Insurance Group: 13
MPG: 53.3
CO2: 123
0-62 Mph: 12.5 secs
BHP: 89 BHP
Range: 492 miles
Modelled on the older generation Jazz, the new model is classier, more refined and spacious. It compares to larger cars such as the Ford Fusion in size but still maintains the low running costs of a small car.
It does not come cheap, but resale values are high and will somehow soften the impact of the high cost.
PROS: Very roomy. Practical boot. Economical engine. Great resale value.
CONS: Ride not comfortable. Noisy. Expensive.
There is nothing dynamic about the Honda Jazz 1.2 S on the road, just satisfactory performance. The 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder, 16v 1198cc petrol engine produces 89bhp and has torque figures of 84 lb-ft at 4900rpm. It reaches 62mph in 12.5 seconds and can cruise at a top speed of 110. Unfortunately, steering is vague at speed and the car feels sluggish under full load.
Compared to the older Jazz, suspension is improved in this new model, which makes cornering smooth. It, however, does not absorb bumps fully and the car gets shaky every time it hits uneven ground. There is also plenty of body roll because of its taller build. The ride is jerky at low speed but becomes smoother the faster you go.
Rear visibility is good but chunky windscreen pillars obscure overall forward view. The engine is quiet and smooth, but there is a lot of intrusive road and wind noise in the cabin.
The new generation Honda Jazz S is sportier than its predecessor. An angular nose, raised roofline and curved tailgate add form to its box-like profile, softening its appearance. It has a wider track than the average super-mini and is closer in size to a small MPV.
Inside, the Honda falls far below the refinement standards already set by the Volkswagen Up and the Ford Fiesta. There is plenty of cheap plastic all around you and you can’t help concluding that Honda could have offered better interiors for the car’s asking price.
Standard equipment is average in the S trim. The car is fitted with power steering, central locking, standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), electric door mirrors, electric front windows, driver airbag, passenger airbags, front side airbags, immobilizer, CD player and MP3 connectivity.
Honda is one of the leading car-makers in reliability, and has consistently topped independent surveys for customer satisfaction. They have put in place all the vital safety features, except an alarm which you would have to pay extra for.
The Honda Jazz scored all five-stars in the Euro NCAP test and this is further proof of its safety competence. Six airbags, head restraint, stability assist system, engine immobilizer; central locking and deadbolts are all designed to provide maximum protection for you and the car.
The driver’s seat has a range of height adjustments to help you drive comfortably. The dashboard layout is simple and the huge, control knobs and buttons are practical and user friendly.
The Jazz 1.2 S is big on space. There is enough room to accommodate five adults, with plenty of elbow, leg and headroom. The 2+3 layout of independent seats ensures maximum comfort for every passenger. Tons of storage in the glove compartment, door pockets and cup holders ensure that everyone’s small items have a place in the car.
Rear seats are fully foldable and feature retractable head-rests, which make folding the chair using one hand easy work. The boot is a genius piece of work, and comes with a parcel shelf that can be fitted horizontally or vertically to hold any kind of luggage. With the seats up, the boot offers 379 litres of space which radically increases to 1320 litres with the seats down.
The Honda Jazz is pricier than most cars in its class. The good news is that the Jazz will hold its value well and you will recoup most of your money on reselling. The manufacturer gives a 3 year warranty up to 90,000 miles and this will cover any mechanical problems you may incur during this period.
The car returns 53.3mpg, which is good economy for the class. Carbon emissions are decent at 123g/km and will attract £95 a year in VED under band D.
High reliability and good safety credentials earn the car a place under insurance group 13, which is low enough to warrant low insurance premiums.
The Honda Jazz 1.2 S is a 5-door 5-seat delight and is a practical means of transportation for the family. Modelled on the older generation Jazz, the new model is classier, more refined and spa...
The Jazz Hybrid HX-T 5dr is an excellent car with good fuel efficient, bank-vault build quality and a spacious and practical interior. Superminis really don't come much better than this.
The Jazz 1.4 ES is a very good small car and offers excellent value for money thanks to a decent level of standard kit and Honda's famous build quality. It's not the most exciting car in the world ...
The Honda Jazz is a very good car and the Hybrid HE 5dr is a superb example of it. Excellent fuel efficiency, superb build quality and good practicality make it one of the best cars in its class.
The Honda Jazz 1.4 EX-T CVT is very dull and, with its CVT automatic gearbox, it's clearly a car for the blue rinse brigade. If you can get past that though, you'll find a very well built, practica...
You might want to read reviews for other Small Family cars that you can then compare to the Honda Jazz. Here are some popular Honda Jazz alternatives:
