Honda family performer a pleasant surprise
It’s not a very well known fact that the Civic Type R is not the only performance arrow in Honda's quiver — it also has this Jazz Sport in the range and to be honest, our road test of it proved a pleasant surprise.
Sport links the brand’s unique sporting heritage, more macho styling cues and significant dynamic enhancements to a more powerful version of th e regular Earth Dreams technology engine and and upgraded paddle shift-stepped CVT gearbox. And while its boxy looks may seem a little in contradiction to those grand prix inspired genes, Civic Sport delivers a soundly sporting character on the road too.
Known as the Jazz RS in some markets, the Sport shot to cult prominence in the Gran Turismo 6 Video Game and the real thing is powered by a 97kW 155Nm direct injection intelligent variable valve timing and lift four-cylinder quad-cam engine. The 1066kg Sport boasts a useful 91kW/ton power-to-weight to promise sub-10 second 0-100 km/h acceleration and 5.6 litre per 100 km consumption.
But our tests proved it considerably quicker — we were not expecting that sub-9 second 0-100 with a solid feel and positive handling, while still returning a decent ride in a practical and spacious package. That’s all backed up by an upgraded interior with Type R-inspired detailing including red accents and stitching, as well as racy alloy pedals and an extended list of standard flagship features .
So those aggressive styling cues and a distinctive aero package are more than just wolf’s clothing. Sport has ample additional go to match its Type R-inspired show in a most interesting blend to family friendly and fun driving and a pretty attainable R338K — in fact it proved among the better surprises of the 2019 test season… — Michele Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Honda Jazz 1.5 Sport
Engine: 97kW 155Nm 1.5-litre petrol I4
Drive: CVT FWD
TESTED:
0-60km/h: 4.37 sec
0-100km/h: 8.89 sec
0-160km/h: 22.47 sec
400m: 16.3 sec @ 142km/h
80-120km/h: 5.58 sec
120-160km/h: 9.87 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 180km/h
Fuel: 5.6l/100km
CO2: 133 g/km
Warranty/Service: 5y 200K/4y 60Kkm
LIST PRICE: 338K
RATED: 6