Honda Jazz (AA). Straight entry-level model in the eighties

In the early 1980s, Honda steadily expanded its model range in Europe. Alongside the well-known Civic and Accord, the brand saw room for a compact city car distinguished by its efficiency and reliability. This role was filled in Europe from 1983 onwards by the Honda Jazz, a model that had been introduced in Japan as the Honda City in 1981. Although the Jazz name would later be used again for a completely different type of car, the original Jazz was primarily known as a smart and compact solution for urban mobility, with features that could also be used effortlessly outside the city.

The Honda Jazz was available in Europe as a three-door hatchback with a noticeably high roofline and short overhangs. At approximately 3,38 meters long, the car was clearly aimed at urban use, where maneuverability and ease of parking were important. At the same time, the relatively tall bodywork created a surprisingly spacious cabin. The concept revolved primarily around maximizing space within a relatively short length. The Jazz's design functionally reflected Honda's distinctive approach of the period. A high body, large windows, and a nearly vertical rear defined its appearance. The Jazz focused on clarity and practicality. Thanks to the large glass surfaces, the driver had good all-round visibility, making the car suitable for busy city traffic. Furthermore, depending on the equipment, you could easily drive the Jazz for long distances. No problem.

For the European market, the Honda Jazz was available with the 1.231 cc four-cylinder petrol engine. This engine was designed for reliability and low fuel consumption. The Jazz was also available (depending on market, including the Netherlands) in the Special and Luxe versions. The name of the latter version, however, did not refer to a more luxurious trim level. The difference between the Special and Luxe was the power of the 1231 cc engine: 45 hp and 56 hp, respectively. The power increase for the Luxe version was due in part to the installation of a register carburetor. The high-performance version required premium-grade petrol, while the more docile version was satisfied with regular petrol.

Another difference from the Special was the installation of a five-speed gearbox. Incidentally, the Jazz Luxe accelerated quite quickly from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour: it needed only 13 seconds. The base version took 3.5 seconds longer. Honda quoted an average fuel consumption of (approximately) 1 liter per 15 kilometers for both versions, with the most powerful version also being slightly more economical. The Jazz versions were never available with an automatic transmission. Turbocharged versions were not offered in Europe; the Jazz emphatically positioned itself as a down-to-earth and efficient car.

The Honda Jazz's chassis was relatively advanced for its class and time. At the front, Honda used an independent wheel suspension with McPherson struts and coil springs. This design combined a compact body with predictable handling. The rear also featured an independent wheel suspension, also equipped with coil springs. This setup contributed to decent roadholding and a comfortable ride, especially on uneven surfaces. The chassis tuning was clearly focused on comfort and control, not sportiness. Combined with the direct steering, this resulted in a car that felt nimble and easy to maneuver, especially at low speeds and in narrow streets. The brakes were power-assisted, with discs at the front and drums at the rear. The Honda also had a dual-circuit braking system.

One of the strengths of the Honda Jazz was its interior. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the car offered a surprising amount of head and legroom, especially in the front. Honda cleverly utilized the available space by positioning components like the fuel tank and suspension as efficiently as possible. The rear seat was simple, but offered sufficient space for occasional use by adults. The luggage compartment was also practically designed, increasing the Jazz's versatility. Moreover, the luggage compartment could be expanded by folding the rear seat, providing 440 liters of space.

Production of the Honda Jazz (AA) for Europe lasted until 1986, and the cessation coincided with the end of the first generation Honda City in Japan. This was replaced by the new generation; the Jazz was not replaced in Europe. The Jazz only returned in 2001, as an export version of the Fit, also introduced in Japan in 2001.