At the end of last year, Honda came up with the latest generation of the Jazz. From now on, the Japanese hatchback is only available with a hybrid powertrain. The starting price has increased considerably compared to the previous generation. However, it turns out that the basic performance is not nearly as ‘basic’ as the word suggests.
Honda Jazz Comfort – € 24,430
Anyone in the Netherlands in the market for a Honda Jazz does not have to doubt the choice of engine for long. It can be anything, as long as it is the 1.5 Hybrid with CVT machine. The four-cylinder petrol engine is the only available version supported by an electric motor, this combination delivers 109 hp and 253 Nm of torque. Despite the reduced CO2 emissions of this hybrid, the starting price of the Jazz has increased by more than € 3,500 compared to the previous model, which was not a hybrid variant. Fortunately, it should be possible to recoup the extra investment in the hybrid in the long term, because in the WLTP test cycle, the new Jazz scores a combined consumption of 4.5 liters per 100 km, or 1 liter on 22.2 km.
Take a good look
The Jazz is available in four different versions: the Comfort, Elegance, Executive and Crosstar. The last version is more independent; he looks tougher and stands a little higher on his legs. The price difference between the cheapest and most expensive version of the Jazz is € 5,690. Of course, the external differences between the regular Jazz and the Crosstar are clearly visible, but with the other versions you have to look carefully to distinguish them from each other. First of all, there are of course the wheels: the Comfort stands on 15-inch steel units, only from the Elegance is light metal in the same wheel size screwed under the Jazz. The Executive has wheels that are just a size bigger at 16 inches. In addition, the Executive can be recognized by the addition of fog lights and privacy glass. The LED headlights are standard on the comfort, so in that respect the more expensive versions cannot distinguish themselves from the entry-level model.
The Jazz already has LED headlights as standard.
“Bald” is a big word
In any case, that entry-level model cannot really be called ‘bare’. First of all, there is a whole range of safety systems under the banner of Honda SENSING, including the Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Cruise Control. You only need to go to the Executive for blind spot assistance. Furthermore, in the basic version you immediately get things like seat heating, automatic air conditioning, a light and rain sensor and the digital display for the driver. The dashboard also features a 5-inch screen for operating the audio system and the hands-free telephone module. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available on the Comfort, for that you have to be at least with the Elegance. Furthermore, the Jazz in its most sober version has black fabric upholstery and plastic interior panels. The steering wheel is also not yet finished in leather. The more luxurious versions have half-leather seats and interior panels that are also made of leather.
The interior of the Jazz Comfort
It is also noticeable that Honda provides little to no loose options on the Jazz. It is therefore not possible to equip the Comfort with, for example, only the larger screen of Honda Connect in order to save money compared to a more expensive version. So in that respect it is all or nothing. Only a few options are available separately. First of all, there is of course the paint color. The Jazz comes standard in ‘Taffeta White’, other colors you can choose include ‘Shining Gray Pearl’, ‘Crystal Black Pearl’ and ‘Midnight Blue Beam Metallic’, all with an additional cost of € 660. The exterior is customizable with three different packages that add colored accents for a little extra frivolity. In the interior, for a pretty hefty € 1,200, the Illumination Pack can be ticked, which brings mood lighting and illuminated sill trims. For the other extras you will have to look to the more expensive versions, but in the Comfort you will certainly not come off bad.