Honda Jazz : In a field crowded with compact hatchbacks that promise us affordability, style, economy and – in some cases – a big boot, the Honda Jazz has always been a bit different. It’s not just a hatchback — something akin to a mini-MPV cunningly cloaked in city-friendly city-car style.
A uniquely Honda combination of spacious cabin, powerful engine, well made cabin and that premium feel on a small car has ensured that a fraction of the market decided that the Jazz was just what the doctor ordered –a wee bit more than just getting from point A to point B!
Even as Honda has already exited the mass-market hatchback space in a few regions, the Jazz holds prominence in markets like India, where Practicality and long-term value still matters for a majority of car buyers.
In its current iteration, Jazz retains its familiar look and feel yet now with features and comfort which make sure the competition is now just a follower.
Honda Jazz Design and Exterior
On the outside, the Honda Jazz cuts a sleek, upright design that provides plenty of space inside and gives the appearance of a stylish supermini. Up front, the car is adorned with a stylish grille with chrome lining, which is complemented by sharp LED headlamps and DRLs
. Thanks to a broad windscreen and big windows, it has a confident, airy appearance.
The side is plain but nice, with long body character lines and a subtly rising beltline. Exterior features include alloy wheels, roof-mounted spoiler, LED tail lamps and more.
Though the Jazz doesn’t scream for attention, its design is rooted in function, with well-considered proportions and a stable stance.
Interior and Space
Open the doors, and the Jazz immediately distinguishes itself from many competitors. Space is where it wins big. The cabin is appallingly spacious, thanks, in part, to its tall roofline and clever packaging.
Head and leg room are both ample for front and rear passengers: the Jazz ticks all the right boxes for a small hatch.
Its dashboard is clean and well-organized, highlighted by a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The controls are well organized, and while the materials aren’t premium-grade, they feel sturdy and nice.
The Jazz also throws in a 354-litre boot (one of the biggest in the class), so it’s a useful choice for families or for those that need to regularly transport luggage.
Driving, Ride, and Handling
Boot the bonnet and, there, you’ll find the Jazz’s 1.2-litre i-VTEC, which should be good for around 90 PS and 110 Nm. By no means a powerhouse, it sends its power down the road in a smooth, linear fashion, particularly when you pair it with the CVT automatic transmission.
For the more hands-on drivers there is a 5-speed manual available too.
The Jazz isn’t the fastest in its class, instead it has one of the most responsive and refined drives. EVEN at higher revs, the engine stays quiet and shifting gears, especially in the CVT version, is a breeze.
It’s a great city car, with light steering and great visibility making it easy to cut through traffic or navigate to small parking spaces.
Features and Equipment
You do get most of the essentials with the Jazz, which would be automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, cruise control (in the higher models), and paddle shifters in the CVT.
Safety equipment includes- twin airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking camera, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
Where the Jazz doesn’t load up on lots of fancy tech or connected car stuff seen in newer competitors, it chips away at reliability and functionality instead.
Everything feels built, and built to last, and that’s something buyers in this segment tend to value more than gimmicks.
Pros:
Very, very roomy and light inside
Nippy and polished lagendary petrol engine
there’s a CVT with paddle shifters for convenience.
Best-in-class boot space
Honda reliability and durability for the long-term
Cons:
No turbocharged or diesel engine offered
Doesn’t have the latest connected car technology or advanced infotainment offerings
Pricing is a bit on the expensive side for a hatchback
Conservative exterior look won’t please everyone
Not as fun to drive as rivals such as the Hyundai i20 or Altroz
Honda Jazz Final Verdict
The Jazz is not the most glam of hatchbacks but it is one of the most practical. For buyers whose key requirements are a spacious cabin, a comfortable ride and easy ownership, the Jazz remains a shrewd choice.
It’s a car that offers all-around quality without any showy features or aggressive marketing.
If you want a city car that’s smart, solid and spacious enough to use as a family holdall, the Honda Jazz gets on with the job without drawing undue attention to itself—and that’s not a bad thing.