I have now owned my used MK3 Jazz SE, for a week. I previously owned a mk1 Jazz. So, here’s (quite) a few words about the car. I don’t yet have a handbook, so I’m struggling a bit with some of the features. I have downloaded the online manual, so may have to bring the laptop into the car for an session.
Visually, I like the styling. I think it is the best-looking Jazz to date. I think the flatter bonnet is an improvement. The mk1 Jazz bonnet curved down much lower & was very susceptible to stone chips. I have read/seen reviews where the reviewer has criticized the creases in the doors. To me, this breaks up the bland panels of the mk1. The car is a 100mm longer, but looks a lot more, it may be wider as well, I’m not sure.
Inside, all round visibility is excellent, although I have noticed reduced forward visibility due to all the gizmos on the windscreen behind the mirror. Space-wise, it’s a Jazz, no more needs to be said. I find the seats comfortable & supportive. I think Honda should have included lumber support by now, but they haven’t. The driving position is good once you’ve got the seat correctly set. I do like the telescopic steering wheel. I’ve not been on a long journey yet, so can’t comment further.
Turn the ignition on & oh lord, the instrument panel lights up like a spaceship! What all these symbols indicate I have no clue, but thankfully they mostly disappear after a few seconds. Are all these really needed? The mk1 was plain & simple.
Most/all the reviews describe the infotainment system as “clunky”. I don’t know what they mean by that. Having never had a car with a touchscreen I can’t compare it to anything else. So far, I’ve got the DAB radio tuned into Planet Rock, so I’m a happy bunny. I got my phone set-up & downloaded a couple of apps. The Infotainment system in mine is currently using an old version of Android which I don’t think supports Android Auto. Might have to see about getting a more up to date version installed as I would like to use my phones’ navigation app on the screen. The car has two HDMI sockets which I have no idea what they are for, & one USB socket.
The instrument pack is divided into three areas. The first contains a lot of symbols that illuminate when the ignition is switched on & then disappear. This also contains the rev counter & an indicator that advises when to change gear. The centre dial is the speedometer & the third is a display that can (via the steering wheel controls) be scrolled through to show many, many different items. I really need the handbook to sit in the car & learn these.
I’m finding it easy to drive. The steering is smoother. None of the “notchiness” of the mk1. The suspension is smoother, although you do feel the bumps in the road. Gear change is effortless & if you follow the car’s advice, you’ll be in 5th at 30mph & 6th at 40mph. Never having driven a 6 speed before I have twice accidently gone from 6th to 3rd but the engine didn’t complain too loudly! Most of my driving is during peak rush hour. I also must cross a busy island where if you see a gap you need to put your foot down & go! This where the IDSI engine of the MK1 let me down. Despite what I’ve read about the IVTEC being gutless I find the initial pulling away acceleration superior to the 1.4 IDSI engine. I’ve had one short trip on the motorway, just for fun really. The engine is reasonably quiet, but I found the tyre/road noise quite loud which was a bit disappointing.
The automatic features of the lights & wipers need to be learnt before use. The wipers can be set to manual & off. As I use a rain repellent coating on my windscreen I don’t use the wipers very often. The headlights are in Auto mode by default. The off position is non-latching. So, if the car decides to switch the headlights on, you don’t seem able to disagree & switch them off (might be wrong that. Happy to be corrected). If you forget to switch your lights off after exiting the car, they will switch off automatically after an adjustable pre-determined time.
So what do I like & dislike?
I like Planet Rock on the DAB; the room inside; Planet Rock on the DAB; the driving position, Planet Rock on the DAB, the 6 speed gearbox, Planet Rock on the DAB; the comfort level, Planet Rock on the DAB; easy to drive; oh, & Planet Rock on the DAB.
I dislike the number of symbols on the instrument panel & no spare wheel, just a can of sealant.
Overall, I’m pleased with it. Don’t give a stuff that it’s (wrongly) considered a “mature” person’s car. I’ve purchased a set of genuine matts which are worth the money for the fit & quality. Still to get are wind deflectors, mud flaps, sill protectors & a spare wheel. If it ever stops raining, I’d like to get some wax on it before it gets too cold.
