With 35 dealerships in South Africa, Honda is certainly securing itself as one of the major key players in South Africa's vehicle fraternity. And the introduction of the 1.5 VTEC jazz further enhances that point.

Now sporting a more powerful 1.5-litre VTEC four-cylinder powerplant, Honda has brought more choice to this popular little car and offers two very ingenious trannys for this particular model, namely a close ratio 5-speed manual and the 7-speed CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic which also features a manual override option. This gearbox offers seamless gear transitions that make the vehicle feel as though it has engaged one continuous gear.

Aesthetically this model has key differences to the 1.4 i-DSI model - the 1.5 VTEC model is an addition to the current model rather than a replacement and includes a sportier front apron with a honey-comb design airdam and has integrated fog lights, extended side sills, a rear overhead boot spoiler and the standard 185/55 R15 tyre combo to give it a purposeful stance while further differentiating it as the range topper.

The cabin is both spacious and ergonomic and most individuals will certainly find a suitable seating position. Rear passenger courts are usually cramped in this segment but certainly not in the Jazz, see with such abundance of space the jazz has managed to eek itself slightly into the C-segment of the market which credits the jazz with a trump card over its arch rivals.

Luggage space is excellent for this segment, measuring a generous 353 litres while including what Honda calls the "magic seat" which allows one to tilt the rear seat cushions upward more akin to cinema seats and exposing a tall load area. Comfort features include air-conditioning, remote central locking, integrated sound system with CD front loader and audio controls on the leather bound steering wheel and electrically adjustable and foldable mirrors come standard.

Safety features include dual airbags (front side airbags on the 1.5 VTEC), three-point inertia reel seatbelts for all five occupants, and anti-lock brakes with electronic aids to ensure swift and stable stops.

The Honda Jazz is the first vehicle in the supermini category to achieve a three-star pedestrian test rating of the EuroNCAP crash test results in June 2004. Further achievements include a 4 star rating for occupants while a 3 three star child seat rating was indeed the cherry on top. Safety has always been the epitome of the Jazz design boasting best in class, achieved by utilising very extensive computer analysis coupled to real life crash test conducted programmes. Honda has also developed what they call G-force control technology which allows the vehicles front frame to be more energy absorbent therefore increasing passenger safety in the event of a collision. Additionally being longer, stiffer and straighter, the front side frame can channel more impact energy back, below the passenger quarters into the floor frame therefore further safely cocooning the cabin's occupants.

The 16-valve 1.5-litre VTEC engine featuring Honda's pioneering variable-valve timing and lift with electronic control technology boasts 81kW and 143Nm of pulling power for brisk acceleration and effortless cruising, while still offering excellent fuel economy. The motor certainly felt strong and cruises very well on the open road with commendable refinement.

The VTEC mechanism on this particular engine allows the intake valve to either function as 1 or 2 valves while the exhaust valve always remaining a 2-valver. In practice this means that this mill can essentially be a 12-valve for better low down torque and economy or 16-valve, for a more spirited performance driving. Handling is certainly most impressive given the nature and intention of the vehicle, with such dimensions one would expect the car to be top heavy. You couldn't have been more wrong, give the car some stick into a corner and mild understeer can be administered at the adhesion limit, which seems to be very high on such a vehicle thanks to the tried and trusted McPherson struts up front while body roll imminence is safely guarded by the anti-roll bar but certainly many a potential customer will probably not drive their vehicles in this manner.

As mentioned, the engine transmits its power utilizing one of two tranny derivatives: a slick 5-speed manual or the brilliant 7-speed CVT automatic. The latter consists of two driving modes "D" or Drive which makes for effortless yet relaxed driving while the "S" or Sporty is more enthusiastically orientated giving the driver full command of the 7 ratios by simply jabbing the "7-Speed mode" button on the steering wheel and shifting cogs through the F1 style paddles behind the steering wheel.

The iDSi model is a fantastic vehicle but lacked the butch and bold appeal to win the testosterone junkies over. Hopefully, Honda will consider bringing an R-type version to appease those with even higher adrenalin thresholds! Jazz Pricing ranges from R132 500 for the 1.4 i-DSI manual up to R149 500 for the range topping 1.5 VTEC with CVT automatic. Pricing is very keen while build quality is exemplary.

Included in the price is a three-year/100 000km warranty, and a comprehensive 1-year roadside assistance program. Service intervals are pegged at 15 000 km while the service plan is optional.