The Honda Jazz is like a talented contestant on Britain’s Got Talent—skilled in many areas but never quite receiving the widespread recognition it deserves. Known for its practical interior and rock-solid reliability, the Jazz has always been a standout in these respects, yet it hasn’t reached the sales levels of some of its more traditional small car competitors.

With this fourth generation, the Jazz aims to step into the spotlight. Honda has equipped it with some innovative features, including a petrol-electric hybrid system that seamlessly switches between petrol and electric power to boost efficiency, similar to the Toyota Yaris. The system combines two electric motors powered by a compact battery with a fuel-efficient 1.5-litre petrol engine.

Equipment, options and extras

The Jazz is impressively well-equipped, making it hard to label our favourite Elegance spec as 'entry-level.' It comes standard with alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, climate control, adaptive cruise control, power-folding door mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, and a comprehensive suite of safety features.

The mid-spec Advance trim adds practical features like keyless entry and start, a heated leather steering wheel, and sat-nav, but we’re not convinced it justifies the additional cost. The range-topping Sport model, which focuses on sportier aesthetics, also seems less worth the extra expense.

For those who prefer a more rugged look, the Crosstar trim offers an appealing alternative. Priced similarly to the top-spec Sport, it targets ‘people with an active lifestyle’ and includes plastic wheel arches, water-resistant upholstery, and roof rails.

Costs, insurance groups, mpg and CO2

The Honda Jazz is priced higher than some of its small car competitors, but with recent price hikes in models like the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo, the difference isn't substantial. It comes with a strong standard equipment list and is expected to retain its value better than most rivals, aside from the Toyota Yaris.

The slower depreciation means that if you choose to finance a Jazz through PCP, your payments are likely to be only slightly higher than those for competitors. Additionally, its efficiency should help keep overall costs down.

Safety and security

The latest Honda Jazz earned a full five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2020. It comes with a robust suite of standard safety features, including lane-keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking (AEB), and Isofix child-seat mounts on the outer rear seats.

Upgrading to the Advance trim adds additional safety technologies such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which warns you if you're about to reverse into the path of another vehicle.

In terms of security, every Jazz model is equipped with an engine immobiliser and an alarm.

Reliability

Every Honda model includes a standard three-year warranty for most parts, but the Jazz's hybrid system is covered for up to five years or 90,000 miles. Kia offers a seven-year warranty as standard, while Hyundai and Renault provide a five-year warranty.

The Car Planet verdict

The Honda Jazz stands out as the leader in passenger space among small cars, with its uniquely versatile rear seats enhancing its practicality. While some competitors may offer a more engaging driving experience and lower purchase prices, the Jazz excels as an all-rounder with its excellent visibility and impressive fuel economy.

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