Honda Jazz hatchback (2008 – ) expert review

There’s obvious Civic DNA running through the exterior of the Honda Jazz, especially at the front where the grille is very similar. It has a more chic European look than the typically Japanese original Jazz and features a neat tailgate and rear lights. Its practical nature is best revealed at the sides, where despite the rakish nose, it’s still quite boxy. It faces competition from the Vauxhall Meriva, Toyota Verso-S, Kia Venga and Hyundai ix20.

The simple-to-use big buttons and dials are certainly a case of function over form, but they seem at odds with the modern-looking steering wheel lifted from the Civic. The dials are clear and easy to read, and there’s a large trip computer in the centre of the speedo. Although the robustness of the dashboard isn’t in doubt, the hard plastics seem as though they’d be prone to scratching over time.

The Jazz’s 366 litre boot (883 with the seats folded) gives a substantial amount away to the Nissan Note, but there are some neat touches: the clever rear seats fold flat, making loading large objects easy, and there’s a low loading sill. With the seats up, there’s an ingenious false floor that features a cubbyhole for smaller items and the floor can lift out entirely. There are also plenty of storage spaces in the cabin – two gloveboxes, plenty of cupholders and a large space in front of the gear lever. The controls are all big, well laid out and clearly labelled; a rarity in modern cars. Headroom is exceptional.

It’s not the supermini of choice for thrill-seekers – the Ford Fiesta is the car for that job – but it rides and handles well enough. It is longer and wider than before, so it’s stable through the bends and the steering has just enough feel, but no more. The ride is firmer than other models in its class, but unless the road surface is particularly coarse, there should be few complaints. Drivers looking for a more sporty drive can choose the limited edition Si model, which has revised suspension settings and changes to the steering system designed to give it more feel and sharper response.

There are two petrol engines on offer in the Jazz, an 89bhp 1.2 and a 99bhp 1.4-litre; the latter is available with the option of a CVT automatic gearbox. We tested the 1.4 manual which felt lively around town and surprisingly relaxed on the motorway, with enough in reserve to briskly overtake. The 1.2 will reach 62mph in 12.5 seconds, while the 1.4 is a second faster and the automatic model reaches the benchmark in 13.1 seconds. Top speeds are all in excess of 105mph. A Jazz Hybrid was also introduced in 2011, fitted with the 1.3-litre engine, a CVT automatic gearbox and an electric motor capable of producing around 14bhp.

Starting at more than £10,000, the Honda is priced as a premium supermini; a promise on which it delivers. Average fuel consumption figures are rated between 50.4 and 53.3mpg and we found little difficulty getting our 1.4-litre Jazz to cover in excess of 50mpg on a variety of A-roads and urban streets. Emissions between 123 and 130g/km keep road and company car tax bills low, too. The Jazz Hybrid is even cheaper to run, averaging 62.8mpg and emitting 104g/km of CO2.

Honda’s reputation for building solid cars continues, and the Jazz’s track record is positive. However, there have been several vehicle recalls for the Jazz to fix issues including a fault with its headlights, handbrake and braking system. Auto Trader’s Honda Jazz owners have scored it a high 4.6 out of five on average.

Honda has employed a number of novel technologies to improve the safety of occupants and pedestrians. It has windscreen wiper pivots that snap on impact and energy-absorbing wings and bonnet hinges, all designed to help prevent injury to other road users. Inside, dual front, side and curtain airbags are standard and fitted along with yaw rate sensors to determine the angle of impact to ensure the correct airbags are deployed in the right position. This has helped the Jazz achieve a full five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating.

The Jazz is available in no less than ten trim levels: S, S-T, SE, SE-T, ES, ES-T, EX, EX-T, EXL and EXL-T. The S has all the basics, but you’ll do without alloy wheels or air-con – you’ll need to step up to ES for those. ES also adds USB connectivity, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, body coloured handles and mirrors, electric retractable mirrors, a fully adjustable steering wheel and the two-tier boot floor. The range-topping EXL-T is fully kitted and comes with heated leather seats. On top of that is the limited edition Si model, which is based on the 1.4 ES, but gives the car a sporty makeover that includes sports suspension and a bodykit, while inside it has a leather-trimmed steering wheel, black and silver seats and cruise control.

If there’s one unique selling point the Jazz has, its space. There’s simply so much of it. If you need a small car to carry people, dogs or luggage, there are few better choices.