Name: Honda Jazz Review
Item: Honda Jazz
Author: Gumtree.com

It’s rare, nowadays, to find a small hatchback that focuses on doing the basics right: spacious interior, low-running costs and a reliable engine. But the Honda Jazz does exactly this, prioritising functionality over fun. The first generation launched in 2001 and has since built its reputation for being an ideal first car or a small family car. The biggest change since its introduction is that it’s been hybrid only from 2020 – a progressive move from Honda, with only automatic gearboxes available. If what you need is a practical and reliable companion on the road, look no further than the Honda Jazz.

Visit our Honda Jazz model page for all the details you need.

What we think about the Honda Jazz

A truly versatile small car, the Jazz isn’t restricted to narrow streets nor overwhelmed by the open road.

Pros

Excellent balance between performance and running costs

Very spacious interior

User-friendly infotainment system

Cons

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Limited engine trims available

In 2020, Honda simplified the Jazz by offering it solely as a hybrid car. The new powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre petrol engine and automatic transmission, with three trims available across the range: the SE, SR and EX. There’s also a Jazz Crosstar, which offers some aesthetic tweaks. The interior across the range is incredibly spacious for a small car, with family-sized legroom in the front and rear seats.

Driving performance of the Honda Jazz

Our Driving Rating7 / 10

While simplicity may have been the focus of its design, the Jazz is still enjoyable to drive. One important change brought in with the 2021 iteration is the inclusion of a variable ratio steering rack – the first car in its class to offer one. It’s like having a little assistant at the wheels, helping to turn the front ones progressively further in the direction you’re steering. A stiffer chassis and new suspension on the 2021 model means that bumpy city streets or longer journeys will be equally comfortable and pleasant.

Safety and reliability of the Honda Jazz

Our Safety Rating7 / 10

A consistent recipient of full-marks in safety, the latest iteration of the Jazz is no different, receiving a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. This is in part down to the increased amount of safety technology included in its design. For a young family unsure about trusting a small hatchback, it’s worth noting Honda’s increased use of high strength steel in the latest model. You also now get ten airbags as standard, including one in the front centre that protects the driver and passenger from injuring each other in the unfortunate instance of a crash.

Under the bonnet of the Honda Jazz

Our Engine Rating7 / 10

As noted, the latest iteration of the Jazz has seen these specs simplified. Its engine is now hybrid only, with its electric motor complemented by a 97 bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine. Don’t let this fool you into thinking it’s sluggish – Honda’s hybrid technology is refined engineering, so it’ll pass 0-62 mph in approximately 9.5 seconds. If you want to wait a little longer before making the switch to hybrid power, then the previous models have a wider range of petrol options. These variants should be readily available second hand and are an equally viable small car option.

What you'll find in the Honda Jazz

Our Design Rating6 / 10

Simplicity on the inside is met with quirky style on the outside. The Jazz is an instantly recognisable hatchback, with its spacious interior being squeezed into an elegant and sleek package. The switch to hybrid has forced some alterations to this neat design, however, notably making it longer than previous versions. The pillars on either side of the front windscreen have been narrowed, meaning driver visibility has dramatically improved. Its LED headlights add a touch of flare to the quirky exterior.

Comfort and interiors in the Honda Jazz

Our Comfort Rating9 / 10

As we move from exterior to interior, we look at the real star of the show. The Jazz’s interior space is a credit to the ingenuity of Honda’s design team. They’ve managed to provide adult-sized legroom in the front and rear seats, while also offering 304-litres of cargo space in the boot. This new space is thanks to the shift to hybrid, allowing passengers to make use of the area around its reshaped fuel tank. Going for simplicity may spark some worries about plasticky trim – there’s no need to worry though. The interior is minimally designed, with an elegant blend of leather and cloth keeping passenger comfort in mind.

What features you'll find in the Honda Jazz

Our Features Rating7 / 10

Honda continue the big improvements to the interior with the addition of some thoughtful technology. The most welcome change is to the 9-inch infotainment screen. It’s laid out like a phone, with an info bar across the top and shortcuts along the bottom to make it user-friendly. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come as standard, while a WiFi hotspot is an optional extra. Another available addition is the Honda Personal Assistant – a modern voice control system that can understand conversational and contextual speech, so you don’t need to speak in a particular way when programming apps like satnav. It’s a neat touch that’s up there with some offerings from more executive rivals.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Honda Jazz

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

The switch to hybrid has certainly simplified this concern. As the only engine option for the Jazz is an eco-friendly one, you can expect its fuel economy and emissions stats to be quite good across the board. Honda claims it’ll do 62.8 mpg and emit approximately 104 g/km of CO2 – though you should note that those figures relate to its two entry-level trims. As you move up through the specs, you can expect this to reduce slightly to 61.4 mpg and 102 g/km of CO2 emissions, mainly owing to the larger wheels.

Running costs of the Honda Jazz

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

Functionality over fun has been the mantra for the Honda Jazz. Therefore it should come as no surprise that previous generations have enjoyed a strong reputation for reliability, and the older petrol model was not subject to any recalls. It sits in insurance groups 19-20 and comes with a three-year warranty as standard. Alternatively, you can drive up to 90,000 miles. Standard servicing is recommended annually, but given its history these will be mainly for simple check-ups.

Our verdict of the Honda Jazz

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

Honda's generous interior design and advanced safety tech make the Jazz a sensible, reliable and very affordable small family car for first-time buyers.

Honda Jazz Review