Honda’s popular compact four-door is refreshed and now comes in two variants. Find out what the new Jazz is all about.

When it comes to compact four-doors that don’t take up too much space on the roads yet provide ample capacity in their interiors, few cars can compete on the same level as the Honda Jazz. Despite this, the car has always seemed, shall we say, a little uninteresting since its introduction in 2001.

Well, things have changed. Honda has decided to jazz up the Jazz and, with two new variants — the Jazz Luxe e:HEV and the Jazz Crosstar e:HEV — it’s proposition is now bold and comprehensive, giving customers what they want in a small family car that’s not only fun to drive but also possesses the bells and whistles demanded today.

Just looking at the new cars reveals a marked detour into the realm of the adventurous. What is most obvious is that the Jazz has a new grille design. The Luxe boasts a defined grille with a sculpted rear bumper and a darker headlight insert. The Crosstar grille has a stylish honeycomb design matched with chrome inserts and a matching side skirt. Roof rails further hints at the multi-purpose slant of this latter variant.

This being a car that will be used mostly for its high utility factor, seat configuration is a key aspect for owners. Thankfully, the configurations available in the Jazz is more than ample to accommodate a wide variety of objects to be transported. The Jazz’s ULTRA seats have three different modes. This is aided by positioning the fuel tank in the centre of the chassis beneath the front seats.Recline the front and rear seats on the same side in the Long Mode to carry long objects. Lower both rear seats to reveal a fully flat floor in the Utility Mode to carry large objects. And folding the rear seats up in the Tall Mode allows you to transport taller objects such as potted plants. Furthermore, the seats of the Jazz now have thicker and softer pads to keep passengers comfortable, even on long drives.One game-changing aspect of the new Jazz is the advanced e:HEV engine that features two motors powered by an electric battery for effortless efficiency. The Electric CVT two-motor Hybrid System is mated to the 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine to provide fuel economy of up to 4.4L/100km in the Luxe, and 4.5L/100km in the Crosstar.

The Jazz also comes with a full suite of safety and driving assistance features that are unique for a car in this category. Hill Start Assist, Anti-Lock Braking System, a Multi-Angle Rear-View Camera and six-airbag system all come standard. The car also offers Vehicle Stability Assist, which regulates the engine’s output and selectively applies brakes to maintain traction on slippery roads, and the Emergency Stop Signal automatically activates brakes and hazard warning lights when an emergency situation is detected.

The Jazz also comes with Honda Sensing, the suite of intelligent safety systems: Adaptive Cruise Control maintains a set distance behind the car in front by automatically speeding up or slowing down; Collision Mitigation Braking System detects and alerts drivers of a potential collision; Lane Keeping Assist System helps you stay in the middle of the lane; and Road Departure Mitigation System warns you when you unintentionally deviate from your lane.

Inside the Jazz, drivers can expect all the features to make your drive convenient and fun. The nine-inch central console display offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while the seven-inch TFT Multi-Info Display Meter is clear, concise and provides all the driving information you need. There are two easily accessible USB slots and a 12V power outlet next to them, and the electric parking brake is a nice touch that is commonly found in high-end cars. Walk Away Auto Lock is highly useful to make sure that your belongs are always safe when left inside the automobile.

The new Luxe comes in five colours, while the Crosstar comes in five monotones. Both offer the new Fjord Mist (pearl) that will surely turn heads on the road. Official distributor Kah Motor offers an exclusive five-year unlimited mileage warranty and a five-year battery warranty (terms and conditions apply).

Test Drive Video

HONDA JAZZ 1.5L LUXE E:HEV / CROSSTAR E:HEV

 

ENGINE

1.5L DOHC I-VTEC, WATER-COOLED, IN-LINE 4-CYLINDER 16-VALVE WITH E:HEV HYBRID SYSTEM

 

TRANSMISSION

E-CVT

 

POWER

108PS @ 6,000–6,400RPM

 

TORQUE

127NM @ 4,500–5,000RPM