Honda Jazz (08 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 26 May 2011
The 2008 Jazz aims to build on the huge success of the original model by offering improved versatility, space and equipment. It is also more economical, comfortable and quicker than before but is just as easy to drive in town with a tight turning circle and great all round visibility. There are two petrol engines on offer (but no diesel) which are peppy around town plus offer decent performance on the motorway - plus the Jazz is comfortable and easy to drive. But the Honda's biggest strength is it's interior which is hugely practical and impressively spacious, making it one of the most family-friendly small cars around. Coming out on top in the 2011 Parkers ECO car cost of motoring award was the Honda Jazz 1.3 IMA HE Hybrid CVT. Reasons behind the win included its low purchase price, sensible running costs and, of course, Honda's reliability and strong dealer support.
4.5 out of 5

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4.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£11,605 - £19,335

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Used price range:

£5,404 - £17,205

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Even more spacious and practical than before, excellent comfort, easy to drive

Dashboard trim looks like it's from a much cheaper car

The 2008 Jazz aims to build on the huge success of the original model by offering improved versatility, space and equipment. It is also more economical, comfortable and quicker than before but is just as easy to drive in town with a tight turning circle and great all round visibility. There are two petrol engines on offer (but no diesel) which are peppy around town plus offer decent performance on the motorway - plus the Jazz is comfortable and easy to drive. But the Honda's biggest strength is it's interior which is hugely practical and impressively spacious, making it one of the most family-friendly small cars around. Coming out on top in the 2011 Parkers ECO car cost of motoring award was the Honda Jazz 1.3 IMA HE Hybrid CVT. Reasons behind the win included its low purchase price, sensible running costs and, of course, Honda's reliability and strong dealer support.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    4 out of 5

    "Even the least powerful Jazz is quicker than the previous version. Honda offers a choice of a 90bhp..."

  • Handling

    4 out of 5

    "The biggest change to how the Jazz feels on the road is down to a more composed ride. The previous..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    4 out of 5

    "The Jazz has evolved into a very comfortable small car that should have strong enough appeal to..."

  • Practicality

    5 out of 5

    "The Jazz has a larger boot than most cars in the class above with a minimum capacity of 399 litres."

  • Equipment

    4.5 out of 5

    "The 1.2 S comes with most of the essential small car features, but you have to upgrade to SE for air..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3.5 out of 5

    "In focusing on the key features of the Jazz, the dashboard seems to have missed out on the same..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    3.5 out of 5

    "Although the Jazz isn't cheap for a small car, running costs are reasonable with both engines..."

  • Green credentials

    3.5 out of 5

    "The Jazz offers low carbon dioxide emissions with both the 1.2-litre and the 1.4 i-Shift at 125g/km."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    4.5 out of 5

    "The Jazz was crash tested in 2009 under Euro NCAP's more stringent criteria. This is one overall..."

  • Reliability

    4 out of 5

    "The original Jazz has a great record for reliability and the 2008 model should perform just as well."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    3.5 out of 5

    "Prices are a little higher on this model than on the previous Jazz, but specification has improved..."

  • Buying used

    3.5 out of 5

    "Demand for the Jazz on the used market is strong, which will keep prices high. The S model will be..."

  • Selling

    4.5 out of 5

    "The Jazz is a popular used car so should be easy to sell. SE and ES models are likely to be the most..."

Gallery

  • Interior Honda Jazz (08 on)
  • Exterior Honda Jazz (08 on)
  • Exterior Honda Jazz (08 on)
  • Exterior Honda Jazz (08 on)

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Owners' reviews