By Ian Strachan.
The Honda Jazz has certainly upped its game since its launch more than 20 years ago. It has gone from a being conservative small car favoured by the older driver to an up-to-the-minute, sporty, high-tech, high-spec offering with the bonus of environmental credentials.
The latest Jazz is a smart city car, with sparkling performance, lots of equipment and safety aids and an ultra-efficient hybrid powertrain.
Despite its size, the Jazz is practical and deceptively roomy, thanks to its high back end which allows for plenty of luggage space. With the split rear seats folded, the Jazz’s boot capacity goes from 304 litres to a van-like 1205 litres.
Hybrid technology makes big inroads into this Honda’s impact on the environment. I test drove the Advance Sport specification powered by a modest but sprightly 1500 cc unit, married to a 90kw electric motor. It performs well, giving you more than 61 miles to the gallon in mixed driving, and CO2 emissions of just 105 g/km.
And if the fact that you’re helping to save the planet doesn’t float your boat, just think of the money you’re saving. As well as cheaper fuel costs you’ll dodge many congestion charges and pay a lower road tax. No wonder the Jazz Hybrid has become a big seller.
The 1.5 107bhp petrol engine gives you a top speed of 108 mph and a 0-60 time of just over nine seconds, but to be honest it felt quicker, with smooth, unfussed acceleration.
The Jazz has a nicely rounded exterior profile, a compact, sharply sloping front and a pleasing rear end, with a tailgate which opens to reveal that surprisingly large luggage area.
The whisper quiet engine is married to a stepless CVT automatic transmission which is smooth and pleasant.
You get a good range of extras in the Advance Sport specification which I tested including remote keyless entry, a nice DAB radio with Honda CONNECT, Apple Carplay and auxiliary sockets controlled via nine-inch touchscreen which also controls the satnav system, climate control, stylish 16 inch alloy wheels, very comfortable heated seats with high quality trim, heated steering wheel, rear view camera, lane departure warning, all round electric windows, heated electric mirrors, LED front foglights and all-round airbags.
With lots of glass around you, visibility is excellent, and the range of seat adjustments make it easy to find a comfortable position.
The Jazz Advance Sport 1.5 Hybrid which I tested comes on the road at £29,285, plus £625 for stylish Urban Grey pearl paint.
With its significant downward impact on your carbon footprint, pleasant driving experience and good residual values, I can’t think of a reason not to buy this car.
