Honda Jazz - Interior, design and technology
With a fresh interior design and new on-board tech, Honda will be hoping to attract younger customers to the Jazz
With the roofline reduced by 10mm, Honda has attempted to create a sleeker silhouette for the Jazz, although the overall profile is still more like that of a small MPV, rather than a supermini. There are also slimmer A-pillars which help with forward visibility and add to the already good-sized glasshouse.
Rather curiously, Honda has opted to do away with the vibrant paint choices that were on offer 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 ‘Fun’ 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, along with side inserts and door mirror caps.
Inside, the four-generation Jazz has a definite whiff of the Honda e’s cabin, which is no bad thing. It’s a much classier look, with a minimalist two-spoke steering wheel and a new seven-inch digital driver display and nine-inch central touchscreen. The dash is simple and clearly laid out, with large physical switches and dials for the ventilation functions positioned underneath the touchscreen. It’s certainly a pleasant place to sit, although the Peugeot 208 still claims the crown for overall quality.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
Every Jazz is equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen and Honda Connect infotainment system. It uses big widgets that link to the prime functions, however, tasks such as changing radio stations or address input require more steps than you might expect and it’s not the easiest system to navigate around.
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 when you want to get back to the main menu.
Wireless Apple CarPlay is included, but Android Auto requires a cable connection, plus there’s no charging pad, so iPhone users will probably just plug their devices in anyway.
