WE LIKE
1. Plenty of front and rear space
2. Folding seats are now easier to master
3. Cheap to run
WE DON'T LIKE
1. Small petrol engines feel a little sluggish
2. No diesel option
3. Dash is a little fussy and not the best quality
The previous Jazz was renowned for its spaciousness and practicality and this second-generation version is even better. It retains much of what made the previous version so popular, with its excellent folding seats and high roofline to provide the optimum use of space. There are a few subtle but useful modifications on this new car, the most obvious being an exterior restyle which has been designed to give the car a sportier look in the hope of attracting younger buyers.
It's got a slightly wider track and longer wheelbase which provides a bit more space in the roomy interior and the dash has been given a refresh to bring it up to date along with more upmarket instruments and a trip computer. However, although the interior is improved, it doesn't have quite the quality feel or style of, say, the Ford Fiesta.
In the rear Honda has kept the innovative rear seating arrangement from the previous model, although it's now easier to fold them down and the headrests no longer need to be removed. The boot features a clever double-trunk function in the 1.4-litre Jazz which allows it to be split into two compartments and, instead of a spare wheel, Honda has supplied a re-inflating gel canister which also saves on space.
Engines available on the Jazz are the 1.2 and 1.4 petrol units - there is no diesel option sadly - which have both had power upgrades to offer 90bhp and 100bhp respectively. Neither engine is particularly brisk - the 1.2 would perhaps feel sluggish with a full load - and both need to be revved to get the best out of them. You can expect decent fuel economy of over 50mpg on the combined cycle though.
Everything about the Jazz is easy to use and well thought out, both statically and on the road. It is an effortless car to drive, but now, thanks to some significant tweaks to the car's suspension, it is far more competent when cornering and feels solid at speed too. Ultimately though, this isn't a car that has been designed to throw around, and it shows; it is lacking the dynamism of others in its class.
It's a different breed of supermini to the Fiesta, Corsa and Seat Ibiza, being closer to a mini MPV design instead. So if you're after a car that offers lots of versatility and refinement, the Jazz will certainly please. The only small niggles against the new Jazz are that it is a little pricy compared to conventional superminis and it really could benefit from the option of a diesel engine.
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User reviews (10)
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Ugly15 August 2009
Think you photo #5 above shows a dashboard for another Honda - not the Jazz... Looks more like the Accord to me...
Report as inappropriateJohn Garner02 September 2009
Having owned two previous `Jazz` I decided it was time for a change. So I set about looking at what was available. After 2 weeks I could find nothing better,so I had a test drive in the new Jazz. It felt so much better than my old Jazz Sport.It felt like a completly different car,so much better to drive and so many improvments. I went for the EX. Got a good trade-in price,played hard to get,and got Diamondbrite and 5yrs Free servicing worth £1200.It is always a good sign when a manufacturer can make a very good car,even better. Well done Honda
Report as inappropriateDoug Bushell03 November 2009
I am now on my 2nd Jazz & very pleased with the new model, good MPG, ride is nice, holds the road well. If there is a tiny thing to moan about its the button that folds in the electric door mirrors, I think this should shoud light up so you can see it at night in the dark.
Report as inappropriateJames Butler21 February 2010
Overpriced for what it have to offer. Looks like shadow of Civic. No character, style or class.
Report as inappropriateJohn03 March 2010
"...No character, style or class." A bit like your grammar? The Jazz is an excellent, class leading supermini which is frugal as well as stylish. It's very tardis-like and I have no idea how they managed to cram civic-rivalling space in here despite it's smaller size. Super reliable too - it doesn't come near the top of the JD Power Survey year after year for nothing.
Report as inappropriateDr.Victor Sereno02 July 2010
There is a serious fault with this. Many men are red-green colour deficient. The Jaz has red letters on a black dial. I can't read the speedo - which is embarrasing when one nearly overtakes a Police car above the limit. I know I am not alone. Honda, who must have the worst customer relations ever, don't seem to want to know. Overall, the car's one vitue is the extra space with the folding seat cushions. It isn't as good as the Yaris my wife had before ( & it was the `safety problem' that prevented us buying another Yaris. The build quality can't hold a candle to my Audi, or to my daughter's Seat Ibiza. Simply, it is an adequate, overpriced, underpowered runabout.
Report as inappropriateChris Taylor13 July 2010
The photo No 5 is definitely not the Jazz - see Honda.co.uk for a proper pic (embarrassing eh ed). Ive test driven one today and it was very smooth and with the new less than 10k deal til end of September 10 with loads of extras thrown such as 3 yrs free servicing 3 yrs road tax etc etc worth a punt - im having one anyway.
Report as inappropriateDC26 October 2010
Lovely well built family car spoilt by 2 basic but serious faults. Handbrake has never been right from new, After rolling off drive several times even with handbrake fully on have learnt to leave in gear but very scary on hill starts in traffic. Heard of many others with same fault. Barely passes MOT standard by 1%. Screen demist very poor especially in winter. Have to sit for up to 10 minutes before driving off in winter.
Report as inappropriateFatherC25 February 2011
Agree with John above, although his grammar also suspect! Why the apostrophe in the following: ".... despite it's smaller size...." Should be its, not it's! I am somewhat disappointed in fuel consumption (automatic) as I'm a very frugal driver but the Jazz isn't that much better than my Camry 220SEi. I also think the seat material is a magnet for dust! Build quality - excellent. Super little car. Mine in called EX-S (South Africa) which has climate control, glass roof, and 16" wheels. Pity about the Marie biscuit spare wheel, though.
Report as inappropriatealex04 October 2011
i own this car since 2 weeks and everything seems to be ok (petrol consumption is higher than expected though) but there is one nasty problem with it: although under 70-80 km/h the noise inside the cabin is low, at higher speeds it gets quite high and of an unnacceptable(high) tonality. i believe its not from the wind, but mostly from the road - as it slightly changes with the quality of asphalt. im really considering now a method to cut the inside noise. has any of you noticed this strange noise at high speeds?
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