Skip advert
Advertisement

Honda Jazz hybrid vs rivals

New Honda Jazz hybrid meets petrol SEAT and diesel Skoda rivals. Which gets our vote?

Honda Jazz hybrid group

Rising fuel prices and crowded roads mean 
efficient small cars are big news. Traditionally, that would have made a diesel supermini a must for every car manufacturer... 
but times are changing. 

Honda doesn’t offer an oil-burning version of the practical Jazz hatchback, so it was only a matter of time before its hybrid IMA technology was adopted.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The result is a car that mixes class-leading cabin space with claimed economy of 62.9mpg. The newcomer relies on the 
petrol-electric principles that underpin Honda’s Insight, Civic IMA and CRZ

models. In fact, the Jazz Hybrid features the same  powertrain as the Insight, and emits only 104g/km of CO2 – that’s 21g/km less than the 
conventional 1.2-litre version. 

But the entry-level HE model costs £15,995 – and there are cheaper frugal superminis out there. The first rival waiting to test itself against the hi-tech Honda takes the traditional 
diesel approach to maximising efficiency. Skoda’s new Fabia GreenLine II is powered by VW’s proven three-cylinder TDI unit, and with tall gearing and aero tweaks, it emits only 89g/km 
of CO2 and claims staggering economy of 83.1mpg. 

Conventional petrol cars can be efficient, too, and Skoda sister firm SEAT has the newest eco 
kid on the block in the shape 
of the Ibiza. Its 1.2-litre TSI engine promises 55.4mpg.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Jazz

2023 Honda

Jazz

24,522 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £17,300
View Jazz
Jazz

2023 Honda

Jazz

33,575 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £15,481
View Jazz
Jazz

2023 Honda

Jazz

6,103 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £20,495
View Jazz
Jazz

2017 Honda

Jazz

41,367 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £11,835
View Jazz

Both are cheaper than the clever Honda, but which one 
hits the supermini sweet spot 
for cost-conscious motorists?

Verdict

Economical small cars come in all shapes and sizes, and each of our contenders here has a unique selling point. But which combines efficiency and usability best?

While the fuel economy of the Fabia GreenLine II is impressive, the compromises demanded on performance and refinement are simply too great. It wins if penny-pinching thirst is at the top of your agenda; but as an all-round package, the gruff diesel engine, sluggish pace, dated looks and budget cabin cost the Skoda dear.

The Jazz is the top choice for buyers who value practicality above all else. The addition of a hybrid drivetrain hasn’t affected its ingenious interior packaging. Trouble is, while Honda’s petrol-electric drivetrain is advanced, it doesn’t live up to its billing. Poor fuel economy and an unappealing CVT gearbox take the edge off the Jazz ownership experience. 

Our winner is the car that demands fewest sacrifices, and the SEAT is good to drive, frugal and clean. If you divide your time between town, the open road and motorway, it’s the clear winner. It edges out the Skoda on economy, leaving the expensive hybrid Honda a disappointing third.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Honda Jazz

Honda Jazz

RRP £22,005Avg. savings £2,375 off RRP*Used from £10,700
Mazda 2 Hybrid

Mazda 2 Hybrid

RRP £24,580Avg. savings £1,071 off RRP*Used from £13,300
Toyota Yaris

Toyota Yaris

RRP £22,555Avg. savings £1,775 off RRP*Used from £12,450
Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla

RRP £22,725Avg. savings £2,345 off RRP*Used from £10,980
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025