Honda Jazz CVT: Test Drive Review

Date: 24 February 2011   |   Author:

Facelifted Honda Jazz

Category: Supermini P11D price: £15,940 Key rival: Nissan Note

Honda has righted a wrong with the facelifted Jazz, by returning the automatic option to the CVT gearbox that was replaced by the firm's i-shift auto when the new Jazz was launched in October 2009.

The firm said a lot of customers "didn't get on" with the new auto, so when the time came to refresh the range, the CVT has returned, only now more efficient than the i-shift that was originally brought in because it was at the time the more efficient option. Honda says around 40% of petrol Jazz registrations are with an automatic gearbox, so the new one, with 51.4mpg fuel economy and 128g/km of CO2, as well as good residual values, offers impressive operational costs.

To drive, the CVT is a little sluggish from a standstill, but fine when on the move, while the Jazz ride is a little fidgety. However, interior space, storage and flexibility continues to be the car's trump card.

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