I know the answer you'll get in a VW forum, and the one you'll get in a Honda forum so there is a bit of confirmation bias here, but you should really see if you can test drive one to satisfy yourself first. I quite regularly have rental cars and the Golf is more comparable to a Civic hatch (or Astra, Focus etc.) than a Jazz. The Jazz is quite a lot lighter and a bit smaller, although internal space is good especially rear seats. You will notice the difference on the motorway - any lighter car will feel less planted than a heavier one. The direct comparison is probably with the Polo.
The biggest shock will be going from a high torque diesel to a revving petrol engine but it does suit the car fine, it's just feels a bit alien after driving a diesel Golf.
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TG