In this new generation, the Honda Jazz wants to stand out. Regular presence in reliability rankings, and recognized for its versatility and interior space, the new Honda Jazz intends to gain prominence in other areas.
From the outside to the inside, from technology to engines. There are many new additions to the Honda Jazz and its more adventurous looking brother, the Honda Crosstar Hybrid.
We have already tested it in a first contact in Lisbon and these are the first sensations.
Honda Jazz. (Much) improved design
On the outside, there is a huge evolution of Jazz compared to the previous generation. The complexity of the shapes has now given way to a more harmonious and friendly design — note in this regard, an attempt to approach the Honda e.
In addition, the new Honda Jazz now has a split front pillar to improve visibility. Therefore, in addition to being more harmonious, the Honda Jazz is now more practical.
But for those who the forms close to an MPV are not convincing, there is another version: the Honda Crosstar Hybrid.
The inspiration for SUVs is clear. Plastic guards and flares throughout the body, a height perception to the upper ground, transform the Jazz into a small SUV. An essentially aesthetic transformation that costs 3000 euros more compared to Jazz.
Spacious interior and… magic benches
If you are looking for a lot of interior space and moderate dimensions on the outside, the Honda Jazz is your car. In this segment, no one takes advantage of space so well with the Honda Jazz and Crosstar Hybrid.
Whether in the front seats or in the back seats, aboard the Honda Jazz/Crosstar there is no shortage of space. Comfort is not lacking either. Honda technicians did a good job on this one.
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As far as luggage capacity is concerned, we have 304 liters with the seats in the normal position and 1204 liters with all seats folded. All this in a car that marginally exceeds four meters in length (4044 mm to be exact). It's remarkable.
In addition to this space, we also have the magic benches, the first Jazz solution launched in 1999. Don't you know the solution? It's very simple, see:
Surprise on the road. behavior and consumption
The Honda Jazz in this new generation isn't just more pleasing to the eye. On the road, evolution is equally notorious.
It's still not the most exhilarating car on the market to drive, but it's very proficient in every move. It always conveys safety to the driver and, above all, invites a calmer tune. Another feature that greatly improved was the soundproofing.
The performance of the hybrid unit is excellent. As with the Honda CR-V, the new Jazz and Crosstar are, in a simplified way, electric… gasoline. That is, despite the existence of a battery (very small of less than 1 kWh), the electric motor of 109 hp and 235 Nm that is connected to the front axle will get the energy it needs from the internal combustion engine, which only serves in this context. of generator.
The 1.5 i-MMD with 98 hp and 131 Nm turns out to be, thus, the real “battery” of the electric motor. It's also the reason why the Jazz and Crosstar don't have a gearbox — as happens in other electric vehicles —; there is only a one-speed gearbox.
The functioning of the combustion engine is very discreet, only being noticed (hearing) when in strong acceleration or at high speeds (such as on a highway). It is at high speeds the only driving context in which the combustion engine serves as a driving unit (a clutch couples/disengages the engine to the drive shaft). Honda says it's more efficient to just use the combustion engine in this context. In all others, it is the electric motor that drives Jazz and Crosstar.
Regarding performance, we were surprised by the response from the set. It's perhaps the most energetic 109 hp I've driven in recent months. Far from sporting ambitions, the Honda Jazz and Crosstar Hybrid advance decisively to 100 km/h in just 9.5 seconds.
Fortunately, the combustion engine/electric motor combination is also spared. The combined cycle consumption of 4.6 l/100 km announced by the brand (WLTP standard) is no exception. In this first contact, with some more untimely starts in between, I registered 5.1 l/100 km.
Honda Jazz and Crosstar Hybrid price in Portugal
We have good news and less good news. Let's go to the less good ones first.
Honda Portugal decided to offer only the top-of-the-range version for sale in our country. Result? The equipment endowment is impressive, but on the other hand, the price to pay for the Honda Jazz is always significant. So significant that Honda has repositioned the Jazz alongside the compact family, a segment above where we would expect to see Jazz. But read on, from now on, the scene is brighter.
The list price of the Honda Jazz is 29,268 euros, but thanks to a launch campaign — which is expected to remain active for many months — the Honda Jazz is offered for 25 500 euros . If you choose the Honda Crosstar version, the price rises to 28,500 euros.
Another good news concerns an exclusive campaign for Honda customers. Whoever has a Honda in the garage can enjoy an additional discount of 4000 euros. It is not necessary to give the car back, just own a Honda.