Near unbeatable new Jazz

Honda has released the Jazz, a functional and innovative new compact car. It won’t suit everyone, but for economy, space, zippy performance and functionality, it would be hard to beat.

Outside, Jazz features a cheeky design and looks much smaller than its inside dimensions suggest. Inside, it’s nicely appointed, very spacious – given its size – and innovative in its layout and cargo options. It is a delight to drive, and offers stacks of power and fantastic economy.

Jazz is available in three variants – 1.3-litre GLi, 1.5-litre VTi and 1.5 VTi-S. Standard equipment across the range includes:

• Power windows.
• Central locking.
• CD stereo system.
• ABS brakes.
• Dual airbags.
• Front seatbelt pre-tensioners.

VTi also gets keyless entry, air conditioning, sports trim and the larger 1.5-litre engine. VTi-S has a full body kit, 15-inch alloy wheels and fog lamps.

Delivering 61kW of power and 119Nm of torque, the 1.3-litre engine features twin spark plugs in each of its compact combustion chambers. Honda claims this engine is capable of high output from minimal fuel, and quotes fuel economy figures of 4.8 litres per 100km (highway) and 5.6 litres per 100kms (city) with automatic transmission.

The Police Journal tested a VTi-S, which featured the more powerful 1.5-litre SOHC VTEC engine. Power is increased to 81kW, with torque also up at 143Nm. It has substantially more power but delivers, according to Honda, good economy, with test figures of 5.2litres per 100kms (highway) and 6.0 litres per 100kms (city), again with automatic transmission. These figures are quite realistic, as the journal test drive easily achieved 6.8 litres per 100kms around town. This is about half what the average family six uses.

Perhaps the most innovative mechanical feature of this great little car is the Continuously Variable (CVT) automatic transmission, which is available on all models. CVT uses a pair of segmented belts running on rollers to transmit torque from the engine to the final drive. Hydraulically altering the diameter of the rollers effectively changes the gearing of the car and delivers smooth, stepless performance, from standstill to full speed. Both 1.5 models are available with an F1-inspired CVT-7 option featuring a seven-speed sequential shift system with steering-wheel-mounted controls.

This means that, in the D position, you won’t feel any gear changes while either accelerating or decelerating. Once you push the 7-speed button, you have instant manual control over seven set ratios using the plus and minus buttons on the steering wheel.

This high-spec four-door hatch is also good value for money. Prices range from $16,990 through to $24,790 for the 1.5 sports model with CVT-7 transmission.

...provides very smooth and quiet operation...
...maximum traction and safety on any surface

New Outback affordable

Subaru’s Outback Wagon has enjoyed a reputation as solidly built, luxurious and safe. In 2001, Subaru first introduced a six-cylinder engine into the Outback range. Unfortunately, it was only available in the superbly-equipped Luxury model, which currently costs a hefty $51,990.

Realizing the need for a second six-cylinder version, Subaru recently introduced the Outback H6. At $43,990, the new model is still well appointed and should appeal to a much wider customer base.

To bring the price down, luxuries such as the dual sunroofs, leather trim and polished mahogany steering wheel have been left out. But it does have:

• Climate-control air conditioning.
• ABS brakes.
• Dual airbags.
• A quality sound system.
• Leather-bound Momo steering wheel.
• Power windows and mirrors.
• Central locking.
• Cruise control.

Its exterior is enhanced with alloy wheels, two-tone paint, fog lamps and stylish roof bars.

Under the bonnet is a powerful 3.0-litre DOHC horizontally-opposed six-cylinder Boxer engine. Boasting 154kW of power at 6,000rpm, and 282 Nm of torque at 4,400rpm, the only disadvantage is its requirement for premium unleaded fuel. The engine is a delight and provides very smooth and quiet operation at all but the highest of engine speeds.

Both six-cylinder models feature a smooth four-speed automatic transmission with gated gear-selection lever. The transmission and engine are well matched and go about their business without a hint of noise or harshness.

On the road, H6 is a superb car to drive, with a solid, robust feel about it. While it’s no WRX, it can provide snappy acceleration when pushed, and its renowned all-wheel-drive system ensures maximum traction and safety on any surface. Inside, it’s comfortable, well laid out and will swallow heaps of gear in its large and versatile cargo space.

Although this is Subaru’s entry-level six, it’s very well equipped and reasonably priced, given its features. It’s no serious off-road machine, more a sophisticated highway, dirt-road or snow-road machine that is extremely well built.