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Is the Honda Jazz SE i-VTEC a good car?

We're planing on buying a second car for my wife (commuting and dropping our daughter to nursery). She is a new driver and would prefer a smallish car (for ease of parking) with reasonable space with automatic transmission.

We were considering the new Honda Jazz 1.3 SE i-VTEC or the EX trim. We were not very impressed with the rear camera in the EX trim and felt the video was not a true representation. This might be because we haven't had any cars with this and hence not used to it. I'm hoping its just a matter of getting used to it.

We test drove the Mazda 2 as well. Although a reasonable drive, its quite cramped in comparison.

Whats your take on the Jazz? Do you think we should be considering any other small car models?

Asked on 20 January 2016 by orthopod

Answered by Honest John
The Jazz has by far the most versatile interior of any small car due to Honda's patented 'Magic' seats that either fold up to make space in the middle of the car, or fold down low and flat. No other cars apart from Honda Jazz, Honda Civics and Honda HRVs have this. With the CVT-7 the Jazz can also be extremely economical, giving up to 58mpg. But it's a bit slow. And the manual is buzzy and undergeared. The Mazda 2 is much more sporty, but more compromised inside. The Nissan Note doesn't cut it as an alternative. But you could also take a look at a Renault Captur. One reader just completed 94,000 miles in one no trouble at all.
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Unrivalled practicality and versatility. Plenty of room for four adults to travel in comfort. Surprisingly fun to drive, especially 1.5 i-VTEC Sport.
 

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