Charge Of The Light Brigade

Sydney Morning Herald

Saturday September 6, 2008

Joshua Dowling

The new Honda Jazz went on sale this week. Motoring Editor Joshua Dowling and the Drive team compare it with the class leaders.

Small cars are getting bigger - in every way. Not only are they growing in size, they're growing in popularity, too. Given the rising cost of petrol, it probably won't surprise many people to learn that sales of city cars (or "light" cars as the industry defines them) are growing at twice the rate of the new-vehicle market.

Indeed, light cars now account for one in five new passenger vehicles sold - and are the second biggest category behind small cars (Toyota Corolla-sized vehicles). They even outsell the old favourites, the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon.

There are 22 cars to choose from in this hotly contested class but, with the arrival of the new Honda Jazz, we've decided to test it against only the best of the bunch.

We've deliberately chosen from the cars that would get four- or five-star crash protection ratings, which means downsizing is no longer a compromise on safety. All four of these cars are the best examples of the breed in our opinion. Here's how they compare.

HONDA JAZZ

The new Jazz range starts from $15,990 for the 1.3 manual but we've tested the most popular choice among buyers, the base 1.5-litre automatic. Its price is a not-so-basic $21,490 - that's Toyota Corolla money - but among these rivals it has the most standard equipment, the most power and is the roomiest car here by a comfortable margin.

Other brands make curtain airbags optional on cars in this class but they are standard on this Jazz variant and the dearer flagship version (they're still a $1000 option on the cheaper 1.3). This means that buyers of the 1.5-litre models who want optimum side impact protection aren't left waiting up to three months for a special order, as is often the case with at least two of the rivals here.

The downside to the Jazz's otherwise impressive safety story: the car is yet to get stability control - which can prevent a skid in a corner - but it will become standard fitment within 18 months and, to date, only one rival here has this option.

The new Jazz has grown in every dimension compared with its predecessor and it has by far the roomiest rear seat (knee room almost rivals that of a Ford Falcon, according to our tape measure). Thanks to its clever folding rear seat, which stows flat into the floor, it also has by far the most cavernous cargo space. There's one metre of space between the stowed seat and the roof; it's huge. Incredibly, despite the low floor and low load height, Honda has managed to fit a full-sized spare in the boot. Top marks for that.

As always, the Honda's cabin controls impress with their clear layout, simple functionality and modern look. The plastic on the dashboard and door panels, however, looks a bit cheap; Honda has put a fabric insert on the top edge of all four doors so you don't get sore elbows.

Cabin storage is excellent, with a twin-lid glovebox and plenty of pockets and drink holders. As with the other cars, the door pulls double as a pocket for a phone or coins.

Map lights and a light in the middle of the roof are standard on this model, as are steering wheel audio controls. The driver also gets a one-press auto up and down power window switch (the Mazda also has this feature, the others are auto down only).

Forward vision is excellent thanks to the van-like windscreen and front quarter windows, and the over-shoulder view is also good thanks to the convex side mirrors. Rear three-quarter vision when parking is obscured a little by smallish side windows.

The previous Jazz was criticised for having too-light steering and too-soft suspension. The new model has good steering feel and suspension that deals better with bumps, although the suspension is a little on the loud side.

The engine has more power than its rivals and the Jazz is the only car in its class with a five-speed auto but there is more to this than raw numbers. Around town, you need to push the throttle a little further to get the most out of the engine and, even then, the power is near the top of the rev range. The other three cars here have more power down low and require less throttle to get moving. So, the Honda's numbers look good but they don't deliver the advantage we were expecting.

Further, the higher revs (which you need because the new model also put on 45kg, making the Jazz the heaviest among its peers) tend to blunt fuel economy. The previous Jazz was a fuel miser but the consumption of the new model has lost this advantage and consumption is now on par with its rivals.

We averaged about 10 litres/100km around town, and about 7L/100km on the open road. Over three refills, the onboard trip computer was optimistic about how much fuel the car used. It under-called consumption by between 10 and 12 per cent. An example: it said we used 5.8L/100km but we actually used 6.5L/100km. We find this odd. Surely the car knows exactly how much fuel it's using.

MAZDA2

The new Mazda2 is almost a year old but it still looks brand new. It was the last model in the Mazda range to get the company's modern design treatment. And it has worked a treat.

The Mazda2 is the third-best selling car in this class behind the Toyota Yaris and Hyundai Getz but styling is only part of the reason for its sales success. It has the sharpest price, the sharpest handling, the zippiest engine and the most safety features. It is the only car among this quartet that has stability control as an option; it is part of an $1100 safety pack that includes curtain airbags.

Significantly, even with this option, the Mazda2 is still cheaper than its rivals when they are equipped with extra safety features.

A three-door Mazda2 priced from $15,750 went on sale earlier this year but the five-door we've tested is the most popular version.

We enjoyed getting reacquainted with the baby Mazda as it reminded us why it won the light-car class in our Drive Car of the Year awards in 2007. But, as with all cars, there are points of difference.

The base model Mazda2 is the only car among this group to not have steering wheel audio controls and it doesn't get map lights. It has the least knee room and headroom in the rear seat, the high rear-side windows restrict vision when parking and there's a skinny space-saver spare tyre in the boot. For those who live in the city and suburbs a temporary tyre may matter little, as you only need it to limp to the nearest tyre shop. But they're certainly not ideal if you live outside suburbia or find yourself with a flat tyre on a winding, wet, country road.

The Mazda2 doesn't have as many cabin compartments as the Jazz or the Yaris but

there's enough oddment storage space to suit most people's needs. We're not fans of the exposed glovebox - which allows you to poke magazines or other stuff out the top, in front of the airbag - but Mazda figures most buyers will keep their belongings tucked away.

Not much has changed since the model went on sale in September last year but about six months ago Mazda introduced larger wheels and tyres on the base model, following criticism of the wet-weather grip of the original rubber. It was worth the effort and Mazda deserves praise for making the rapid switch. The new wheel trims look good, too.

The quality of the Mazda2 is impressive. The cabin instruments are clear and fuss-free. And it just feels so easy to drive.

The engine requires little prodding to get moving and the car feels really secure on the road. The tyres and suspension are the best among this group when it comes to dealing with speed bumps but it can feel a little firm - but not uncomfortable - on rough roads.

SUZUKI SWIFT

If you think this car looks, at a glance, a bit like a Japanese interpretation of a new Mini, you'd be right. Suzuki, a small-car specialist, is big in Japan but this Swift was designed to conquer Europe and the rest of the world. And so it has cute looks and agile handling combined with made-in-Japan quality.

The Swift has been a success in Australia, too. It accounts for almost 60 per cent of the brand's sales locally and has been the driving force in its growth in recent years.

The Swift still looks fresh even though it is the oldest in this group. It was introduced in 2005 and an updated model arrived about a year ago. The changes were subtle: new tail-lights, rear bumper and wheel covers were about it.

Prices start from $15,990 for a manual five-door hatch but we tested the $17,990 auto, the most popular model.

Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes. To get curtain airbags you have to pay $2000 more for the Swift S, which also comes with alloy wheels and fog lights. Stability control is only available on the manual-only Swift Sport 1.6, which costs $23,990.

It's unfortunate that Suzuki has made curtain airbags a $2000 option by bundling them with other features. Toyota charges $750 for curtain airbags as a stand-alone option and also includes a driver's knee airbag, and Mazda charges $1100 for curtain airbags and includes stability control in the deal.

Apart from these criticisms there is much to like about the Swift. It has longer service intervals than the other cars here (15,000km instead of 10,000km). It has the quietest engine and the most refined tyres and suspension. It has the equal-best turning circle (with Yaris) and, like the Mazda, doesn't need much prodding to get moving.

A neat feature: it is the only car in this group with two-stage unlocking. That is: only the driver's door opens with the first press of the button. Press twice and all doors unlock. This is a handy for personal security when returning to the car late at night.

The Swift has the least amount of cabin storage (the door pockets are too thin) and the rear three-quarter view when parking is restricted a little by the small side windows.

But it gets a nice leather steering wheel with audio controls, large sun visors and a regular fuel gauge (the Mazda and Toyota have digital fuel gauges). Quality is good. The electric power steering can get heavy momentarily when parking but is otherwise fine.

As with the Mazda, the Swift comes with a space-saver spare tyre so the same criticisms apply. There's room for a full-sized spare but Suzuki has opted for greater boot space.

The Swift is a great little car but there is one thing you won't find in the brochure: among this quartet it's the dearest to repair in a low-speed crash, according to tests by NRMA Insurance. Despite this, it is the second-cheapest of this group to insure, according to our online quote.

TOYOTA YARIS

In the budget-car car class it is rare for one of the most expensive models to be the best-seller but that's the case with Toyota's Yaris. It has been the top model since it went on sale in November 2005.

As with the Honda Jazz, the Yaris is available with a 1.3-litre engine and prices start from $15,190 for a three-door hatch. But the 1.5-litre five-door YRS automatic priced from $19,690 we tested here is the biggest seller.

The Yaris is made in Japan but it was designed in Europe, which is why, from some angles, it has some Peugeot-style flair to its flanks.

Inside, it looks like a spaceship. There is a digital instrument cluster in the middle of the dash, which displays the speed in exact figures (rather than a needle on a dial). Some drivers don't like this but we're fans. In this era of fixed speed cameras, low tolerances and strict enforcement with harsh penalties, there is no ambiguity in a digital read-out.

The quality of the fabrics is top notch. Toyota has used wetsuit-style material on the seats and doors. The latter is handy for elbow comfort. Storage cubbies abound. There are more compartments in this car than any of its rivals. You'll never find the toll money again.

Visibility all around is good and the Yaris is second in cabin roominess only to the Jazz. But it still has more back seat room than the other two cars.

Cleverly, the rear seat is on rails (the only car here with this feature), so you can slide it forward or back depending on whether you need to carry people or cargo. That said, the boot is pretty small but it has a full-sized spare. There are two under-floor storage pockets.

A mildly facelifted Yaris is due in showrooms next month but there are no technical changes. It gets a new front bumper and tail-lights. Curtain airbags will remain a $750 option and come with a driver's knee airbag, the only car in this class with this feature. Stability control, however, is not an option. It's due within the next 18 months.

Uniquely, Toyota has capped the price of routine servicing for the Yaris to $120 for the period of the warranty. This is a good deal as service prices vary wildly (see table). The price is fixed because Toyota picks up the tab on the balance of the dealer's cost. It sets aside part of the car's purchase price to this end. So it's worth noting while the cost of servicing is cheaper, compared to the Mazda at least, you're paying more for the car in the first place. If you can haggle on the Yaris purchase price, this would make the $120 service deal more attractive.

Another warning for small-car buyers: the cost of the genuine replacement tyres is expensive, ranging from between $160 to $190 a tyre. This amounts to highway robbery, as there are smaller and bigger cars with cheaper genuine replacement tyres.

THE VERDICT

We would genuinely, happily recommend any of the cars here. We hope buyers opt for curtain airbags to encourage better availability and to prompt other brands to introduce these potentially life-saving features on their light cars.

For what it's worth, though, we've ranked the fab four in the following order.

The Jazz was, surprisingly, first off the list because, for all its merit, it is simply too expensive. Had we tested the 1.3-litre Jazz GLi auto with the $1000 safety pack ($18,990), and had it performed adequately, the Jazz would probably have ranked second.

The Swift is a class act but its cabin is outclassed in this company and curtain airbags are an expensive option.

That leaves the Yaris and the Mazda2. Both are excellent cars for different reasons - and we can see why people might prefer one over the other.

I like the Yaris's digital speedo, roomy cabin, full-sized spare and fixed-priced servicing but the Mazda2 gets over the line in our judgment because it is cheaper to buy and run, has more safety equipment and is more fun to drive.

MAZDA2 NEO

RRP $18,150.

Price with all available safety equipment $19,250.

Country of origin Japan.

Engine 1.5-litre, four-cylinder.

Power 76kW and 137Nm.

Transmission Four-speed auto.

Economy 6.8L/100km.

Weight 1032kg.

Turning circle 9.8 metres.

Safety Dual airbags and anti-lock brakes are standard but an $1100 safety pack (which we recommend) adds front seat side airbags, curtain airbags and stability control.

Service intervals and average cost 10,000km, $280.

Spare tyre Space-saver.

Replacement tyre Toyo R27 185/55R15, $190.

Insurance* $1100 a year.

SUZUKI SWIFT

RRP $17,990.

Price with all available safety equipment $19,990.

Country of origin Japan.

Engine 1.5-litre, four-cylinder.

Power 74kW and 133Nm.

Transmission Four-speed auto.

Economy 6.7L/100km.

Weight 1060kg.

Turning circle 9.4 metres.

Safety Dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes are standard. Front seat side airbags and curtain airbags are standard on the Swift S model which is $2000 dearer. Stability control not available.

Service intervals and average cost 15,000km, $250.

Spare tyre Space-saver.

Replacement tyre Bridgestone RE080 185/60R15, $180.

Insurance* $1124 a year.

HONDA JAZZ VTi

RRP $21,490.

Price with all available safety equipment $21,490.

Country of origin Thailand.

Engine 1.5-litre, four-cylinder.

Power 88kW and 145Nm.

Transmission Five-speed auto.

Economy 6.7L/100km.

Weight 1115kg.

Turning circle 10.4 metres.

Safety Dual front, side and curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes are standard. Stability control not available.

Service intervals and average cost 10,000km, $300.

Spare tyre Full-sized spare.

Replacement tyre Goodyear GT3 175/65R15, $160.

Insurance* $1470 a year.

TOYOTA YARIS YRS

RRP $19,690.

Price with all available safety equipment $20,440.

Country of origin Japan.

Engine 1.5-litre, four-cylinder.

Power 80kW and 141Nm.

Transmission Four-speed auto.

Economy 6.7L/100km.

Weight 1055kg.

Turning circle 9.4 metres.

Safety Dual front airbags and anti-lock brakes are standard. Front seat side airbags, curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag are a $750 option. Stability control not available.

Service intervals and average cost 10,000km, $120.

Spare tyre Full-sized spare.

Replacement tyre Dunlop SP2030 185/60R15, $190.

Insurance* $1229 a year.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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