Looking at it, my first impression was... Whoa! It's tall! It's true. I have tested the Mazda 2 and the Fiesta. And I like driving them both. So when I saw how tall the Jazz is, I thought that it hates taking corners fast.
Anyway, this model is a looker. Compared to the Fiesta whose front snout is kind of weird looking and the Mazda 2's huge plastic thing up front, the Jazz looks more refined and balanced and pleasing to the eyes. Though the previous generation (GD) Jazz already looks good, the redesign of the front fascia of the GE model gives it a seamless transition between body panels and gives it a more aggressive look especially the 1.5 trim. Its bodykit, although modest, gives it a stance which invokes confidence. In contrast to the GD, the GE's body panels is more edgy.
Remember how I said that the Jazz is tall? Well, inside one can see the reason for that as it is very easy to get in and out of the car. Compared to Fiesta and Mazda 2, the Jazz has a lot of headroom. You'd think that subcompacts are cramped but I say this, the Jazz is more spacious than my old Galant which is a midsize sedan. The dash is, like the previous generation, is ergonomically sound and aesthetically pleasing. Plus the steering wheel is also telescopic. Now this feature is mostly found in higher end vehicles. Peeking from just behind the wheel are 2 silver protrusion. One on each side called paddle shifters. That's something right. Sounds very promising indeed. And... 10 cup holders!!! Now, how the hell were they able to place 10 cup holders in a B-segment car?!? Boggles the mind. Really. Now, the rear seats are pretty special. With just one pull of a lever and the backrest folds forward and instantly it is converted into a flat bed storage area. One qualm I have against the interior though is that it does not feel premium at all. Very plasticky. But, all panels fit together snugly giving a solid feel to it. I would have loved to see some leather in it, or if it is too much to ask, at least soft plastic.
Anyhow, on to my driving experience. It isn't really nirvana but, well..... close. My car is the 1.5 variant and it is quite a responsive and willing little engine. The automatic transmission is smooth and well-matched to the powertrain and going up and down the gears with the paddles is a breeze. Match this responsive transmission to the willing engine and you find yourself blissfully eating up the pavement. Another qualm I have is, in normal drive mode, the transition from first to second is, shall I say, slow. But what I found out is shifting at RPM's above 2500 is where the magic happens. Using the paddles, upshifts are instantaneous. No lag at all. Remember how tall I said the Jazz is? Well, it doesn't show at all when driving on twists and turns. There was minimal body roll and the steering is responsive and direct with good feel of the road. It makes one confident in attacking bends on the roads fast.
Finally, what everyone buying B-segment cars is mostly concerned about.... fuel economy. Initially, it was 10.1 city, 14.5 highway, and 12.5 mixed. After the break-in period, I now got 10.8 city, 16.0 highway, and 13.1 mixed.
Overall, I rate my Jazz a solid 8 out of 10 just because of the plasticky interior, the slow upshift from 1st to 2nd in normal drive mode, and some road noise when doing more than 60kph.