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There’s an old saying which alleges that when you’re young you have time and energy but no money, when you’re middle-aged you have energy and money but no time and when you’re old you have time and money but no more energy. If I may be so bold, I shall use this adage to evaluate the Honda Brio.
Dear 2011 Honda Jazz 1.3 Comfort CVT,
Please accept my apologies for only putting fingers to keyboard now, even though we parted ways a few weeks ago. I won’t give you the whole “it’s not you, it’s me” routine but have to note that I was extremely busy recently.
Testing a hybrid automobile isn’t a very pleasurable experience for a motoring journalist and/or petrol-head. I would imagine it feels like a food critic having to evaluate an instant diet meal because the media alleges that we’re getting too fat and we’re running out of milk.
Please excuse my nonsensical ramblings this week; I’ve just had two of my wisdom teeth extracted. Despite being twice as stupid as before, I finally decided to compose a comparative test between two cars I drove back-to-back: the new Honda Ballade and Renault Fluence.
Many cars have left their mark on the South African market, some more than others, and few as successfully as the original Honda Ballade. The unique local name for what was essentially a Civic disappeared long before its antiquated, price-busting Citi and Tazz competitors did.
One of the best feelings in life is having your expectations met. Or bettered. The previous generation Honda Jazz (in 1.5 VTEC manual guise) managed to escape my semi-skilled clutches with only its digital clock setting in ruins. The rest of the car was worth every cent of its rather steep asking price.
When caught in casual conversation and people discover that you are a motoring journalist, two questions will inevitably pop up. What’s the most impressive car you’ve ever driven and what car should I buy next? The former would be a 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25 with a Hooper coach and the second answer matters not as they will purchase a Polo or Yaris anyway.