Category Archives: Manufacturer

Honda, Manufacturer

Beefed up Jazz a smart alternative

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Jazz and Jazz Crosstar MMC

Honda Jazz Crosstar

By Bill McCarthy

There are models that can sometimes appear to slip under the radar, for one reason or another. And while the excellent Jazz is pretty well known, tried and tested in the country, its muscular sibling, the Crosstar offers a significant alternative.

Both models received a makeover for 2023 with the 1.5 litre petrol e:HEV hybrid powertrain revised to generate extra power, an extra 10 kW, and efficiency.

A small SUV, it really defies that description, with Tardis like cargo space and practically in spades. It has a more rugged look than the Jazz with side skirts and rear bumper redesigned to complement its more rugged appearance,

Add to that a super-efficient full hybrid power unit showing economy of just shy of 60mpg, even more than the official figure, and you have quite a package.

 Include the bells and whistles which give this range topper  a genuine premium feel and at a shade over £28k, and given the cost of new cars and the kit on offer, it seems a reasonable price.

It looks pretty good as well, sitting higher off the ground than the standard Jazz, offering integrated roof rails, revised grille and smart 16-inch alloys.

In practical terms, an impressive 304 litre capacity can be extended to a huge 1,205 litres with the rear ‘Magic” seats down. That familiar seat configuration allows for fold-flat or flip-up flexibility to boost stowage space.

The design also retains the wide tailgate opening for optimum loading together with the stepless flat floor.

 It feels roomy all around with the fuel tank moved to benefit the front seats, which allows that extra boot space.

The interior is bright and roomy with a large, raked windscreen and plenty of headroom even for taller people. 

Seats are comfortable and Honda’s heated ‘anti-fatigue’ are designed to make long journeys less tiring. 

The centre point is a nine inch touchscreen, the brains of the car, controlling Apple and Android connectivity with sat nav and infotainment. In addition, WiFi hotspots and My Honda+ app keep occupants connected while driving.

A seven-inch TFT instrument cluster also feeds real-time information to the driver, while it is packed with creature comforts like multi-function steering wheel, climate control and important additions like rear view camera and parking sensors.

On the road the engine performs admirably, offering decent pace and the previously mentioned economy. The hybrid system works via a lithium-ion battery supplying direct power to the electric propulsion motor

  • Hybrid Drive: The engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn supplies the electric propulsion motor
  • Engine Drive: Petrol engine connects directly to the wheels via a lock-up clutch.

Switching between the modes is barely noticeable with the components working together for maximum efficiency.

Honda’s CVT transmission improves with each version of the car, despite that kind of transmission not being my favourite. 

Handling is pretty decent and the car feels stable, but the suspension does jar, picking up  the worst imperfections on our shocking roads.

It also features a new transmission tunnel edging and a revised black water-repellent seat fabric, while the boot also features a rubber

Packed with safety kit, it includes an upgraded Traffic Jam Assist function with steering support from 0 km/h, reducing the burden on the driver when navigating traffic,

Honda’s SENSING technologies include: Collision Mitigation Braking System,Adaptive Cruise Contro, Road Departure Mitigation system and EBlind Spot Information: and Intelligent Speed Limiter: together with a full complement of airbags, 

For those wishing to tow, a payload of 500kg is impressive, adding to what is already a practical motor. The Jazz never fails to impress and this version is no different.

FAST FACTS 

Jazz Crosstar Advance 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid

 Price: £28,010 

Mechanical: 1598cc, 107PS, petrol hybrid engine with single step CVT transmission 

Max Speed: 108mph 

0-62mph: 9.7 seconds 

Economy: 58.9 mpg (WLTP)
C02 emissions: 108g/km

Insurance: 19

Warranty: 3 years, 90,000 miles

Isuzu, Pick-up/4x4

Arctic warrior takes on the toughest terrain

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Isuzu D-Max Arctic AT35

By Bill McCarthy

If anything defines the phrase full-fat off-road beast, then surely it will be this D-Max on steroids.  But that’s the point of this vehicle.

It’s about its capability and this has been recognised as Isuzu UK again secured the prestigious Pick-Up of the Year 2024 award from Company Car & Van magazine. This marks the third consecutive win for the Isuzu D-Max in this category, a testament to its unrivalled performance and versatility in meeting the needs of small to medium fleets.

This Arctic version, designed in collaboration with Icelandic off-road specialists Arctic Trucks, who know a thing or two about harsh off-road conditions, is a showstopper.

This vehicle is huge as discovered on a trip to a supermarket with the tightest of tight parking  spaces, squeezing it in, 35-inch tyres included, was a tricky manoeuvre.

Featuring a 1.9 litre diesel engine, it comes in either manual, or in this case an automatic transmission. It offers two all-wheel-drive mode, low and high range gears plus a locking rear diff for the most challenging conditions.

Cliches abound. It does what it says on the tin etc and just one look gives the impression of huge off-road capability, from the 35-inch rubber on 17-inch alloys, to huge wheel arches with massive ground clearance of a minimum of 266mm, running plates, flared wheel arch extensions, and roof rails.

The flat bed has a remote lockable roller cover and the tailgate has a soft opening and closing for ease of access.

Built on the best-selling Isuzu V-Cross model, it features strengthened chassis, Bilstein Performance Suspension which has  35 degree approach angle, 34 degree breakover and ramp angle of 22 degrees, allowing it to overcome the most challenging of obstacles.

Those mighty wheels and tyres give it the capacity to tackle anything from Iceland’s ‘fire and ice’ environment, to rain forests and harsh desert conditions. It’s pretty good for a small business or for use in a farming environment.

The 1.9 litre, 164PS turbo diesel engine delivers 360Nm of torque, a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes and a payload of more than a tonne.

 The interior is pretty impressive as well with premium black leather finish which features bespoke Arctic branding and badging, a nine-inch multimedia system that provides navigation, connectivity for smartphones and infotainment via an eight-speaker sound system. There are even dedicated locking wheel nuts and an Arctic Trucks torque wrench. 

It is packed with high equipment bells and whistles, the kind of equipment found on premium motors.

On or off-road, the driver always feels in control thanks to the high driving position and numerous safety aids in place. Clearly designed for off-road work, on the road it performs OK, considering what it is although it tends to bounce around a bit, especially on lesser roads.

But the enhanced suspension means it feels pretty stable otherwise, particularly on bends and corners. It’s a more than adequate motorway cruiser as well.

The diesel, mated in this case to an auto box, is pretty noisy, but offers enough grunt to get out of tight situations while economy at a claimed 30-odd mpg is pretty good for such a heavy four-wheel drive vehicle. 

Safety is key with a vehicle of this nature and it features Traffic Sign Recognition, Automatic Windscreen Wipers and Emergency Lane Keeping, Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking to keep drivers safe.

Factfile

Isuzu D-MAX Arctic AT35

Price: £52,499 CVOTR

Mechanical: 1898cc 164PS four cylinder diesel engine driving all wheels rear wheels via eight speed automatic transmission

Max speed: 112mph

0-62mph: 12.4 seconds

Economy: 30.3mpg

CO2 emissions: 241g/km

Insurance group: 42

Warranty: 5yrs/125,000 miles