Honda Jazz review
Practical, efficient and highly specced, the hybrid Honda Jazz supermini is an attractive if relatively pricey package
Our opinion on the Honda Jazz
The fourth-generation Honda Jazz aims to attract buyers who are interested in better fuel economy, up-to-date connectivity, and reasonable running costs. Does it succeed? For the most part, yes, and it should hold its value well, too.
On the downside, the Jazz is still a boxy, uninspiring shape and lacks the fun factor that other rivals offer. Its infotainment system is also lagging quite far behind the best in this highly competitive class. However, the Japanese supermini’s hybrid powertrain is impressive, and if you prioritise practicality over style, it could be the right choice.
About the Honda Jazz
The Honda Jazz has been around since 2002 in the UK, and over the intervening years, its mix of practicality, reliability and low running costs has won a loyal band of repeat customers. But the Jazz’s unassuming nature has made it hard to reach customers outside that loyal band of buyers who have homed in on the little Honda’s common-sense qualities.
The latest model introduced in 2020 is the fourth generation, and here in the UK it’s solely powered by a 1.5-litre hybrid e:HEV setup. This is in line with Honda’s aim of eliminating conventional powertrains from its European line-up.
Only offering hybrid power is similar to that of its arch-rival, the Toyota Yaris. Like the Yaris, the Jazz allows for brief periods of electric-only driving (up to a mile, in fact). While that sounds insignificant, it really helps in stop/start city driving to save fuel.
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The latest Jazz comes to the fight with strong equipment levels across four model grades: Elegance, Advance, Advance Sport, and the SUV-inspired Crosstar Advance version.
Honda introduced the Jazz Crosstar model to sit alongside the regular five-door supermini. It has a raised ride height, body cladding, and roof rails for a pseudo-4x4 look, but don’t expect any off-road ability because it lacks four-wheel drive. Based on the Advance-spec Jazz, it’s more expensive than the regular car and slightly less efficient. In our opinion, it’s out of step with the overall ethos of the Jazz.
We’ve pitted the Jazz against key supermini rivals, including the Skoda Fabia and Renault Clio as part of a group test. Unfortunately for Honda, the Jazz came in third place due to factors such as its relatively high price and a staid driving experience. However, it wiped the floor with the competition in the practicality stakes, so there’s no denying its mini-MPV credentials.
Honda Jazz prices and latest deals
The standard Jazz starts off from around £26,700 in base Elegance trim, and this rises to nearly £28,000 for the fancier Advance spec. If you’d rather go for the beefier Crosstar, you’ll be forking out at least £29,000.
Don’t forget, you can save thousands by building your ideal Honda Jazz through the Auto Express Buy a Car service. We also have a number of affordable used Jazz models to choose from, as well as some great Jazz leasing deals. You can also sell your car with us.
Performance & driving experience
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The latest Honda Jazz has bypassed the recent trend for small-capacity turbocharged engines and gone straight to hybrid power. Called e:HEV, the system includes a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine and two electric motors. A mid-life update bumped the total system power output from 106bhp to 120bhp.
There are three driving modes to make the most of the complex hybrid set-up. The EV mode runs the car solely on electric power, and this mode would normally be used when moving off from a standstill or when travelling at low speed. In Hybrid Drive, the petrol engine and electric motor work together to achieve optimum power and fuel economy, while the car will opt for Engine Drive mode at motorway cruising speeds, relying exclusively on the petrol engine.
| Model | Power | 0-62mph | Top speed |
| Jazz Elegance | 122bhp | 9.4 seconds | 109mph |
| Jazz Advance | 122bhp | 9.6 seconds | 109mph |
| Jazz Crosstar Advance | 122bhp | 9.7 seconds | 109mph |
Performance, 0-60mph acceleration and top speed
The hybrid system in the Jazz produces 120bhp, allowing the Jazz to go from 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds in Essential spec, which is roughly the same time as a Renault Clio E-Tech (9.3 seconds). The Advance-spec cars take a little longer at 9.6 seconds, while the SUV-inspired Crosstar Advance model requires 9.7 seconds to complete the same benchmark sprint. The top speed for all models is 109mph.
The Jazz’s hybrid system combines the efforts of a 1.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors. One motor is designed to help with direct propulsion, while the other converts energy from the petrol engine into electricity, which can be used immediately to drive the Jazz or be stored in the car’s small 0.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Town driving, visibility and parking
The Jazz is really at its best at lower speeds, with its light steering making it well-suited to urban life, and we like that the Jazz tends to favour quiet electric drive in town from a refinement standpoint. We did notice that the Jazz can operate in EV mode at higher speeds, but you’ll need to be very gentle with the accelerator pedal in order to keep it in this mode.
Unlike some sportier superminis, the Jazz has a rather high seating position, and this contributes towards a generally good level of all-round visibility. Standard-fit front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera only improve things further.
Country road driving and handling
It’s on a B-road where the Jazz starts to lose ground to its rivals. When the road gets twisty, a Renault Clio feels fleet-footed, whereas the Jazz feels more ungainly in comparison. While nicely weighted, the steering in the Jazz isn’t as quick as the Clio’s, and feels lazier to respond to your inputs. And while the hybrid system in the Jazz has benefits at lower speeds, if you apply any more than two-thirds throttle at higher speeds, the CVT transmission sends the engine’s revs soaring, producing plenty of noise in the process.
Motorway driving and long-distance comfort
The Jazz relies quite heavily on its petrol engine to get up to motorway speeds, but it will try to use electric power when it can while coasting and cruising. Things started to get a bit noisy when we pushed on for more speed due to the aforementioned CVT transmission.
Occasional noise aside, the Jazz handles well enough. It’s one of the more comfortable superminis for longer distance travel, and it feels perfectly up to the task of keeping up the pace and overtaking when needed.
“When the four-cylinder unit does spark into life, it’s incredibly smooth. There’s no shunt from the powertrain, only a continuation of the same, easily modulated response. It feels like an EV.” - Alex Ingram, former chief reviewer.
MPG & running costs
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The most efficient Honda Jazz is the standard car, which gets up to 62.8mpg on the WLTP combined cycle. The added weight of the SUV-style Crosstar reduces this to 58.9mpg.
When we tested the Jazz against the Skoda Fabia and Renault Clio, it managed a highly impressive average of 59.5mpg after a wide range of roads and speeds. In other words, Honda’s official claim is a realistic one. The Clio E-Tech managed 55.2mpg after the exact same round of testing, but this car’s WLTP number is 65.6mpg, so it wasn’t as impressive as the Honda.
The jacked-up Jazz Crosstar also proved to be very efficient when we tested it, returning 55.4mpg when we pitted it against the Dacia Sandero Stepway. That rival managed 44.3mpg in the same conditions.
Honda’s hybrid tech also ensures low emissions, with official CO2 levels of 102g/km across the board 108g/km. However, the Toyota Yaris emits even less from just 91g/km. Technically speaking, the Jazz can drive on electric power alone, but the tiny 0.7kWh battery is only capable of up to one mile of range. Instead, it’s primarily used for assisting the petrol engine and reducing overall emissions.
| Model | MPG | CO2 | Insurance group |
| Jazz Elegance | 62.8mpg | 102g/km | 21 |
| Jazz Advance | 61.4mpg | 102g/km | 22 |
| Jazz Crosstar Advance | 58.9mpg | 102g/km | 22 |
Insurance groups
Insurance premiums will potentially be higher than those of several supermini rivals. The Jazz range falls into groups 21 and 22 (out of 50), with the Advance spec cars both in the latter. The Renault Clio E-Tech will be a much cheaper car to insure, residing in group 15, while the Toyota Yaris also undercuts the Honda here, sitting in groups 13 to 16.
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Tax
It’s not the cheapest supermini to buy, but every Honda Jazz still avoids the luxury car tax surcharge, so you’ll only be faced with the standard rate of VED road tax. Company car buyers won’t have much relief here, though, as fully electric cars now offer far superior tax benefits to hybrids.
Depreciation
Our market data indicates that the standard Honda Jazz should retain between 52 and 55 per cent of its initial value after a period of 36,000 miles or three years. The Crosstar performs even better at 56 per cent. These numbers make the Jazz one of the better superminis in terms of depreciation, as the Toyota Yaris will only hold 46 to 52 per cent after the same length of time. It’s a similar story with the Renault Clio, at 48 to 53 per cent.
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Interior, design & technology
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With the roofline reduced by 10mm, the Honda Jazz has a sleeker silhouette than before, although the overall profile is still more like that of a small MPV, rather than a supermini. Slimmer A-pillars also help with forward visibility and add to the already good-sized glasshouse.
Honda has opted to do away with the vibrant paint choices offered for the previous Jazz model. Instead, there’s a rather dull choice of pearlescent and metallic colours to choose from, although Honda does include optional packs which allow the opportunity to add further personalisation to the exterior. The packs include different coloured trim pieces for the front grille and rear bumper, side body mouldings, and door mirror caps.
Interior and dashboard design
Inside, the four-generation Jazz has a definite whiff of the discontinued Honda e in its cabin, which is no bad thing. It’s a much smarter look compared to the previous Jazz, with a minimalist two-spoke steering wheel, a seven-inch digital driver display, and a nine-inch central touchscreen. The dash is clearly laid out, with large physical switches and dials for the ventilation functions positioned underneath the touchscreen.
Materials and build quality
Honda’s typical durability can be found within the Jazz, but it’s focused far more on functionality rather than luxury. It’s still a pleasant place to sit, but the Peugeot 208 claims the crown for overall plushness.
Infotainment, sat-nav and stereo
Every Jazz is equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen and Honda Connect infotainment system. While the screen uses big widgets that link to the prime functions, performing tasks such as changing radio stations or entering an address requires more steps than you might expect, so it’s not the easiest system to navigate.
Most functions are operated via the touchscreen, but the main menu and back buttons are physical controls next to the screen above a volume knob. The buttons take a bit of getting used to, but once you’re in the habit, it makes life easier to get back to the main menu.
Wireless Apple CarPlay is included, but Android Auto requires a cable connection. There’s no charging pad, so iPhone users will also have to plug their devices in to keep them charged.
One slightly irritating quirk that we found during our own test was that, due to the shallow cowl design, the driver’s digital instrument display was sometimes affected by sunlight. The main screen was easier to see, but the information on either side was harder to make out.
“Many of the plastics look a little flat and underwhelming, but the switchgear has an expensive feel to it.” - Alex Ingram, former chief reviewer.
Boot space & practicality
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Practicality and ease of use are where the Honda Jazz still really shines. Visibility for the driver is excellent, thanks to the slimmer A-pillars and high windscreen. This, along with an elevated driving position, a good view out of the rear window, standard parking sensors, and a reversing camera, means there shouldn’t be any problems with parking manoeuvres or navigating out of tight junctions. In fact, when we pitched the Jazz up against the Renault Clio and Skoda Fabia in a three-way supermini test, it easily stood out as the most versatile car.
The famous Magic Seats in the second row are a brilliant bit of design. Not only do they split in 60/40 fashion, but you can also fold up the bases like a cinema seat to help you slide awkward larger items across the rear floor.
There are also many useful cubby holes and storage bins for assorted items, while all versions include a front centre armrest, cupholders and seat back pockets for extra convenience.
Dimensions and size
The Jazz is similar in length to a Skoda Fabia, but the SUV-inspired Jazz Crosstar is slightly longer, wider and taller than the standard model.
| Dimensions comparison | |||
| Model | Honda Jazz | Toyota Yaris | Renault Clio E-Tech |
| Length | 4,089mm | 3,940mm | 4,053mm |
| Width | 1,694mm | 1,745mm | 1,798mm |
| Height | 1,526mm | 1,500mm | 1,440mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,517mm | 2,560mm | 2,583mm |
| Boot space | 304 litres | 286 litres | 301 litres |
Seats & passenger space
The Jazz includes plenty of space for the driver, although Honda hasn’t forgotten about the needs of passengers – the cabin can easily accommodate four six-footers without any worries about knee or legroom. Despite a 10mm lower roofline, head room is still exceptional when compared to rivals.
We measured the rear seat area in the Honda Jazz when we pitted it against the Toyota Yaris Cross in a twin test. We found that the Jazz has the advantage when it comes to knee room, but the Yaris Cross offers slightly more headroom, and its cabin is wider, too. Although the Toyota doesn’t provide any charging sockets in the rear, the Jazz has two handy USB-C ports for children in the back to charge their phones or tablets.
All versions of Jazz come with Isofix child seat mounting points on the outer positions of the rear bench.
Boot space
The Jazz’s boot size is a decent 304 litres, which is more than a Renault Clio offers, but can’t match the huge 380 litres of load space a Fabia provides. However, with the rear seats folded, the Honda supermini trumps its competitors, offering 1,205 litres of capacity. The Crosstar Advance has just as much luggage space as the standard car.
When we opened up the boot of the Jazz in our twin test against the Yaris Cross, we found that while the Honda has a lower lip, which helps when loading in heavier items, the Toyota has a much longer boot area with the rear seats in place. The load space in both cars is about the same for width, though.
“The flat floor makes the Jazz feel more spacious, but the gentle upward slope towards the front restricts foot room, and the centre seat is high and narrow.” - Alex Ingram, former chief reviewer.
Reliability & safety
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Customers have consistently rated the Honda Jazz as a solid performer in the Driver Power owner satisfaction survey. Based on the latest Driver Power survey results, the latest model continues to outperform its predecessors, finishing 14th out of 50 models in the best cars to own rankings. It scored highly for reliability in particular, which should reassure potential owners.
The Honda brand has had a shakier time in the best manufacturer league tables in recent years, but its latest 10th-place finish out of 31 brands is a reasonable outcome. In fact, this outshone Toyota, which only finished 14th.
Like its predecessor, the fourth-generation Jazz received a full five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating when it was tested in 2020. The scores for adult and child protection are impressive, at 87 and 83 per cent, respectively.
There’s a comprehensive level of safety kit for all Jazz variants. Aside from the myriad of airbags, each trim level includes automatic emergency braking, a forward collision warning system, lane keep assist, a lane departure warning and a traffic sign recognition system, among a host of other safety tech. The Advance trim and above add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic monitoring – the latter helps to detect vehicles that are about to cross your path when backing out of a parking space or driveway.
| Euro NCAP safety ratings | |
| Euro NCAP safety rating | Five stars (2020) |
| Adult occupant protection | 87% |
| Child occupant protection | 83% |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 80% |
| Safety assist | 76% |
Buying and owning
- Best buy: Honda Jazz Advance
While the Crosstar adds an element of funkiness to the otherwise humble Jazz, it also bumps up the cost and reduces efficiency, so we don’t think it’s worth it. Instead, opting for the fancier Advance spec with the standard car gives you extra kit, along with highly affordable running costs.
There are still plenty of additional packs offered with the Advance trim, but we don’t think they’re worth the price because they include styling tweaks rather than any useful equipment.
Honda Jazz alternatives
There’s another small, hybrid-powered Japanese supermini that acts as a thorn in the Jazz’s side, and that is the Toyota Yaris. This car follows a very similar formula of prioritising low running costs and emissions, and it’s a bit cheaper to buy than the Jazz. It doesn’t come close to the Honda in terms of practicality, though.
Elsewhere, there’s the stylish Renault Clio, spacious Skoda Fabia and cost-effective Vauxhall Corsa to consider. If you’re considering going electric, the Renault 5 and the BYD Dolphin are two zero-emission superminis worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
The latest Honda Jazz is super-efficient, agile and features the brand’s very clever Magic Seat set-up for increased practicality.
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