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Rating 1 star



Summary

Recommended. One of the best of the current crop of superminis - well built, versatile and stylish.

Review

Although some of its newer, bigger rivals beat it on size, the Jazz is still one of the most versatile superminis there is thanks to tall construction and a cleverly designed cabin.

The external design is pleasing enough, but it's inside the cabin that the Jazz becomes really good. Light, airy construction, generous room front and rear and seriously useful details like a folding front passenger seat and a sliding rear seat mean it's capable of swallowing an impressive combination of people and luggage.

It drives well, too. The firm-feeling ride becomes crashy over rougher urban surfaces, but the pay-off is keen cornering and a pleasantly reactive chassis. Engine choice is limited to two petrol engines, with both delivering more than respectable performance. The basic 1.2 litre unit needs to be worked quite hard out of town, but delivers diesel-rivalling fuel economy. The more powerful 1.4 is good at everything up to motorway cruising.

The Jazz's previously rock-solid residual values have been weakening slightly as it moves into middle age, but it's still one of the best places for a private buyer to put their money if they want to maximise resale value.

Breakdown

Styling 1 star

Tall and slightly boxy design hints at the Jazz's strong utility. It's reminiscent of a slightly shrunken people carrier.

Handling 1 star

The Jazz drives well up to its modest limits - roadholding is good and it's comfortable on motorways, too.

Comfort 1 star

The ride quality feels too firm on anything other than the smoothest surfaces, but the brilliantly designed cabin is a good place to spend longer journeys.

Quality & reliability 1 star

A class above the rest of the supermini segment in terms of perceived quality. Good materials and strong design.

Performance 1 star

The basic 1.2 litre engine needs to be thrashed to give its best. The 1.4 is respectably rapid.

Roominess 1 star

No longer the biggest supermini, but the Jazz's clever cabin still takes some beating in terms of utility thanks to clever details like the sliding rear seat and under-floor storage.

Running costs 1 star

With excellent fuel economy and well-contained depreciation, the Jazz is an impressively cheap car to keep on the road.

Value for money 1 star

Expensive compared to rivals, especially as the 1.2 doesn't even get air conditioning as standard.

Stereo / Sat nav 1 star

Stereo offers acceptable quality - but satnav is a very expensive option considering the segment the Jazz competes in.

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