Honda Jazz review
Versatile, grown-up hatchback gains hybrid tech
At a glance |
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|---|---|
| New price | £18,985 - £21,385 |
| Lease from new | From £214 p/m View lease deals |
| Used price | £15,080 - £18,315 |
| Used monthly cost | £376 - £457 |
| Fuel Economy | 61.4 - 62.8 mpg |
| Road tax cost | £140 |
| Insurance group | 19 - 20 How much is it to insure? |
New
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PROS
- Good balance of performance and economy
- Hugely versatile interior
- Much nicer cabin design than old model
- User-friendly infotainment
CONS
- Slight reduction in boot space
- Not particularly exciting to look at
- Restricted engine choice
- Stubby door mirrors
Honda Jazz Hatchback rivals
In terms of cars that are fit for purpose, the Honda Jazz is peerless. If you want a hatchback with MPV levels of versatility and maximum ease of use, there’s nothing the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa or Volkswagen Polo can offer that even comes close.
Granted, those priorities aren’t at the top of everyone’s most wanted list, so in order to gain a wider appeal the Jazz has returned with improved connectivity, a more contemporary looking interior and even lower running costs than before thanks to clever hybrid power.
But if you valued what the old car stood for then fear not, because these advancements have come with almost no compromise to its clever folding cargo area or everyday usability.
Honda Jazz is hybrid only
The biggest change this time around is the abandonment of conventional petrol engines – you can now only pick a hybrid model with an automatic gearbox.
Well, sort of, because technically it doesn’t have a gearbox at all, but the sophisticated hybrid system drives just like an auto, in that there are two pedals and a gearshifter with park, reverse and drive positions.
Honda promises a best-in-class ratio of acceleration to fuel economy in the Jazz and we can certainly attest to this. It pulls away brisky from traffic lights and feels strong in faster moving traffic, while all the time using less fuel than previous conventionally-engined models.
Revamped interior
The old Jazz was a little dated inside, while this new car borrows much from the Honda e - the thin, two-spoke steering wheel and strong horizontal dashboard in particular.
Redesigned A-pillars give a much better forward view and nicer plastic and metal materials make the cabin feel a lot more luxurious. Best of all though is the vastly improved 9.0-inch infotainment screen, with a much clearer menu and physical controls for things like the stereo volume.
Practicality remains a strong point
Usually a hybrid system with its big battery and associated gubbins steals space from the back seats and boot.
While the Jazz does have slightly less space than last time, it still has a large boot and very flexible cargo area thanks to it retaining the trademark Magic Seats – these fold completely flat and have bases that flip up to reveal a big, square area in the footwell for taller items.
Meanwhile those in the back have nearly a metre of legroom, an impressive figured backed up by a more comfortable design and additional padding.
