i've noticed that alot of newer cars have some funky power steering problems. They seem to allow the computer to control the amount of assistance you have with the steering to give the car a better feel. Sometimes my car, 2002 holden barina (crap), has a problem where the power steering will completely disable, or gets really hard to turn, especially at low speeds. I've gotton some error codes from the ecu sayin that there is somethin wrong with it but i've had somone check out the entire steering system and they gave it the all clear.

Not sure if this helps but its not just honda jazz's so don't feel as though you've got a cruddy car cause i'd love a honda jazz compared to my barina...

cheers

jason