light car and at prices from around 17 K to 22.5K for this VTi-L model, it's also great value for money.
Peter Sellen.
The Holden Captiva has tried to captivate numerous buyers looking for a multi seat SUV since it first hit the market in 2006 with a five seat model.
The Korean made Captiva 7 was fourth in the sales pecking order last month behind Toyota's Prado, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota Kluger.
Captiva 7 sales are about half of those three.
Various engine, AWD / front wheel drive and seating combos are available including powerful and economical diesels.
This is the base petrol powered LS seven seater.
Style wise it's a good looking vehicle.. the new nose and tail treatment works well.
The seven seat configuration is a good idea in an SUV this size.. the rearmost seats fold flat into the floor when not in use.
Fold down the middle row and the cargo area is cavernous. However the LS lacks a few amenities you'd expect to find, including a reversing camera.. all you get are sensors in the rear bumper.
I couldn't find any information on outside temperature settings or distance to empty despite poring though the handbook, which only seemed to describe the more upmarket versions.
Pushing the info button on the radio console didn't result in anything being displayed.
After several minutes of fiddling and searching I was none the wiser. The sound system is pretty good though, and more than adequate for tone and clarity.
Access to the cabin is good although the shorter in stature might find it a bit high climbing in. There's plenty of storage space including a deep and convenient recess below the console cup holders. The front doors have large red lights in the lower edge for safety when opening them at night, the armrest is in just the right position, and there's a well positioned dead pedal for the driver's left foot.. Headlights are reasonably powerful on high or low beam. There's the convenience of keyless entry and start as well as a hill descent feature for safer off roading. And you get a full sized spare wheel.An electric parking brake is also welcome.
However the ride is disappointing...very firm and choppy over even mild suburban ruts and irregularities and hard unforgiving seats don't help here.
I have driven earlier versions and don't recall the Captiva being so harsh and uncomfortable.
Nevertheless, it corners well, but the steering feel is a little numb. The wheel itself is adjustable for reach and rake.
The 2,4 litre 4 cylinder engine lacks adequate torque( just 230 nm) and with a full load struggles to get up to speed. Once there however it's a quiet cruiser.
At around 30 K the Captiva 7 LS is reasonable value but competitors offer just a bit more in the way of comfort and kit, even in basic configurations..
Still if it's seven seats you want it's worth having a look.
Peter Sellen
