Positive comments such as "Its hybrid powertrain affords sizeable gains on fuel economy and drivability and its highly configurable and voluminous interior brings unrivalled practicality for a car of this size" don't seem to count for much in the final reckoning. I'm surprised to see that the 30-70 mph acceleration was found to be uncompetitive. I've only done a 30-60 overtake and was impressed by the acceleration. However, if the reviewer did several acceleration tests in quick succession then they would have drained the battery so it wouldn't be able to contribute power - a worst case but not representative of real life driving.
It appears that the Yokohama BluEarth tyres might not be the best for grip but how many people use the same tyres for the life of a vehicle? Nonetheless, the reviewer also stated "The Jazz is one of those rare cars that allows you to effectively drive the entire length of Millbrook’s challenging Hill Route with the throttle pinned to the floor. "
A safe, practical and economical vehicle will struggle to win friends in the motoring press as it doesn't provide sufficient excitement. I'm past the age where I want a vehicle which is "fun to drive". My Austin A35 was fine for that part of my life with loads of oversteer and brakes where I'd be pulling on the steering wheel in order to get more pressure onto the brake pedal. Is this Jazz destined to remain a wolf in sheep's clothing?