By Drey Roque

Chinese products are not only common they are actually everywhere. From cellular phone, tires, to DVD players and even cars… After all, China has produced a lot of affordable products, although sometimes with iffy quality.

So it wasn’t much of a surprise when China-based Chana Motors decided to follow Chery’s lead and enter the local automotive market. And they did so by launching at the Manila International Auto Show. After the event, the Chana brand was talked and argued by many people, intrigued by the low prices but concerned about the un-established quality of China-made cars.

Despite (but then again, maybe inspired by) all the endless debates with fellow tsikoteers, I heard myself asking, “I want to test drive a Benni sir!” This is in order to finish some questions that kept ringing in my head. For starters, the Benni is a small car made by Chana to compete against Chery’s QQ and the well-established sub-compact cars such as the Hyundai Getz, Kia Picanto, Suzuki Alto and the rumored upcoming Hyundai i10. The Benni is powered by a 1.3L engine that produces a reasonable 84 horsepower at 6500 rpm with a torque of 110 at 3500 rpm. The engine meets Euro III compliant standards which is good for those tree huggers who want an earth-friendly vehicle that is affordable and able to seat five people all-in-one go.

When I first saw this car, I immediately like it for being an original Chinese vehicle with an Italian ‘sguardo e tatto’ style and feel on the outside. As a matter of fact, I like it because it reminds me of the Mercedes Benz A-Class. Although the A-Class comes from a luxury brand, the interior felt and looked cheap looking.

With the Benni, it feels like a massed produced car for the masses who seek economy class mobility. The car is surrounded by plastics that appear slapped on. Sure it’s got fabric but most of the other parts are made of plastics — cheap looking plastics at that. It also has small dials and buttons that are both hard and confusing to see and use.

In this car, you’ll feel hotter in the literal meaning of the word. I was expecting it to be like snowland inside due to the fact that this is a small vehicle that is easy to cool. But alas, even with the fan settings to the max and the thermostat set to the coldest, the A/C wasn’t much help.

It’s quite prolific in producing various sounds too. The moment you start the car, you can instantly hear the engine from the inside. The moment you close the door, you’ll hear no thud sound but instead a ‘clack-ety’ sound.

Still, I behaved like a good boy while driving the Benni. I felt terrible nodding at the staff making them think the Benni is a great car. Sadly it is not. Sure it feels quite solid inside, and has real suspension that performs like one. It has comfortable seats with enough room for those who have heads, shoulders and legs. It feels stable; it has no rattles and no loose bolts. And it is also well-equipped for safety, having dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic braking distribution and err… seat belts! But these things don’t really move me because I never felt the Benni to be a fun and a nimble car.

The car needs quite some attention too. The electric power steering for example is a great feature but it acts strangely different from other cars equipped with the same technology. Turn the steering wheel to either side and you’ll notice it has a second delay before you’d be given a turn thereby driving on straights can be quite a challenge. Approach the corners and it rolls like a tall car like the Benni itself is. Another issue would be the automatic transmission that shifts too lazily and the brakes that feel like a little weak for my taste. Thankfully this car is neither fast nor quick. Heck, who cares and wants it to be fast? The car isn’t built for speed and handling. It was made to mobilize small families, save fuel, decrease the rapid rate of global warming and swallow quite a lot of stuff in the back.

But again this car isn’t Casper. The Benni is more like Stinky, Fatso and Stretch combined into one. Unfortunately it comes with too many doubts carried by our own experience with Chinese quality. Truth is, Chinese cars aren’t like Chinese DVD players whose inferior quality are easy to accept if they break down easily. We travel with our loved ones in them, trusting our lives on them.

I would want myself to believe that what I drove is a lemon, that way, I know the real Benni is somewhere out there that is a good comfortable commuter, with a freezing air-conditioning system, and with the steering that behaves like it is directly connected to the tires. But if this is what it really drives, then I’ll wait for the next, hopefully improved version. Nevertheless, the brand has still a long way to go to prove its reliability.

A 5 year/100,000 kilometer would be a great start.

Tsikot.com Philippines

By: Drey Roque

If you have a mom who happens to love compact hatchbacks and you are a family of five and each of you having a BMI of more than 30, then you can’t miss the Honda Jazz on your list for a new car. Many subcompacts nowaday are too compact, but the Jazz is different in a way that is longer, fuel efficient and a space eating cute monster. No wonder during its release, it instantly became a hit! While the rumors of the second generation Fit/Jazz will arrive this year, my itch of waiting should be solved by finally writing a piece of my review.

The Jazz is not a kei car but a hatchy small car manufactured by Honda. Since its debut in 2001 (mid 2003 here in the Philippines), it sold over two million units around the world. Japan itself was proud to say that it’s their best selling hotcake in 2002. Of course, to meet the demand, the Jazz is produced in five factories; Japan, Brazil, China, Thailand, and Indonesia. The Jazz sold in the Philippines came from Thailand since models coming from Japan are for the European, Canadian, American and some Asian markets like Singapore and Hong Kong. You’ll find a China-made Jazz in mainland China and Brazil for the Latin America market. The Jazz is also called Fit in some countries and it is based on Honda’s Global Small Car Platform which is also used in the City/Fit Aria, Airwave, and the weird looking boxy Mobilio.

I met the car for the second time, it was waiting for me at the Cagayan de Oro Domestic Airport. Subjectively speaking, the Jazz will always remain cute for the coming years. It might even be a timeless looker in the future. It doesn’t look beefed up, conservative in a way that it can still be aggressive with the body kits installed. The Jazz, however, it may look more like a small MPV for some people but it’s actually a small hatch with a minivan DNA. Throw anything in the back and you’ll be surprised how much things it can swallow. Fold the larger rear seat flat and you will be given an extra space, fold another rear seat flat and there goes another space. Unlike the Toyota Yaris which has a lot of small compartments in the front for storing small stuffs, the Jazz can only give less than half, but do not despair, the Jazz actually has more tricks in stored for you.

The seats for instance can be in different configurations, 2+3 (Front and Rear, respectively), 2+2, 2+1, 2, 1 and the best part would be the ULT configuration where the back seat cushions can be lifted and locked. It is very useful in loading tall items that shouldn’t be lying flat such as plants. Open the door, you’ll instantly be greeted by an interior that looks fresh for the 21st century. It is well-lighted, relaxing to the eyes and the roomy interior is good for claustrophobic therapy session, even I can do a full range of motion exercise inside the car. Honda’s are known for having good instrument panels and the Jazz is no exception, both dials and buttons are big enough to read. The dashboard design may not be that driver-oriented compared to Saab and Audi’s but reaching the controls provides less effort to be reached. Turning my attention to the steering wheel, well it’s grippy and properly beefed up, the material used to cover the steering wheel is excellent, it doesn’t only look good, it feels good too.

The only thing Honda forgot to make the Jazz more enjoyable is a door lock switch, reaching the lock is a pain and disturbing because you have to use your right hand to do the work. As for the quality of plastics, it doesn’t disappoint really, it feels high grade and durable, however, after three years since brand new, I can see some faded paint near the power window buttons. Close the door, and you’ll hear a good solid shut that could increase your confidence about the vehicle’s solidity. Again, you’ll be impressed how quite it is inside, turn the engine on and you’ll never hear it until you press the accelerator. While on the move, the front seats feel supportive and comfortable but once you try sitting in the back, it feels stressful knowing that you don’t have the freedom to recline the seats to give you a better position. But still, knee and leg room are plenty enough to provide an ample space.

The car I tested was a 2003 1.3L (L31A) i-DSI (Intelligent Dual Sequential Ignition) engine mated with a 7 speed CVT transmission. I can say that the engine is responsive enough to roll the streets of Cagayan de Oro City. Use the button to downshift and you will find a little force pushing your body backward. Limit yourself to cruise under 2,000 rpm and it will reward you a delicious fuel economy, you can actually save money on this car that even your wallet can ask for a birthday party.

The engine is good in terms of fuel appetite and adequate push, but once you see the demanding slopes of Bukidnon, you might actually wish for a diesel or a muscular V6 instead. Despite all the ridicule it got from other critics about saying that the 8V-SOHC engine is “old tech”, everybody should make room for praises because Honda actually made an engine that provides maximum torque output at low rpm’s. This is a fact that can be useful on mountain roads, but in reality, I always hit higher than 3000rpm’s when the car was climbing hills for more than 30 kilometers thereby letting the car drink more fuel, that time I got the worse fuel figure of 8 km/l. It is not healthy to get 8 km/l in the Jazz because I usually get an average of 15 km/l, the best I got so far was 19 km/l considering all those steep hills, and the load I was carrying. In terms of handling, the car doesn’t roll a lot thanks to the performance oriented suspension, it feels well planted thus saying that cornering with the Jazz is fun, it also feels nimble but the steering doesn’t confirm it, maybe because it is equipped with an EPS (Electric Power Steering) which most manufacturer’s now offer today. The EPS gives you the feeling of a properly weighted steering response, not only that, it will also give you a better fuel mileage.

But I have something more to share, drive the Jazz at the speed of more than 60kph into uneven and broken asphalted roads found in Bukidnon and the steering will feel really heavy making turning becomes a struggle to do. I was approaching to a corner when this happened and I actually fought for a right turn, the key is to slow down to receive a lighter feel. The seats found on the Jazz may be comfortable, but the ride is too firm due to the performance oriented suspension tuning. However, driving it gently is a different story. I can still remember good memories of myself driving with matching bossa music, I feel spirited, it became more like a food to my soul.

When it comes to safety, Honda is one of the most active researchers around the world. I think they were the first Japanese manufacturer to adapt pedestrian safety tests. The car I tested was a limited edition model equipped with an ABS + EBD (Electronic Braking Distribution)and Dual SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Airbags which is handy on slippery conditions. It is also recommended for panicking mothers in case of emergency situations. And if the environment is your concern, the Jazz is green, efficient, and contributes only 134g/km of CO2 which is almost guilt-free. And with Honda’s testament of proven reliability and durability, the Jazz will truly be a joy to own.

WHAT I LIKE:
o Fuel economy
o 7 speed CVT
o Honda Service
o Very roomy cabin and flexibility
o Resale value
o And the list goes on…

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
o Firm ride
o No door look switch
o Rear seats
o A bit expensive
o Only 2 speakers come as standard

FINAL WORDS:
This car is a testimony that creativity, ingenuity and innovation really pays off. Despite all the drawbacks about the Jazz, I can still live with it. Don’t look at the badge, look deeper and you’ll understand why awards exist. Hatchbacks may be common nowadays, most especially this model, but the Jazz is still unique on its own. This car is highly recommended even with a bit higher price tag, it may not be on the same league with other bigger hatchbacks but I rather spend my time on driving than visiting the people who often ask me “cash or card?”

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Tsikot.com Philippines