Insurance Group: 16
MPG: 62.8
CO2: 104
0-62 Mph: 12.1 secs
BHP: 87 BHP
Range: 553 miles
PROS: The Jazz Hybrid is practical, economical and should be endlessly reliable.
CONS: Disappointingly for a hybrid, the Jazz doesn't manage to crack the 100g/km barrier and is therefore not entitled to free road tax or congestion charge exemption. It's also very expensive and dull to drive.
The Jaz Hybrid is fitted with a 1339cc engine which develops 87bhp and 89lb-ft of torque. This translates into a fairly pedestrian 0-62mph time of 12.1 seconds and a top speed of 109mph. These figures aren't helped by the Jazz's CVT auto 'box which is fitted as standard.
The Jazz is no fun to drive thanks to granny-friendly over-assisted steering. The ride is fine at low speed but can get a little jarring at higher speeds, and especially on rough roads.
However, it's unbelieavably noisy at high speeds. Wind and road noise both intrude into the cabin and that CVT gearbox sound like a wounded bison. Not pretty.
It is impossible to have an opinion on the Jazz's styling. It's not ugly buy any means, just instantly forgettable. It's the traditional Japanese car story on the inside too - cheap plastics put together well.
You do get a decent of amount of equipment included as standard, however, with climate control, electric windows, sat-nav, Bluetooth and a CD player with MP3 connectivity. For an extra £440 you can get metallic paint.
The Jazz's hybrid technology robs some space from the boot and, as such, only 303-litres of boot space are on offer. The parcel shelf, however, is a brilliant design and can be positioned in four different ways to maximise interior practicality.
Reliability shouldn't be an issue and Hondas often outlive their drivers (this is not a cheap joke at the age of most Honda drivers). The Jazz finished top of its class in the 2011 J D Power Survey and comes as standard with a 3 year/90,000 mile warranty.
It should also be very safe and scored the full five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests thanks to its six airbags.
At £17,305, the Jazz Hybrid HE-T is very expensive and, thanks to Honda's legendary reputation for quality, should also hold onto its value very well.
However, it's not as economical as you might expect. You'll manage 62.8mpg (combined) which is good but not out of the reach of a standard diesel engine. CO2 emissions of 104g/km are a big disappointment and mean that the Jazz is ineligible for free road tax or free congestion charge. Group 16 insurance is also fairly high for a small car like this.
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