Anyone driven the new Jazz?

My girlfriend is thinking of purchasing the new Honda Jazz. In Australia,
we have 3 variants, the GLi (61kw engine), VTi (81Kw motor) and VTi-S (same
as the VTi but with skirting, alloys and fog lamps).

Has anyone driven a VTi with the CVT? What are you thoughts? Are there any
mechanical faults with the car?

 

I have taken one for a test drive.

The auto on the Vti-S seemed sluggish however the 6 (or 7) speed sheering
wheel shift control was quite nice.

The GLi manual seemed to have a bit more get up and go. I didn't test the
VTi manual (as the dealer didn't have a demo for it) but I would imagine
that it would fly.

The suspension seemed a bit too rigid but is probably par for the course in
a small car.

Front leg room was better than a civic (and not too much worse than my 89
accord I might add)

The "magic" seats are a good idea, but luggage room is measly if you need to
keep the back seats up.

It seems like a well put together little car, but for the price there are
just too many larger competitors (Mazda 323 Shades, Nissan Pulsar, Toyota
Corolla, Ford Focus etc)

I haven't driven any of these others but they probably give more room and
bang for your buck. But the Honda certainly does appeal if space isn't the
issue.