Guest Article:
Japanese car manufacturer Honda had a real hit with the launch of the original Jazz ten years ago thanks to its deceptively large interior, flexible seating and good basic specifications which raised the bar for compact family vehicles. Now the new Honda Jazz is soon to be launched and it presents itself as a suitably progressive take on the formula that made its precursor a big seller.
The new Jazz will be split into two distinct categories. You will be able to pick up various models with petrol engines ranging from 1.2 to 1.4 litres and using Honda's impressive i-VTEC components, or you will be able to opt for the Honda Jazz Hybrid. This will harness a 1.3 hybrid engine that combines petrol and electricity to keep it rolling for miles and miles. It will typically be more expensive than the petrol-only models but you will get significantly better miles per gallon if you drive it carefully. The good news for potential buyers is that there will be no road tax to pay because of the efficiency of these new Honda Jazz models, which will leave you more cash to spend on cheap car insurance when it is required.
The most basic Jazz model is the S, although a quick scan of its specs marks it out as a well-equipped car for its class. You get electric windows in the front, heated wing mirrors to clear off mist and ice on unfavourable days and clever keyless entry which means you will not need to fumble for the slot in the dark. You also get the full complement of airbags arrayed around the cabin and security features that will lessen the price of car insurance groups. Intelligent seat designs allow for the seats in the rear to recline which will be great if you have passengers who want to doze on a journey.
The Jazz ES marks the next step in the range, bringing with it a 1.4 litre engine which has a little more poke without compromising on fuel economy. It also has 15 inch alloy wheels, climate control, electric windows in the rear and a USB port on the stereo to help playback your music files without any hassle.
The Jazz EX-T is the top of the line model for the new era, bringing integrated sat nav to the table and ensuring that you can make and receive calls on your phone safely with hands-free Bluetooth. If you are feeling particularly flush you can opt for leather upholstery and even heated front seats at an additional cost. It is arguably the Jazz Hybrid that marks the most important step in the new vehicle's journey. It has three basic model types which follow the same incremental improvements as its petrol siblings. The price is understandably higher as you are helping to pay for the development of the efficient hybrid engine. With soaring petrol prices a hybrid may be looking more attractive, although the fact that you are required to fork over more when you first buy it may be a roadblock to wider uptake of this model. It is worth noting that using the hybrid model may have an impact on the cost of modified car insurance, so research is advised before you commit.
When choosing between the various models of the new Honda Jazz it is of course worth taking a test drive. If you know someone who has bought one it might even be worth borrowing it for the weekend, booking some temp car insurance and bundling the family into it to see how it feels and how practical it will be. You can find inexpensive temp car insurance and consider it an investment in your decision and a fraction of the actual cost of the car.