Honda’s supermini, the Jazz, has been revised, bumper to bumper writes Hannah Gordon What is it? First launched in 2001 the Honda Jazz has been a familiar sight on our roads, the new updated 3rd generation promises more interior space and refinement. Available now with just one engine choice can this reliable little car carry on from where it left off? Who is it aimed at? With the new Jazz Honda is trying to appeal to a larger audience. The styling and simplicity paired with an impressive technology package and a vibrant colour palette to chose from means this car should attract a younger crowd. And the Styling? The Jazz shares some of its styling with the Honda HRV including the headlights. It still retains its upright posture almost MPV like in styling and this helps to make access in and out easier. The new styling gives the Jazz a sharper and more inviting look and everything above the SE range gets alloy wheels as standard. Under the bonnet? Honda have kept things simple with just one engine choice available, a 1.3 litre petrol engine, naturally aspirated and producing just 102bhp, but this car isn’t designed to beat anyone at the traffic lights. Instead the engine is refined and pulls well through the gears, there is a six-speed manual and the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic gearbox. The CVT gearbox is rather annoying though and I wouldn’t recommend choosing it over the manual option unless you really have to. What about inside? The interior is extremely spacious and the MPV exterior styling helps to give a decent amount of headroom. Interior quality is good and the materials used feel hard wearing. The Magic Seat system offers versatility and extra space with the rear seats folding completely flat and going from a 354 litre boot space to a huge 1314 litres. This space is better than the Ford Fiesta and is only marginally beaten by the Nissan Note. On the road? The Jazz is a nicely set up car that excels well with any type of driving conditions, the steering is direct and not too heavy whilst the engine doesn’t pull like a train it does give you a sense of knowing whats going to happen without a kick from a turbo. The suspension soaks up holes in the road and the cabin noise...
Audi promises big car sophistication in a small package with their new A1 writes Geraldine Herbert What is it? The A1 may be the smallest car in Audi’s range but it is every inch the premium car and proof that less really can be more. Who is it aimed at? With stylish looks and a very sophisticated interior Audi’s A1 will appeal to fashion conscious singletons. Styling? For 2015 the A1 has had a nip and tuck that includes new headlights and a redesigned bumper and grille unit but overall the changes go pretty much unnoticed. Under the Bonnet? The biggest change to the smallest Audi is lurking underneath the bonnet where a punchy 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine powers our test car. But if a one litre sounds too small for your needs there are six engines – petrol and diesel – across the range to choose from and all are new or have been revised. What about inside? Inside is all the minimalist chic we have come to expect from Audi with the same level of quality found further up the range. The front seats are really comfortable and there’s plenty of leg and headroom. Our three door test car is ideal for two plus a couple of bags but space for rear passengers is tight so be warned leggy friends will certainly feel cramped. No-one will ask you for a lift to IKEA as the boot is tiny at 270 litres but the rear seat back do fold down to give a respectable 920 litres. On the Road? The ride is firm but comfortable on most surfaces so it won’t quite shake your fillings loose and the gear box makes for quick and seamless shifts. It is also fun to drive with a decent amount of feedback from the steering and loads of grip ensures turning and cornering are reassuringly surefooted. And Safety? The A1 features an impressive list of standard safety equipment and all versions are fitted with six airbag plus it has been awarded the full five stars from Euro NCAP. Options? Available as a three or five door model the range starts at €21,450 and three main trim levels are offered on the A1, entry-level, SE and S Line. The SE adds 16” alloy wheels; LED rear lights; sports seats; rear-parking sensors; contrast colour...
We travelled to Bratislava to drive the new Nissan Note ahead of its October launch What is it? The new Note is no longer a mini MPV. Armed with better looks, more space and equipment it is now has its sights firmly set on the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Auris and the Volkswagen Polo. First impressions of the new Nissan Note? Not quirky like the Juke nor curvy like the Micra; the Note is now more aggressively styled than the old one but it...
