All that Jazz
Home » Magazine » Good, issue 1 » The goods » All that JazzA tiny car for a boy racer
The Reformed Boy Racer called, wanting advice on a new car. His last one was a V6, and I’d warned him he’d need a third mortgage to pay for the petrol every week. But no, despite now being a married man with a family and a big daily commute, the 1995-era Boy Racer in him prevailed.
After a year of driving the thirsty, beefy number—and with the petrol bill increasing every week – he was selling his beloved “westie” car. Ready to heed my practical advice, he wanted to know what sort of car he should buy.
Joking, I suggested the Honda Jazz. Not because there is anything wrong with the Jazz—quite the opposite—but I just couldn’t see the mature Boy Racer in a little hatchback.
A week later, he called back. He loved the Jazz. Lucky for him, the second-hand car he found had all the kit and caboodle a Boy Racer loves—rear spoiler, front air dam, sports seats—from the previous (mature lady) owner.
What he loves even more than the look is the reduced petrol bill every week. What he now pays for a month’s driving in the Jazz is equivalent to a week in the V6.
The five-door hatch is an economical choice thanks to its 1.3 litre engine. Sure, you won’t drag off anyone at the traffic lights, but it keeps up with traffic on the motorway.
At $20,500 new, the 1.3-litre sits in the compact market with other small hatchbacks. More and more consumers are bypassing grunty large cars, instead shopping around for smaller, more economical models. That’s why you’ll find so many manufacturers spouting the fuel economy of their cars—and as the Reformed Boy Racer knows, the Jazz is one of the best of the bunch.
Honda is impressively open about its fuel efficiency, with a range of data to back up its claims. It estimates you’d pay $1,480 a year in gas (at $1.85 per litre) if you drive an average of 14,000km.
It’s roomy inside, with enough space to cart the kids around—although I wouldn’t recommend it for long family holidays. The only downside I found is that the high-sided shape of the Jazz makes it prone to shake on open roads or the motorway if it’s windy.
