From the world’s biggest engine manufacturers — 15,5-million units annually — comes the Honda Jazz, a potent little 1,4-litre super-minivan/ hatch that, together with big brother Accord, has to carry the flag for an importer that has never won Car of the Year.
The overall look is European and exterior styling is cheeky and distinctive, with a short, stubby nose that immediately reinforces the fact that most of the mechanicals have been squeezed into the front quarter of the overall length.
Significantly, this cute little car with its 61kW long-stroke engine features two spark plugs per cylinder for outstanding fuel consumption and the cleanest possible exhaust gas.
However, it’s much more than a frugal gas sipper. It’s a Honda. This translates into reliability, solid construction and a loyal corps of current and previous owners who can’t wait to get their hands on this model.
The two-valve per cylinder engine produces 119Nm of torque at 2 600 revs per minute and the car is specifically designed for low fuel consumption — a mere 5,8 litres per 100km in the urban cycle. Even the power steering features energy-saving measures such as EPS — electric power steering — which only draws power when the steering is actually being used.
Other technical highlights include ABS brakes with emergency brake assist (EBA), as well as electronic brake distribution.
As well as being a car that excels in key areas like safety, design integrity, quality and driving dynamics, the Jazz is a compact hatch that adds a large dose of innovation. In this regard, the interior is unusual in that the fuel tank is mounted underfloor (under the front seats). Rear seats fold down completely flat. These so-called “magic seats” allow the rear to be transformed into a compartmentalised van-like load area.
Comfort and convenience features abound. As well as air conditioning, remote central locking, integrated sound system with CD front-loader and electrically adjustable mirrors, there are nine distinct storage areas in the cabin — excluding the space under the rear seats.
All doors open in three stages — the first up to 500mm for confined areas, and a 970mm opening at maximum.
Dual air bags are standard on South African spec cars, and the front seatbelts are fitted with pre-tensioners.
Flexibility makes the Honda Jazz a great package. Any supermini with more load space than some estate cars deserves an award for miracle-working.
Typically for Honda, the Jazz is easy to drive, with well-weighted controls and a driving position slightly higher than others in this class. The driver’s seat is also height-adjustable.
It is probably the smallest and lightest finalist in the seven-car finalist line-up. Yet, it draws moral support from the Accord and the knowledge that Honda is the only company in the history of the event to have had two vehicles in the final round.
There may be judges who will feel that a 1,4-litre engine (and a relatively slow revving, single overhead cam unit, at that) may be a tad underpowered. It’s up to the Jazz to prove that with correct gearing and torque that comes in at low revs, it’s perfectly capable of keeping up with the big boys.
Its build quality will also ensure that the Jazz need not fear the atrocious gravel roads in the Loskop dam area — where final evaluation will take place.