Japanese firm Honda is well known for innovation, and it's also famous for listening to its customers. There's no better example of this than the Jazz. More than just a sleeper hit, the compact has proven to be a huge seller around the world. By choosing to develop something that was more than just another supermini and include plenty of owner-friendly practical touches, Honda struck a chord with buyers seeking something with a small footprint but with the flexibility and usefulness of something much bigger.
This revised car builds on the original model's success. Presenting a chunkier face to the world, Honda's engineers have added a few aerodynamic tweaks to boost cabin refinement and overall efficiency. The latter is important, as this element plus selective engine improvements have resulted in useful economy and emissions gains. Honda has also revised the car's ride and handling performance to boost driver appeal and cabin comfort.
Talking of efficiency, this Jazz has the honour of being the first small production hybrid. Keen to broaden the appeal of such technology beyond its Insight model, the Jazz hybrid follows on from the carmaker's sporty CR-Z petrol-electric model.
The Jazz Hybrid also marks the reintroduction of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as an option alongside the petrol car's manual gearbox. It might not sound like much, but the previously used automated manual transmission wasn't met with universal appeal.
As a result, Honda listened, took on board the feedback and now offers a CVT that should please buyers seeking a smoother experience akin to that of a conventional auto, but without the fuel economy penalties.
Back to the hybrid model, however. The petrol-electric Jazz borrows much from Honda's existing Insight model, right down to the CVT. It manages 3.8 litres-per-100km and boasts a low 104g/km CO2 rating; the latter Honda claims is the lowest for an auto gearbox car in the Jazz's market sector.
On the road the hybrid Jazz is as you would expect — willing, capable and refined. The CVT gearbox — not the same as the one in the petrol cars — helps to ensure the Jazz is easy to drive. Furthermore, the traditional enemies of CVT-equipped cars — inclines and fast-moving motorway traffic — are no barriers to progress. There's plenty of power available to get you moving and maintaining a steady speed.
Even in the Hybrid's ‘Eco' mode there's enough thrust available for out-of-town excursions, while urban motoring is despatched with predictable ease. The instrument displays keep you informed regarding fuel consumption and the status of the petrol-electric engine combo, which does a clever job of nudging you in the direction of more considered and smoother driving behaviour by way of easy-to-read graphics.
Unlike some hybrids the Jazz isn't capable of propelling you on electricity alone. Rather, it majors in combining a small engine with electric assistance. This way you get the extra boost of power when you need it, and the engine rarely burns more fuel than necessary.
Good though the hybrid Jazz is on the road, there's more to the car than the driving experience. Its versatile nature is another major attraction for buyers, and the car's folding rear seats offer a greater level of versatility than the little Honda's more conventional rivals. From furniture to bicycles, the Jazz will swallow many of these items whole. And for anyone seeking a car with a modest footprint, this feature is often a deal breaker. It also happens to be a hit with the business market. Drivers who carry a lot of equipment but don't want a large car can opt for a Jazz with complete confidence that there's no need to make any compromises.
Verdict
With its well built and versatile cabin, a good level of standard kit, plus the various improvements to the driving and ownership experience, Honda's Jazz remains a tough act to beat.
The hybrid model will please those wanting to pay less for their motoring, while the ownership experience is just as rewarding as it is with a regular petrol variant. Unfortunately though Honda ME has no plans to bring the Jazz Hybrid to our region. Time to start a petition...
Specs
Model Jazz Hybrid
Engine 1.4-litre/electric hybrid
Transmission CVT, FWD
Max power 88bhp @ NA (combined)
Max torque NA
Top speed 173kph
0-100kph 12.2sec
Price NA
Plus Improved refinement, stellar fuel economy
Minus CVT not the sportiest
