FIRSTDRIVE HONDA ACCORD and HONDA JAZZ: Despite the frosty economic climate, Honda has just launched its new Accord and Jazz cars, writes Michael McAleer, motoring editor
IT'S HARDLY the most opportune time to launch two new Japanese models, with new car sales falling and the exchange rates making Japanese imports ever more expensive.
However, regardless of the inclement economic climes they find here, Honda's new Accord and Jazz have finally arrived.
Featuring a new range of engines for the Accord - in particular the second generation of Honda's 2.2-litre diesel - the new car is firmly targeting premium rivals like BMW's 3-Series and Audi's A4.
With both rivals offering new versions, the timing of this Accord is critical for the brand.
Meanwhile, the Jazz has been greatly revamped and increased, while retaining its urban flexibility and driving dynamics. Both are being pitched as "alternative premium" offerings in their respective markets.
The look of the new Accord has not changed dramatically, with a few sharper lines and creases added for effect, but the biggest changes are, perhaps, in the cabin, which has been given a more premium makeover, and under the bonnet. The cabin gets some of the most comfortable seats in this class of car, while a new central control knob has been added, similar to a more basic version of the iDrive or MMI system on the BMW and Audi.
There remains a clutter of buttons in the cabin as well, which doesn't really make the surfaces as clean and ergonomically appealing as its rivals, but from initial test drives, it's hard to fault the build quality of the car, in keeping with Honda's long-held reputation.
Up front and the new diesel engine, in particular, is a bit of a star.
Kicking out 150bhp - up 10bhp from the previous version - the new 2.2-litre block is arguably even quieter in this car than before, and just as smooth. A 2.0-litre petrol version is also on offer, but with this diesel in the range and its 148g/km emissions figure, it's hard to opt for anything else.
Perhaps the only reason for opting for petrol at present is that those seeking an automatic transmission can only get it on the petrol until the middle of next year. Alternatively you can go for a very smooth six-speed manual box.
Prices start at €32,500 for the ES petrol, and that's very competitive against the other premium players, while the 2.2-litre diesel, starting at €33,800 for the ES, would seem to have the beating of many of its rivals, particularly when you take into account standard features like alloy wheels, dual-zone air-con and cruise control.
As you move up the grades, Type S adds sports upholstery, Bluetooth hands-free system and a USB connection, while the Executive version adds leather seats, a rear parking camera, automatic headlights, Sat-Nav and electric driver's seat. An initial inspection of the specification would suggest it's far more worthwhile than the Type S, even if it does add over €6,000 to the entry price.
As for the Jazz, this little car has been something of a phenomenon for Honda, in that it has been perceived by the public as being a good mix of premium small car and part-time school run people carrier. Its seemingly ever-growing sales figures suggest that Honda merely had to tweak the template for its small hatchback entrant.
In essence that's what they have done, making the car slightly larger but retaining its small car handling traits that make it a favourite for urban and suburban driving.
Two petrol engines are on offer - a 90bhp 1.2-litre and a 100bhp 1.4-litre petrol - with a five-speed manual as standard, or a six-speed i-Shift automatic transmission as an option on the larger engine. Honda wins favour with buyers who downsizing, but who don't want to sacrifice too much in doing so. The Jazz is good in this regard, for it's well equipped, even if the new car lacks some of the interior styling touches of rivals such as the new Ford Fiesta and Opel Corsa.
The new Jazz is strong on safety features, with dual curtain airbags now as standard, along with the usual dual front and side airbags, while stability control is standard on the 1.4-litre versions. It also comes with ABS and emergency brake assist as standard features.
In terms of practicality, an incredible 10 cupholders feature in the car (just how thirsty can you be?) while bootspace ranges from 366 litres to 883 litres.
The rear seats can also be folded up as well as down, giving a flat floor loading area behind the front seats, along with the usual extended boot in the back.
Prices start at €16,295 for the 1.2-litre, which seems rather high compared to some big-selling rivals, but Honda hopes the strength of the Jazz name will retain customer demand.
Factfile Honda Accord and Jazz
ACCORD
Engines: 1997cc four-cylinder DOHC petrol engine putting out 156bhp and 192Nm of torque. 2199cc i-DTEC diesel engine putting out 150bhp and 350Nm of torque
Performance:
Petrol: 0-100km/h - 9.3secs; top speed 212km/h Diesel: 0-100km/h - 9.6secs; top speed 207km/h
Fuel and emissions:
Petrol: L/100km (combined): 7.5; 177g/km Diesel: L/100km (combined): 5.9; 157g/km
Prices:
2.0 i-VTEC ES: €32,500
2.0 i-VTEC Type S: €34,725
2.0 i-VTEC Executive: €38,725
2.2 i-DTEC ES: €33,800
2.2 i-DTEC Type S: €36,195
2.2 i-DTEC Executive: €39,995
JAZZ
Engines: 1198cc petrol engine putting out 90bhp and 114Nm or torque. 1339cc petrol engine putting out 94bhp and 127Nm of torque
Performance:
1.2-litre: 0-100km/h - 12.5secs; top speed 177km/h
1.4-litre: 0-100km/h - 11.5secs;
top speed 182km/h
Fuel and emissions:
1.2-litre: L/100km (combined): 5.3; 125g/km
1.4-litre: L/100km (combined): 5.4; 128g/km
Prices:
1.2 SE €16,295
1.2 SE-S €17,295
1.4 SE-S €18,150
1.4 SE-S i-Shift €19,145
1.4 EX €19,395
1.4 EX i-Shift €20,390