My 1.4 has a great engine for use around town with just enough power and no need to rev the engine. It feels like a modern version of the old Austin/Morris 1.3 a series engine, but still the gearing is far too low and generally too close. I wonder what the engineers were thinking of as it would pull far higher gearing.
In the year that the MK1 came out, the K11 Micra ended production, a wonderful car that if not for rusty sills could be made to go on for ever with only 3 other minor quality issues. Nissan were losing over £1,000 on each one and you can feel why when you drive it. Thick quality plastic, smooth light controls, an engine that pulls AND revs with a cam chain when most had cheapo belts fitted. The K12 was a major step down in quality(well it was a Clio in disguise) even if it had more space and gave 15% better mpg
The Jazz took Micra's place as the best small car and gave so much more space inside despite only being a few inches longer, higher and wider. Nothing like as much fun to drive as the later 1.3 k11's with an anti-roll bar was like a Mini Cooper S to drive. I was so sad to sell mine as I needed as estate. Most die because of abuse and clean ones almost non-existent now. The Mk1 is now bargain basement motoring and unlike a few years ago when most were with their first, caring, mature owners, they show the scars of use with many being battered into submission as 2 cars used on school runs.
The styling is typical Honda of the period. I had a Mk1 600 Transalp, similar simple lines where form follows function. A modern version of what Brunel or Bauhous alumni might have drawn up. There has been little as far as I can see that has really improved on it since, as the MK2 went backwards in many areas.
I just wish the gearbox had better bearings and ratios!
