Inside, the centre console is a lesson in innovation, mimicking the shape and function of a cellular phone (or the little monster from Lilo and Stitch). On this Trend model priced at R148 900 your Fiesta comes equipped with a Bluetooth connection, so it’s able to mate with your cellphone too. You also benefit from an iPod-friendly auxiliary input jack, and MP3 compatibility blasted at you via a four-speaker sound system controllable by satellite buttons on the steering wheel. You’ll enjoy power steering, electric windows, central locking, aircon, a ‘Soft Feel’ gear knob and the comfort of airbags. Don’t let that tapering body fool you though. With the rear seats in place the Fiesta still enjoys a respectable 284 litres of bootspace.
After a brief fiddle with various knobs and levers a favourable driving position is attained, and from this comfy vantage I hope to extract the full 60kW and 128Nm from the 1388cc Sigma engine. No silly ‘Ford Powered’ start button here; just stick in the key and ‘how’s your father’, she turns over instantly. The pedals feel light and just a mild dab at the accelerator sees the revs rise with enthusiasm. The exhaust note is hollow as though an induction-friendly air filter were bolted on, but the rort from the tiny four-potter promises more than it delivers. It’s the slowest car here by a narrow margin. Zero to one hundred is dealt with in 10.95 seconds, which is on par for a 1.4 litre. Power delivery is linear to the 5500r/min peak, then drops off to the 6000r/min redline, so an early up-change should still get you barrelling along at keen pace. Keeping the throttle pinned to the floor whilst exiting a bend sees all four wheels firmly attached to the black stuff with minimal tyre squeal – proof perhaps that with this Fiesta, Ford has an exciting foundation on which to build a track-happy ST model. While performance is adequate, chances are that if you’re in the market for a mini hatchback speed will not be on top of your priority list. Style might be though, in which case for a small premium you could opt for the gorgeous three-door Titanium model. But then you lose out on practicality, which is something the five-door has in spades. Decisions, decisions.
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Nissan Livina
And don't forget that you can get the Nissan Livina at the same price. A bigger car with an excellent and very economical 1.6 engine. (say what you want - a 1.6 is just better)
The Fiesta is available in a
The Fiesta is available in a 1.6 that is slightly more powerful than the Nissan for about the same price.
Tough choice
A family member traded his old Jazz for the new one, and he believes the older one was better quality. It's the same experience I had with my Accord. Combined with the poor service I've had from Honda, the Jazz isn't a contender in my books.
The Fiesta has the kit and the good looks, but its pricey when taking looking at the model that actually has all the kit installed. It's still less than the Jazz though.
The Suzuki lacks space, but makes up for it in value for money combined with a good specification level, which makes it my choice if budget plays a big role, if not, the Fieta.
Fiesta/Swift/Jazz review
Given the recall issue now in focus and that Honda is the second biggest recaller after Toyota, shouldn't this be factored into a review now? Of the three manufacturers, which one has SAFETY or serious mechanical recalls ongoing (or which has been most recalled recently)? It's fair and well to go on past performance of a manufacturer when recommending their product, but past performance is exactly that: Past. We need up to date info. on which brands in comparison tests are being recalled, and why. This also has an effect on resale values (Toyota resales have falled in the US market, for example) and on a customers perception of whether him/her and their family will feel safe driving a brand that has been recalled for safety critical defects. It's not enough anymore to only report on a vehicles dynamics or soft-touch plastics.
Honda recall
As far as I know the Honda recall affects the previous generation of the Jazz, not this one
No contest for me
in the last few months, i've also been doing careful comparisons in this class for a replacement for an old Golf. Suzuki - nice but no space. Ford also good but poorly specced, lacks the needed versatility and as of late december 09, ford couldn't even supply a demo to drive. Since then i've driven all and there is no contest here - Honda is best here by some distance. In contrast to the last comment, I have had great service from purchase to present from Honda. The car itself is awesome - the engine is a gem, it handles well, is built beautifully, well specced and if you wanted to, you could start a removals company with one of these. and, being a Honda, its likely to last many decades without giving grief. But, as always, we all have different tastes.
Not much of a contest 4 me
It would b the Swift hands down due 2 the level of service I have received when dealing with Suzuki. I may even considder the Fiesta. I would exclude the Jazz outright as I have had attrocious after sales service from Honda. We are currently looking at a replacement car for my wife and Honda will not feature in our lineup ever again
16v Sohc
Yep the SOHC can have up to 4 valves per cylinder
Name
@ Data fault
The Jazz actually has a Water-cooled 4 stroke SOHC i-VTEC 16-valve in-line 4 cylinder.
Honda has been making 16v sohc engines for a long time, sice early 90's if not longer. ie D - series engines
Data fault
You state that the Honda has a single over head cam(SOHC) but in a 4 cylinder car you have to add an other cam to have 16 valves which makes the engin a DOHC
Good comparison with all
Good comparison with all cars. I did comparison of Honda Jazz with Honda City based on specs and price and i like Honda City. I have given few points to support City over Jazz. Jazz is great but pricey. nokia certificate , macromedia training , nortel certification
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