Choosing between a Honda Jazz and a Honda City

I intend to keep the car for a minimum of 5 years if used, and 10 years if it’s a new one.

BHPian Silver Knight recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I am looking for a Petrol Automatic car (a proper AT not an AMT).

My requirements:

• The car will be used 90% for highway drives (I have business in two places which are 130 kilometres apart). I keep shuttling between these places once a week.
• I travel mostly in late night or early morning to avoid infamous Kerala traffic.
• My average travel per month is near to 2000 Kms and NOT LOOKING for a DIESEL.
• Automatic is a must.
• Need a decent boot.
• Budget is a wide Rs 7 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.
• The car should give around 17 kmpl on highway drives.
• No VAG and TATAs. I prefer Japanese machines. Have a Ford Figo at home, so no more Fords.
• I intend to keep the car for a minimum of 5 years if used and 10 years if it’s a new one.
• Straight-line stability is more important than outright handling in the twisties, as the car will be running on planes for more than 95%. I may take her once in a quarter to a hill station (Wayanad/ Ooty).

Considering the above, I shortlisted three cars, all from Honda stable

All New Honda City V CVT

Why?

• It is a major update, so going to say fresh for next five years at least.
• Honda and 10 years of peace or up to 1.20 lakh kilometres.
• Usual advantages of Honda
• Lot of interior space and cavernous 500 litres + boot.
• It’s a perfect sedan for me.

Why not?

• Is it wise to spend Rs 15 lakh on the new Honda City over a sparingly used Honda Jazz at around Rs 6 to 7 lakh (almost 55% cheaper) and serves 90% of my requirements.

Used Honda Jazz (2018 plus models under 25K Kms run)

Why?

• Availability: I found quite a number of cars which are sparingly used.
• 10 Year Honda warranty.
• Spacious interiors.
• I like the silhouette of the Jazz.

Why not?

• I am apprehensive about its highway performance.
• Will the new Jazz get launched anytime soon, if yes I am planning to wait for it.
• It is a generation old.

Used Honda City 4th Gen

Why?

• Availability
• Spacious
• Boot space
• Honda reliability
• Full-fledged sedan

Why not

• Don’t like the styling
• Price: Asking prices are high, better to take a new one. However, no CVT for the new 4th Gen City.

I am more inclined towards a used Jazz than the used 4th gen City. Also, I am not considering the new 4th Gen city as it is long in the tooth and has no CVT.

Here's what BHPian car_guy1998 had to say on the matter:

I would suggest you go for the Honda City CVT over the Jazz since it has the required power for your highway driving and the rear seat will be comfortable for your family as well!

And, has better boot space than the Jazz as well!

And, FYI, the 4th gen City too had the CVT transmission but you need to look for well-maintained ones in the pre-owned market!

And, if you are open to Diesel, then I would suggest you have a look at the Kia Sonet Diesel AT as well! It has all bells and whistles like 6 airbags, has the best in class Diesel+6AT combo, and fun to drive than the Seltos due to its lightweight, and comes within your budget of 15L as well!

Here's what BHPian Turbokick had to say on the matter:

Very strange listing to be honest where the cheaper car enlisted is used while the more expensive car has to be brand new

Jokes apart, obviously City will be better than the Jazz in all aspects as enlisted and a better buy.

And in case Jazz gets the final nod then as a Jazz owner I would like to add few points:

• Jazz isn't underpowered on highways. It has low bottom end torque. Highway performance is rather good.
• New gen Jazz wont be coming anytime soon.
• F.E. of Jazz CVT on highways is 17+

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.