By Ian Strachan.
The Honda Jazz has been on British roads for more than 20 years in three previous generations. The latest Jazz has updated this smart city car, with better performance, higher specification 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 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 EX specification powered by a modest but sprightly 1500 cc unit, but married to its electric motor which first saw service in the Honda Insight a couple of years ago, it performs the same as a 1600 engine, while giving you nearly 63 miles to the gallon and CO2 emissions of just 104 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 the London congestion charge and pay a much lower road tax. No wonder the Jazz Hybrid is becoming a big seller.
The technology is clever. Not only does the electric motor help the engine when accelerating, it takes over completely during deceleration, with all four cylinders of the engine shutting down. An auto-stop function cuts out the engine completely when the car is stationary, starting up again as soon as you move off.
The 1.5 97bhp 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. You really can’t tell from power, acceleration and sound that there’s anything different about the power source.
The latest 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 six-speed CVT automatic transmission which is smooth and pleasant.
You get a good range of extras including remote keyless entry, a nice DAB radio with Apple Carplay and auxiliary sockets controlled via nine-inch touchscreen which also controls the satnav system, climate control, 16 inch alloy wheels, heated seats and steering wheel, rear view camera, lane departure warningall round electric windows, heated electric mirrors and all-round airbags.
The Jazz 1.5 EX Hybrid CVT which I tested comes on the road at £21,385, plus £650 for white pearl paint.
With its significant downward impact on your carbon footprint, good residual values and big cash savings to be had, I can’t think of a reason not to buy this car.
