Jazz the way I like it

The Honda Jazz is one nifty, small-size hatchback that is loads of fun to drive on the busy streets of Metro Manila.

Honda Cars Philippines Inc. recently released an enhanced Jazz with additional features and sporty updates allows the that new Jazz to provide customers the traditional fun driving experience as well as utmost utility and convenience expected from a Honda. And how.

For starters, the Jazz is equipped with a powerful 1.5 RS Navi engine that brings the fun and oh so smooth driving experience while navigating metro Manila streets. 

The Jazz is a well-powered looker — is how I like to describe it. After all, it boasts a hip and young vibe with a sporty appeal that I immediately liked. There is the newly-designed front grille, front and rear bumpers, new LED DRL, and new alloy wheel designs, which the test unit I test drove. was equipped with.

These little detail touches give the Jazz that on the road presence that make fellow drivers take pause and give it a once over. 

I also like, the folding side mirrors, which in this day and age when parking can often be tighter than tight — automatic folding side mirrors give the Jazz a little more protection from scratches from cars that park too closely.

And the good looks go from outside to in.

There is the spacious and flexible cabin fit for every lifestyle, with ULTR (Utility, Long, Tall, Refresh) seats, which allow four different adjustment modes for more flexible rear storage.

I really like how much can be put into the nifty Jazz. It might look small but there is enough space even for a wheel chair — as I took my 86-year-old mom for a spin in the Jazz.

I was amazed how easy it was to load her wheelchair into the trunk space of the Jazz after we had adjusted the seats. 

Add to this, a new 7-inch Touch Screen Audio System, which now comes standard in the 1.5 V CVT, 1.5 VX Navi CVT and 1.5 RS Navi CVT variants with USB input and Bluetooth Hands-free Connectivity for audio streaming and phone functionality. Additional features such as a Navigation System, Multi-View Reverse Camera with Guidelines, Voice Command, Miracast and Cube User Interface (UI) and HDMI Connectivity will be available for the 1.5 VX Navi CVT and 1.5 RS Navi CVT variants. The 1.5 RS Navi variant also comes with Two Front Tweeters for an improved audio experience.

Drive on

After we had gotten the Jazz all set up for the drive of the day — a trip to my mom’s fave resto in Taguig —we were ready to drive.

When I take my mom for a drive, the car is filled with passengers: on this day, there were five of us in the Jazz. Loaded with passengers and a wheelchair to boot, the 1.5Liter SOHC i-VTEC engine, the Jazz drove on smoothly. 

I made sure my mom was seated comfortably in the back seat as I drove on.

Honda’s commitment to ensure the highest level of customer confidence is maintained with the New Jazz as it offers a full range of safety features. All variants are equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Driver and Front Passenger SRS Airbags. The 1.5 VX Navi CVT and 1.5 RS Navi CVT variants are also equipped with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist (HSA) for added safety while the 1.5 RS Navi CVT variant will get additional Side Airbags and Side Curtain Airbags. With these superior safety features, customers can drive with ease and ride with better peace of mind.

 I read recently that the Honda Jazz has a reputation as the favorite car of Britain’s grandparents. I guess this is true, because what makes the Jazz likeable for the older folks is its spaciousness.

I have learned from years of driving for my folks that — when driving for the elderly — I have to adjust my driving style. So there are no sudden stop-and-go’s (because it makes them nervous) to test how well the brakes handle.

This drive was one that was more of what I consider Sunday driving. Just a smooth drive down the roads from where I live to nearby Taguig.

At slower speeds, I was in full control of the Jazz —  more so when I had to make it good over bigger bumps on the road.

I liked that the steering of the Jazz is light and smooth so it kept me on top of my driving when I had to make sudden turns because of the speeding motorcycles that often cut slower moving vehicles — on the blindside, I might add.

Lunch calls

We made it to Taguig in time for an early lunch. My mom told me that she liked the Jazz because its size made it easy for her to get off the car and onto her wheelchair without too much difficulty.

Parking was a cinch with the Jazz, the nifty size is sooo easy to handle.

As I entered the fave resto of my mom, I was a happy camper. After all, there are all sorts of test drives that I have experienced in my years of writing about cars, but the ones I like most are the ones that I make with loved ones and the meals that follow the drives.

Sunday, fun day.