Honda Jazz

The 2018 Honda Jazz has been the best selling B-segment hatchback since the launch of the new generation. The Jazz has 2 types of engines on offer, a fuel-sipping yet powerful 1.5-litre Hybrid engine that makes 139 PS and a regular 1.5-litre engine that makes 120 PS, both are the higher than any of its rivals, including Toyota Yaris and Mazda 2.

Honda Jazz Hybrid vs Honda Jazz V vs Toyota Yaris; combing through the spec sheet

Video: All-new Honda Jazz, Cutest City Car Ever?

Design

Although opinions of the Jazz is divided, the current third generation facelift was launched in 2017. The still carries forward the Honda Jazz's class leading practicality packed into the small package.

Dimensions

The Honda Jazz measures 3,989 x 1,694 x 1,524 x 2,530 mm in length, width, height, and wheelbase.

Lighting

All variants of the Honda Jazz have halogen headlights installed to illuminate the roads.

Wheelbase

Only the Honda Jazz V runs on stylish 16-inch wheels while the S, E, and Hybrid variant makes do with plain 15-inch wheels.

Centre Console

Honda is well-known for their practicality and the Honda Jazz also carries on the legacy. The Jazz has plenty of functional cubby spaces and a record 7 cup holders in the all variants except for the base E variant that comes with 9.

Dashboard

The standard Jazz dashboard is designed with ergonomics in mind. Though there are no soft touch materials on the dashboard, the Jazz is built with good quality plastics fitted well together so nothing is rattling.

Space

Honda is well-known to have drawn on Japan's famed space saving techniques allowing them to squeeze out class-leading spaciousness in the Jazz. You can easily fit 4 tennis balls between a tall person's knees and the front passenger seat.

Boot

Even though cabin space is abundant, the Jazz still doesn't lose out on boot space. You can still fit a 28-inch luggage bag even without utilising the Ultra seats.

Safety Feature

The new generation B-segment cars from Honda is well-known to have pioneered the use of traction control in small cars. The Jazz's current generation was the first B-segment hatchback to feature Vehicle Stability Control and traction control.

Comfort Feature

Although cabin refinement is lacking, the Honda Jazz makes up for the lack with the use of space. The bench rear seats are a little on the hard side but are still comfortable enough.

Infotainment

From the Honda Jazz E variant onwards, the head unit is a 6.8-inch touchscreen with HTMi and Bluetooth connection.

Engine

The 2017 Honda Jazz are available in 2 engines. A standard 1.5-litre NA petrol engine that produces 120 ps and 145 Nm, and a 1.5-litre Hybrid engine that produces 137 ps and 170 Nm.

Transmission

The Honda Jazz's 1.5-L NA engine is mated to a smooth CVT while the Hybrid engine's fuel efficiency is further helped with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission.

Drive train

The Honda Jazz is front wheel drive only.

Acceleration 

Honda Jazz's naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine manages the century sprint in 11.8-seconds.

Engine Performance

Unlike most cars with CVT, the Jazz responds swiftly whenever the throttle is applied and easily progress through different speeds with smooth finesse.

Transmission Performance

The CVT in the Honda Jazz is not the smoothest though it is quieter than many other CVT units. You can barely feel the jerk when progressing through the speed. The Hybrid's 7-speed DCT lacks the refinement of German DCT but is still a reliable unit.

Steering and Handling

The Jazz has a surprisingly heavy steering, it makes driving in tight spaces a little uncomfortable but makes up for its steady cornering skills.

Sound Proofing

The cabin is not the quietest cabin compared to its rivals as wind noise can be easily heard within the cabin even at 90 km/h.

Passenger Comfort

Honda set up the Honda Jazz to be the perfect city car, suspensions are set just right and doesn't cause any unneccessary crashy rides.

Fuel Consumption

As expected of a Honda, the Honda Jazz too returns good fuel consumption, even the NA engine returns good fuel consumption numbers of 6.7-litre / 100 km in a route with a mix of stop-go traffic and highway cruising.

The Honda Jazz has been the king of practicality since its arrival in 2014. Though the car has lost a number of features in terms of in-car entertainment, the ever useful Ultra Seats are still present and the hatchback still boasts class-leading space. If it's space in a small packaged that you're looking for, then the Honda Jazz is the perfect fit.