Introduction

It’s the most spacious hatchback one can buy…or could buy when the original Jazz was launched in India. The only problem then was the price. The Honda Jazz when launched, was ridiculously expensive…for a hatchback. Of course, we are paying similar money for hatchbacks now, but in 2009, it was plain stupid to do it.

Expectedly, the car bombed. But, because some people still bought it and are now looking to spend more monies on pseudo SUVs, you can find quite a few in the used car market. Check this link out to see what the general pricing for a used Jazz is.

Why I'd buy it

For one, there are few on the road. So, I would have some exclusivity. And anyone who knows cars knows that the Honda Jazz was a fantastic car. Maybe not worth Rs 8 lakh at the time, but it sure makes for a good buy for half that price, even though most are over five years old.

These were also built superbly and because the Jazz when originally sold were only petrols, it’s unlikely that there would be high-mileage ones anywhere to be found. Which of course, is great. But the main reason why I would buy one – apart from the fact that I already bought a used Jazz – are its ‘magic seats’ which make it the most practical, useful and likeable hatch in the market.

There are other reasons too like the large glass area which makes the Jazz seem roomier than it is while making it a breeze to drive, thanks to the outstanding visibility. Finally, because it is a Honda, it will hold its price well, wherever I want to sell it. So, I am going to lose very little money on it. And there’s also the small fact about the old Jazz being better specced than the current car!

Why I'd avoid it

Simply because the Honda Jazz has the worst ride quality. Ever. And because of that, seats, door pads and even the dashboard start squeaking sooner than one hopes. It’s near impossible to fix this as well. But thankfully, it squeaks – and loudly at that – but nothing really ever falls off…or hasn't as yet!

Another reason why I would have liked to avoid it is the performance. This is the 1.2-litre petrol. And even though the owner’s manual says it has 90 horses powering it, these horses are certainly passed their prime. The car struggles beyond 120kmph and you can hear those horses crying in agony too because the engine gets pretty loud past this speed as well. Worst of all, given it is a Honda; given it has the VTEC; and given that it has an all-aluminium engine, the Jazz for some reason is very efficient. It rarely returns more than 12kmpl.

My favourite version

Thankfully, the older Honda Jazz was sold essentially in one version, fully kitted out. Two airbags, ABS and magic seats came as standard. So, it doesn’t matter what version you buy, you will end up with exactly the same car. Barring, possibly, the alloy wheels.

Quick facts

Price: Rs 3 lakh - 4.5 lakh

Engine: 1.2L, inline, 4-cyl, petrol

Gearbox: 5-speed manual

FE: 12kmpl

0-100kmph: 13.2s