Say hello to…
…the latest Honda Jazz has a much simplified line-up with a single engine 1.5-litre petrol hybrid option which is only available with an automatic gearbox.
The Jazz is a full hybrid, meaning that while the only fuel you need to put in the car is petrol, it will drive under electric power alone for short periods of time.
As a supermini, rivals include the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Micra, VW Polo, Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 208 and a host more.
Honda also keeps the trim levels simple with four to choose from:
- SE
- SR
- EX
- EX Style
All Honda Jazz trim levels come with a host of safety kit including collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic sign recognition, 10 airbags and a speed limiter. All trims also include adaptive cruise control, auto wipers, powered and heated door mirrors, heated front seats, Bluetooth, USB socket, LED auto headlights and a five-inch infotainment screen. SR trim adds 15-inch alloys, connected services, nine-inch touchscreen, front and rear parking sensors, wireless Apple Carplay and part leather upholstery. EX adds privacy glass, smart keyless entry and start, heated leather steering wheel, rear view camera and satnav. The top EX Style trim adds external features including embossed side mouldings, gloss black rear spoiler, gloss black door mirror caps, two-tone roof and 16-inch alloys.
Is The Honda Jazz Suitable For My Fleet
The hybrid system in the Honda Jazz does an excellent job of reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency.
At 105g/km for CO2 output the Jazz sits in the 26% benefit-in-kind tax band, which is competitive in the sector.
With a P11D value for the Jazz EX Style of £25,725 the tax take per month for a 20% PAYE employee is just £112.
Leasing A Honda Jazz
While Honda has a strong retail focus, with the majority of its cars going to retail customers, the Jazz does also have a loyal fleet following with those that cover a local area and need first rate reliability, good efficiency and lots of space inside.
Gensen Report predicts an expected monthly rental of £371 for a three-year lease based on 5,000 miles a year, while the true monthly cost is £537.
Driving A Honda Jazz
Styling for the Honda Jazz has always been governed by the need to maximise interior space and the latest supermini is no different. The design is clean but uninspiring. Sit inside the Jazz and the way the space is used and quality of construction and materials justifies the decision. The Jazz is a class leader when it comes to interior space. There’s so much room – including enough legroom for three adults on the rear seats – that you wonder how Honda’s engineers have found room for an engine, let alone one with hybrid bits attached.
The new 1.5 petrol engine and hybrid system has and official combined efficiency figure of 61.4mpg, however, on our test the car returned more than 65mpg.
However, the car is best driven gently as the powertrain is not the most refined in class. Anything beyond light acceleration and the CVT automatic gearbox together with the petrol engine results in an unpleasant level of harsh noise. There’s also a fair amount of bodyroll, which would be fine if the suspension also absorbed the worst surfaces. Unfortunately too many bumps and road imperfections are transmitted back the driver.
Stick to gentle driving and the Jazz offers a relaxed and easy experience. The digital instruments are very clear and the controls on the infotainment system can be worked out quickly. There’s also excellent visibility for the driver which makes parking a doddle.
Overall, the Honda Jazz is a very efficient and easy car to live with.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The Honda Jazz
Not much to look at externally, but impressively practical with room for five adults and a good sized boot. While the hybrid engine is exceedingly efficient, it’s not the most refined car to drive.
Honda Jazz
- Model: Jazz EX Style 1.5 Hybrid e-CVT
- Power: 109hp
- Torque: 253Nm
- Max speed: 109mph
- 0-62mph: 9.5s
- Fuel economy: 61.4 miles
- Test economy: 65.8 miles
- CO2 emissions: 84g/km
- BIK tax band 2021/22: 21%
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