Quote Originally Posted by fundies View Post
Finally took a look at the new Jazz on the weekend. Just me or did anyone else notice that the plastics are getting cheaper looking on the interior all the time ?
Also, I would rule out the new model on one problem alone, that being front passenger lack of leg room. My 15 year old sons knees were virtually hitting the glove box, and with the seat fully back, that then gives no leg room to people sitting behind. A big step back imo. Personally I dont like the more angular look of the car as well, but that may grow on me. I've heard some crap from Honda saying that they dropped the CVT because it was "endlessly noisy". I love my cvt to death, and has to be one of the smoothest gearboxes I've used on a small car. Another backwards step by Mr. Honda.
You're not alone with your impressions of the new Jazz.

The interior plastics look cheap and is cheap. It will wear faster due to sun damage and scratching. I think healthy constant application of Scotch Guard will assist in preserving it.

Your son sounds like he is a reasonably tall lad? While the leg space in the Jazz is small, I personally didn't find the passenger seat to be constricting.

The CVT was dropped for all but the VTiS. It's a real shame. Another selling point for the old Jazz. This is Honda Australia deciding not to give this feature to Australians as the Japanese model has CVT as an option across the range. It's a real pain as it forces you to buy the VTiS at the higher price point, which is just body kit, trim plus CVT.

As for the angular look. I really love it. I think the body of the new Jazz is the biggest selling point as well as the colours. It's a shame the rest of it bar the engine is not the same quality.

Having said that, it's still a good car, not quite reaching it's potential but I think if you did buy it, you wouldn't be regretting your decision. Keep in mind there are a lot of options for the subcompact market which can be less expensive.