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)

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.

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.

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.

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

Yep the SOHC can have up to 4 valves per cylinder

@ 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

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 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