Cast you mind back to this time last year. If you went looking for a small Hybrid car, you would have one choice. And if you were looking for a Hybrid small SUV you would be lucky to have the choice of two. Well, the crafty engineers at Honda may have just built the ideal small car that fits both.
Introducing the all new Honda Jazz & Jazz Crosstar. Both of these are exclusively Hybrid and are seriously clever little cars – and ‘little’ may be the reason that they’re going to be so popular.
Looks
Firstly, lets tackle the obvious question; why are there now two Honda Jazz? Well, the new Honda Jazz comes in two styles: the Hatchback and the Crossover. The standard hatchback is reminiscent of the outgoing car, in that the profile continues with class-leading interior space, but the design has moved forward and looks exceptionally contemporary. If this modern uncluttered flair is Honda’s new style, then the local Honda team are on board. It looks like Honda’s designers drove this right off the set of a RoboCop remake. Clearly inspired by the latest smartphone products, now we’re keen to see what will happen to the rest of the Honda range.
Then, Honda threw a curveball, and also launched the Jazz Crosstar. It’s no secret that Europe and the UK has fallen in love with SUV’s. Honda have taken an already upright and capacious model, and given it the crossover SUV pizazz. The Honda Jazz Crosstar is based purely on the top of the range ‘EX’ specification, but with a higher ride height, featuring SUV black body protection, silver roof rails, and a more rugged Crosstar front grille.
Meaning there is now a small hybrid hatchback and a small hybrid SUV available– both practically untouched markets. And one that is sure to gain a lot of interest to a lot of people.
Interior
The interior of the new Honda Jazz Hybrid is just as modern as the exterior. All of the essentials are here, but hidden within the touchscreen display to maximise the effect of Honda’s minimalism design; a smooth simple dashboard, an easy to read Touchscreen Display & Digital Speedometer, finishing with a sleek-and-simple two spoke steering wheel.
Compared to the new Honda CRV Hybrid and the (soon to be released) all-electric Honda e, you can see where Honda’s designers have taken inspiration. However, the dashboard is significantly more simple – you won’t need a degree in Computer Science to get to grips with the new Honda’s controls.
In the ‘EX’ specification, expect to have your choice of Black or modern Grey semi-leather interior with matching dashboard finishes. It is also important to use the leather conditioner to restore the leather’s sheen and make your car’s seats look new.
While the Jazz Crosstar gets a unique Water-Resistant Cloth interior, for those adventurous weekends away.
Engine
The new Honda Jazz has even less engine options than before, which makes life simple: You’re getting a 1.5 Hybrid petrol, and that’s final.
The outgoing model used a 1.3 with manual or automatic gearbox, but the new Honda Jazz is Hybrid only. They’ve replaced the efficient 1300cc engine with a larger and more refined 1500cc petrol.
Honda’s hybrid systems are different then some others on the market. While others swap back-and-forth between engine and motor, Honda uses its engine to produce electricity for the motor rather than drive the wheels.
If you were to drive other hybrid hatchbacks, on a flat road would cruise is practically silent serenity. But, find one of the Island’s steeper hills, and the engine cuts in and shatters the electric illusion. In the Honda, the engine is running at a constant speed keeping the battery topped up, powering the smooth electric motor, and producing a refined ride unfound in other small cars.
Pricing
The previous Honda Jazz started at £14,500. The new Honda Jazz will start from £18,980. That sounds like a lot, just to go Hybrid – But there is more to it than that.
Honda no longer makes a basic ‘S’ specification. All Honda Jazz now feature MyHonda+ App Control, Virtual Assistant, Android Auto & Apple Carplay, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Touchscreen Display with a Reversing Camera. These are the features you’d expect to find on a high specification car. And on top of that, you’ll have an automatic gearbox and Hybrid power.
The Honda Jazz has traditionally had to compete with the Ford Fiesta and the Citroen C3. On the face of it, the price makes the Honda look expensive. But, as neither of these are hybrid, once you look at what it can do for your economy compared to its competition: Ford Fiesta (44 MPG) / Citroen C3 (48 MPG) / Honda Jazz Hybrid (63MPG)
That little bit extra upfront now looks like it’s worth it, right? Thanks to all the money you’ll be saving on petrol each month.
However, considering neither of these are even remotely electrified the only small hybrid worth mentioning as direct competition is the Toyota Yaris Hybrid (from £18,745). The Yaris was launched 12 years ago, and for similar money you could be sat in the brand-new Honda Jazz with the latest features and gadgetry.
The Honda Jazz Crosstar is a similar story. After one look at the abilities of Hybrid vs Petrol, it’s not worth your time reading about how the Crosstar is going to be significantly more economical than the Ford Fiesta Active or Citroen C3 Aircross.
In reality, the Jazz Crosstar’s real competition is Island customer’s current favourites; the Hyundai Kona Hybrid (From £22,340), the Kia Niro Hybrid (from £24,885), and the Toyota C-HR Hybrid (from £25,625). Each of these are the standard specification, and simply won’t stack up against all the features of Honda’s top of the range new Jazz. And, if you’re looking for a small crossover, it’s only real competition is the Hyundai, the others are simply too long to be worth considering. For a compact hybrid SUV, with plenty of practically, there really is only one choice.
Business User
The Honda Jazz is going to be a great company car. Choosing a Self-Charging Hybrid is the easiest form of electrification. Simply fill up with petrol and drive. The battery recharges itself, and the automatic gearbox takes care of the rest.
Thanks to the Hybrid motor, economy is high and CO2 is low. Meaning company car tax (BIK) is going to be lower than a lot of the traditional hatchback competition. What will really please Business Owners, is that the new Honda Jazz is set to be the cheapest self-charging Hybrid in the UK on a business lease. Monthly costs can be as little as £155 (+VAT)*.
Island User
Honda knows its audience. The Jazz has always leaned towards comfort, rather than a firm sporty ride. It’s one of the reasons the Honda Jazz has been so popular with Island customers. The suspension does its job, perfectly absorbing the Island’s bumpy roads. The seats are supportive and but spacious taking the last jolt out of all but the biggest Island potholes.
Honda say the seats are as comfortable as those in a premium saloon, and the back seats retain Honda’s party piece; Honda Magic Seats – They fold flat or the front bunch can be lifted vertically for taller items. Or, for a more comfortable space for your four-legged house mates.
Choices
• The Value Choice: Honda Jazz ‘SE’ 1.5 Hybrid Automatic
• The Range Topper: Honda Jazz ‘EX Crosstar’ 1.5 Hybrid Automatic
• Local Favourite: Honda Jazz ‘EX’ 1.5 Hybrid Automatic
Verdict
The Honda Jazz was already a class-leader in so many ways. The clever engineers at Honda have taken what was popular about the previous Jazz, and made the biggest improvement they could. By choosing a hybrid power train, Honda not only pushes the new Jazz into a practically uncontested market, but it’s a significant saving on fuel. Also, thanks to the Hybrid system, it’s quicker from a standstill, which makes pulling out of junctions safer and the smooth automatic gearbox ensures the drive is supremely refined.
Once you compare this with the competition, you won’t want anything else.
* [12 upfront payments over 48 months, with 6,000 miles per annum.]
What about the spare – no spare no sale.