Having the same width (1,695mm) and height (1,525mm) as its predecessor, the all-new Honda Jazz doesn't initially appear to be able to swallow more cargo than the previous-generation iterations. At 3,955mm in length, the 2014 Jazz is slightly longer than its forerunners--40mm longer than the 1.5 and 55mm longer than the 1.3.
Clever design compensates for the limited space. Behold the car seat that Honda dubs the "Ultra Seat." This seat found inside the 2014 Jazz can fold flat or flip up to enable different seating configurations. The Japanese carmaker calls these configurations utility mode, long mode, tall mode and refresh mode.
So what can you do with all these configurations and what can the hatchback carry when placed in these modes? We take a close look at the car and have the beautiful PR girls of Honda Cars Philippines assist us.
UTILITY (number of passengers: 2)
When in this configuration, the Ultra Seats are folded flat to enable the Jazz to carry two passengers and large items, such as a bicycle without removing its wheels. You can throw in your helmet, bike shoes and backpack that contains your change of clothes, too.
Picking up a relative from the airport with luggage and balikbayan boxes? No problem!
LONG (number of passengers: 2)
Recline back the front passenger seat and fold flat the Ultra Seat to achieve this mode. A driver can have a passenger ride in the back seat and take in items as long as 226cm. You can go on that road trip to Baler and have your surfboard right there beside you as you drive.
TALL (number of passengers: 2 to 3)
The second row can accommodate 100cm tall objects by having the Ultra Seat folded up. In this configuration, the Jazz can carry two to three people with tall items occupying the second row. Delivering a fondant cake to a party won't be a problem anymore. We tried fitting a plant--yes, a plant and not just a bonsai--and the second row easily swallowed it.
REFRESH (number of passengers: 2)
This is the latest addition to the Ultra Seats' configurations. Recline the front seats to connect with the second-row seats and you have a bed-like interior. It's perfect for a quick nap to feel recharged for that long drive back home.
Honda's new subcompact hatchback is available in six colors, by the way: Rallye Red and Taffeta White across all variants; Attract Yellow Pearl, Vivid Sky Blue Pearl and Modern Steel Metallic for the VX and VX+ variants; and Alabaster Silver Metallic for the V variants.
Which one is your favorite Ultra Seat configuration?
Top photo by Igor Maminta; other photos by Tracy Carpena
