The Jazz has been one of Honda’s most popular cars for some time, with this compact model always offering generous amounts of space in something the size of a more compact supermini.
It’s built up a loyal following over the years, and now it’s time for the new fourth-generation 2020 Honda Jazz to show its face, bringing with it enhancements when it comes to design and technology.
So what’s new about this latest Honda Jazz? Let’s take a look.
New hybrid powertrain
While not the first time Honda has fitted a hybrid powertrain in the Jazz – one was offered on the second-generation model – it’s now the only type of engine setup that you’ll find on the latest incarnation of Honda’s popular hatch.
Known as ‘e:HEV’, the system pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine together with two small electric motors and a battery to produce 107bhp and 253Nm of torque, which allows it to sprint to 60mph in 9.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 102mph. An e-CVT automatic gearbox is also used.
The key benefit of this system, though, is efficiency – Honda claiming it will return 62.8mpg, with low CO2 emissions of 102g/km.
Funky styling
The Honda Jazz has never been a model that’s stood out on the roads, but as part of a push to create bolder models – such as the Honda e – this new Jazz is much more noticeable than its predecessor.
With funky kei car-like styling headed up by sharp headlights and compact proportions, the Jazz is quite different in terms of looks to every other supermini on sale. The new model is also sleeker than its predecessor, while visibility has also improved thanks to a narrower A-pillar.
New more rugged trim for the first time
With more buyers looking at crossovers or more rugged-looking models, Honda has had to make sure it doesn’t lose Jazz customers to those wanting more of a 4x4-like model.
And the result is a new Crosstar trim level, which brings more off-roady styling to the Jazz range – shown by its revised grille, black plastic cladding, black 16-inch alloy wheels and roof bars. It’s very effective, too, though it’s worth noting the Crosstar isn’t any more capable off-road than the regular car
Better to drive
The Jazz has never been a car that’s been bought for driving pleasure, and while it’s still not exactly a hot hatch, Honda has worked hard to improve the way it behaves behind the wheel.
Changes include much-improved body rigidity and tweaked suspension to allow for more agile handling, along with an enhanced ride quality, reduced road noise to allow for a refined driving experience and also disc brakes all round to offer additional stopping power.
Additional safety technology
Honda has positioned itself as one of the leaders when it comes to safety, with the firm offering its ‘Sensing’ technology across its full range.
This has been enhanced on the new Jazz, with this model available with a comprehensive range of safety and driver assistance tech as standard. Highlights include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, with all this kit meaning this Honda comes with far more safety technology than plenty of its rivals.
The new Honda Jazz is available in showrooms now, with prices starting from £18,895
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