hi

I was down at my local dealer in Melbourne this morning and took a GLI manual for a drive.
Was quite happy with the car.
The engine seems to have noticeably more power and also a deeper sound.
The car generally is better soundproofed I think, although I only got it up to about 85kmh on the Nepean Highway.

I am not sure about the interior though.
The steering wheel feels better and less plastic and cheap than the wheel on the old model GLI, but some of the other interior parts look and feel a bit cheap i think. Not sure I like the layout of the dash controls that much, and the feel of the fan and heat controls is a little odd.

Also, the "map holders" in the doors at the front are very thin and deformable. Certainly not a good idea to put too much weight in there, as they will break easily.

Having said that, visibility is great, and drive is fine.
I was a little disappointed that there is no stability/traction control at all in the Jazz range. I think this puts it at a disadvantage to some of its competitors such as the mazda 2.

I did some quick negotiating and I am pretty sure that the car can be had for low 18's (GLI SP, manual + mats)

I think I will go back later in the week and order one.

Jo