Ian Lamming does battle with the big boys in Honda’s latest Jazz Crosstar
IT’S time to fight back, to seize the moment as well as the road, to stand up for Jazz drivers everywhere.
The psychology of cars is now well known, mainly because I’m constantly twining on about it to anyone who will listen – and those numbers dwindle by the day. While as people we all remain the same, the way people react to us seems to depend on what we are driving, which is ridiculous, but then isn’t human nature just so.
So if you want to feel part of an elite club, then spend a lot and you can nod, wave and flash (your lights) to anyone with a similar vehicle. If you want to feel all worthy and green, then buy something electric. And if you want to be the king of the road, then opt for a pick-up.
If you can live with being bullied then drive a Honda Jazz because, invariably, that is what happens.
First day behind the wheel of the Crosstar variant and a pick-up, being driven by a lady, though there was little to say she was gracious in any way, forces me off the road and into the dirt. Not half an hour later and another pick-up decides to pull out on me even though there’s nothing behind me. I could read the expression on his face. It reads ‘oh no, a Jazz, it must be being driven by an elderly couple out for a Sunday bimble and if I don’t go now I’ll be stuck behind them doing 25mph forever’. And out he came.
Then Monday morning and the school run sees the bullying tactics handed over to white van man. On two separate occasions they accelerate towards me, once as I pull out of a junction – with plenty of space and time to spare I must add – and a second time at a roundabout. What is the matter with you people?
So now I’m annoyed and go in search of revenge. I’m not elderly. I don’t bimble at 25mph and I can stand up for myself and the Honda.
An Audi A6 becomes the first victim of Crosstar’s wrath as we fly by, a veritable blur of petrol and hybrid motoring. Next is a Volvo XC90 on a long steep incline, the Crosstar enveloped in a cacophony of multi-valved technology. And finally it’s a BMW’s turn – eat my fumes people.
My blood is up and suddenly the bullies turn tail and flee, the world now giving the little Crosstar the respect it deserves.
Have you ever thought why the Jazz appeals to a certain demographic? It’s because these drivers have more experience of life and know a good thing when they see it.
First and foremost, they demand reliability and this is a given with any Honda. They want good value for money and frugal running costs. Please put two ticks in the respective boxes for the Crosstar. For around £25K you get a whole lot of technology and specification.
This car comes with everything – rear view camera, keep lane assist, intelligent cruise control, climate control, LED lights, heated seats, satellite navigation, infotainment. The interior is great because it uses both touchscreen tech and old style knobs and buttons making driving intuitive and easy. As for being frugal? Even chasing down the big boys does little to hit economy and I only see a marginal dip from an average of 60.1 to 59.4mpg.
Jazz has also grown in stature. It is physically bigger than previous models and the Crosstar adds a soupcon of off-roader aesthetics with bolder airdam and rear valance, 30mm increased ride height and black cladding around the wheelarches and sills. Nice little touches, such as integrated alloy roof rails and door mirror caps, add to the effect.
One of the reasons you can feel confident to take on the world is that the Jazz comes with an excellent motor sporting Honda’s latest 1.5 litre petrol/hybrid powerplant.
It is happy to breeze along in town, or even at higher speeds while coasting, leaving the work to the rechargeable battery/electric motor combo. Then when needed the internal combustion engine kicks in and together the Jazz offers 109PS of power, offering a sub-10 second sprint time to 60mph and plenty of mid-range for overtakes.
Looking out the front is a bit like a golf buggy and swathes of glass all round offer peerless levels of visibility. That means the interior is lovely and light and also helps generally when manoeuvring.
Rear leg room is amazing too for such a class of car. The magic seats slide back and forth and are even covered in waterproof trim. It really is a big little car.
So don’t be fooled and stop pigeonholing this excellent little car. Like the boldest of terriers it really will take on all-comers and win.
Fact File
Jazz 1.5i-MMD Crosstar EX
Engine: 1.5 petrol hybrid
Power: 109PS
0-62mph: 9.9 secs
Top speed: 107mph
Combined MPG: 58.9
Transmission: automatic
CO2 g/km: 110
Price: £24,815.00
