New Jazz moves to a different tune

The Honda Jazz Crosstar has its own special character which will help it standout in our crowded small-hatch market, Bob Nettleton says. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

A version of the compact Honda Jazz hatch that moves to a different beat to the rest of the range is the Crosstar, with its pseudo SUV looks.

This is the only Jazz sold here with a petrol-only engine, and is considerably more affordable than its hybrid siblings.

The Jazz range is leaner these days with three models. Two-thirds of them are hybrids priced from $36,000 for the sporty-looking RS, with an extra $2000 for the lavishly appointed Luxe Sport complete with leather seating and trim.

Owning the value-for-money high ground is the Crosstar ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) that retails for a cool $30,700.

The ICE-motored Crosstar makes a compelling case at a time when people’s new vehicle buying budgets are under huge pressure.

Its well-proven 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC engine with no form of electric propulsion make it a rarity these days.

For the money, it is a well-appointed vehicle, built to the high standard we have come to expect from Honda. You get a lot of the touches reserved for more expensive models. These include smart alloy wheels, daytime running lights and fog lamps.

Nice job, Honda, for offering such a well-rounded and affordable model as the entry point into the Jazz family. Honda, like other car brands these days, struggles to win the value-for-money arm-wrestle with a growing wave of Chinese rivals. A good example is the price-leading and larger MG ZS Vibe, now upgraded to a punchy 125kw 1.5 turbo motor, retailing for $27,995.

The Crosstar has its own special character, with 30mm of additional ride height over the rest of the range, its own unique suspension and steering tune, front and rear bumpers, body protectors, and water-resistant driver and passenger seats. All of these help it standout in our increasingly crowded small hatch market.

With 89kW of maximum power and 145Nm of torque, from a conventional 1.5 engine without any hybrid or turbo assistance, performance is respectable enough. Interestingly, this is down a smidgen on the 96kW this motor mustered in the previous version Jazz. Because peak power and torque arrive well up the rev range at 6600rpm and 4300rpm respectively, low-speed throttle response cab feels muted under load and on longer hill climbs. It’s comfortably outmuscled by the Jazz hybrid that brings a healthy 90kW of power to the performance table. There’s a tasty 253Nm of torque as well for a superior all-round driving experience for those happy to pay the extra $6k to $8k asking prices.

The Crosstar is effortless and easy to drive around town, the natural habitat for this type of vehicle, and cruises comfortably at the legal speed limit out on the highway. It happily goes about its daily motoring chores on a diet of 91-octane petrol.

There’s an electronically controlled CVT (continuously variable transmission) with a single fixed-gear, and it misses out on the drive modes found on the automatic hybrid Jazz, where it adds extra vitality and performance. For all that, the Crosstar’s transmission covers most of the gear-changing basics most of the time with unwavering competence and good fuel economy.

An exceptionally roomy cabin is made even better with Honda’s acclaimed "Magic Seats". They fold flat or flip up depending on the amount of cargo space you need, with a possible 18 different configurations available.

This is a great piece of ingenuity from Honda.

Slim A-pillars offer excellent all-round visibility and create a feel of spaciousness, making this small hatch feel a size bigger than it really is.

Holding centre stage on the technology front is an Infotainment system paired with a 7" driver’s display. An LCD touchscreen interface has familiar smartphone-style usability with swipe controls to browse recently used applications and media lists. A swathe of in-built apps can be supplemented by smartphone mirroring, via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

A camera delivers clean and clear imagery for stress-free reversing.

Easy access in and out of the vehicle is major plus, and to the rear luggage compartment. This punches well above its size with 350L load capacity, a figure bettered by few others in this market segment.

Squaring off safety is Honda’s safety sense programme featuring a host of safety must-haves such as adaptive cruise control.

This maintains a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front. Lane-keep assist and lane departure warning are folded into Honda’s ever-vigilant safety sense package that’s poised ready to help the driver keep alert and avoid potential crashes. It’s another demonstration of Honda equipping its vehicles with the best possible safety equipment.

While the suspension lacks the agile feel of its RS Jazz, the ride and road holding is more than adequate for a higher-riding lifestyle-orientated compact SUV. The Crosstar’s additional 30mm does mean those behind the steering wheel grapple with a little more body lean during higher tempo driving over twisty and undulating roads. It’s still a playful enough drive over this sort of terrain, just not as nimble and fleet footed as some, and the driver just needs to respect that and adjust their driving style accordingly.

Ride quality is supple and with good bump absorbency at low speeds in around-town driving. Being both taller and lighter than most of its peers, it’s more susceptible to being buffeted in strong crosswinds at highway speeds.