Ok, I admit to posting about the few problems I have had with my Jazz. I have moaned about the warranty claims I have made, the problems with the paintwork.. and even with relation to the brake simulator fault (even though I haven't had the fault).
So, what is great and good about the Jazz?
Well, I have covered 21000 miles now, in just under 2 years. Its a 72 plate EX Style, in midnight blue beam.
All those miles have been town, A & B roads, with the odd motorway chucked in. I drive at the speed limit, and like the odd burst of quick acceleration and also enjoy leaving the odd German car at the lights. Motorway cruising is generally done at cruise control around the 68 mark, with a few bursts upto 80 during overtakes.
I have the Honda roof-bars, and have variously had a kayak, or a pair of cycles up top. I have also had a pair of folding bikes stashed in the magic seat spaces too at times. I have carried lots of camping equipment at the same time in the boot compartment. The space for luggage etc is far better and manageable than the Capturs I owned prior to the Jazz. I love the versatility of the space. The cabin is equally spacious, and having the pale grey interior only highlights how spacious and airy it is. The view from the front seats is very good, and the wraparound glass offers a clear unobstructed area view of the road ahead. The seats are comfortable, and we have never complained of numb bum or backache after long journeys. The driving position is good, and myself or the wife never have any problems moving the seat forward or back to suit either of our differing leg lengths when changing driver. The control panel and dash display are easy to use and view, the sound system is well capable too (I use a USB stick rammed to the hilt, and always on random play). I have found the Garmin system works well, and compared to the Renault's Tom Tom, it has similar querks.. but has never failed to get me to any destination.
The drive is probably the best I have had. It is the first auto I have ever driven, and it still pleases me how easy and relaxed the experience is. The engine is smooth, pulls like a turbo and never jerks or jolts as you step on the pedal. I use B mode around town and twisty A/B roads, but always jump into D for long motorway stretches. I have found the suspension is good, the body roll minimal (I don't chuck it around bends, but I'm no slouch either). Pot holes occasionally catch it out.. but no worse than the other cars I owned before it.
The EV system is a thing of wonder. Like most here, I delved into all the videos/explanations as to how it worked and how everything did what it did.. but ultimately, I don't care as long as it keeps doing what is meant to do. The transition between petrol and EV is generally seamless, and although the motor in ICE mode can sound a bit groggy during start up, it soon settles down and is the quietist and smoothest motor I have driven. The economy is fantastic, and everything that was promised. I have seen a high of late 70s, and over the 21000 miles I have done, the car is showing at this moment an average of 68.5 mpg.
There you have it. I am very pleased with the Jazz, and at times I may get a little angsty about it, and wonder what the Renault Alpina would be like.. I will be keeping my Jazz for at least the 3. whatever years of the servicing/warranty it has left. The Jazz was purchased as my probable last car. After owning lots of Renaults, the Jazz was chosen because of the companies longevity and reliability. I hope the Jazz carries on that tradition.
Amen.
