All that jazz

IT was a car that drove better than it looked. In 2002, the first Honda Jazz was introduced here with dorky design befitting its runabout status but with an unusually engaging drive. The second-generation Jazz continued with a precise steering and responsive engine in 2008 but improved on the upright styling of its predecessor with a snazzy teardrop. In terms of styling, however, the latest car has succumbed to its inner dorkiness and gone for the shapeless look, one that makes even an amoeba look less amorphous. A deep groove across the doors just below the window line tapers down to the front wheel arch and could be an attempt to amp up the aesthetics, but ends up looking like a longkang going nowhere.

But there is probably a very good reason why the third-generation Jazz is uninteresting to view - Honda was concentrating on all that new technology to fit into it. The car brims with features and advances not seen in this segment. It is a brand new model with an all-new body and platform. Its engine and transmission set a new benchmark on performance and fuel economy. It has safety equipment more commonly associated with pricier Honda models.

There are two engine versions -1.3 and 1.5. The 1.5, also called the Jazz RS, is the one to have. It comes with all the bells and whistles, such as keyless entry, an engine start button, LED headlights and a seven-inch display audio that syncs with smartphone apps such as navigation, music and Siri. A multi-angled rear-view camera is also standard. The 3.95-metre long hatch has its wheelbase stretched by 30 mm to 2,530 mm and boasts a more spacious cabin with better headroom (the platform is lower) and amazing rear legroom (an extra 115 mm). As with the previous model, the versatile interior allows various seat configurations so you can turn it into a bedroom or transport a potted plant or surfboard, although not all at the same time.