You’ve acquired at hand it to Honda. In a single fell swoop, they’ve erased the Jazz’s status because the automotive of selection for senior residents and created one of many coolest, most superior superminis in the marketplace.
The distinctive fourth era mannequin is available in two flavours – customary Jazz hatchback and the lovable Crosstar, with its on development crossover-inspired seems and raised experience peak.
A rival to the Ford Fiesta Lively, Dacia Sandero Stepway, and even the Kia XCeed, the Crosstar options black physique cladding, roof rails, 16-inch alloys and a singular entrance grille.
Each variants share a 1.5-litre self-charging petrol hybrid engine with twin electrical motors, a small lithium-ion battery and an automated (CVT) gearbox driving the entrance wheels.
The “e:HEV” powertrain mechanically and seamlessly selects essentially the most applicable choice from three drive modes – Electrical, Hybrid and Engine.
In Electrical you might be working 100% electrical energy and it’s typically utilized in low pace visitors and whereas manoeuvring. Hybrid combines the petrol engine and electrical motor for optimum energy and financial system (excellent for overtaking), whereas Engine Drive is for higher-speed cruising when the petrol engine powers the automotive.
The official figures are spectacular. Not solely can the Crosstar dash from 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds and on to a high pace of 108mph, it’s able to as much as 58.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 110g/km.
The excellent news continues inside the place there’s a contemporary look and high quality really feel with a touch of the futuristic pure electrical Honda e. With its comfy water resistant cloth seats, clear dashboard design (that includes a brand new 7.0-inch digital driver’s show and 9.0-inch central infotainment display screen), it’s actually distinctive and recent.
The cabin is roomy, with loads of area for adults within the again, and, due to the panoramic windscreen and large home windows, it’s bathed in mild and there’s spectacular all-round visibility.
The boot is a useful 298 litres, increasing to 1,205 litres with the 60:40 rear seats flipped down, and lots of thought has gone into the varied storage choices all through the cabin.
As you’d anticipate from a Honda, the Jazz Crosstar additionally options versatile “Magic Seats” which flip up, offering vertical area (excellent for tall or odd-shaped objects) or they merely fold flat into the ground.
Normal gear is spectacular with goodies corresponding to autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise management, automated LED headlamps and wipers, visitors signal recognition and lane departure warning.
It’s a doddle to drive too. Merely have interaction Drive, press the acceraltor and also you’re away (silently if there’s cost within the battery).
Stick it in B mode and there’s much less must brake as a result of it slows the automotive down whenever you take your foot off the throttle (like an electrical automotive). Crucially, it additionally will increase the regenerative braking impact when decelerating which harvests power in any other case wasted. In different phrases, choose B mode on downhill stretches and you may actually watch the battery recharging.
Because the stats point out, the Jazz Crosstar is a surprisingly punchy performer. Like most CVTs, the engine revs skyrocket when accelerating exhausting, making it sound harsh. Nevertheless, when driving easily or simply cruising on the motorway, it’s pleasantly refined.
It doesn’t boast essentially the most subtle suspension on the market and it’s a tad agency over the bumps, particularly at decrease speeds, however total most consumers will probably be completely content material.
The Crosstar’s dealing with is pretty entertaining if pushed too, however to take action misses the purpose, as a result of it’s all about financial system and practicality.
With its compact dimensions, mild steering, glorious visibility, comfy seating place and responsive hybrid energy, it’s an incredible all-round drive and 50-55mpg may be very achievable.
The Jazz line-up kicks off at a really aggressive £18,985, with the vary topping Crosstar beginning at £23,385.
Verdict: The all-new Honda Jazz Crosstar is a little bit of revelation – an outstanding supermini, no matter your age. Should you’re in search of an reasonably priced, economical, sensible automotive with a touch of rufty-tufty SUV styling, that’s enjoyable to drive and full of package, it’s effectively price a check drive. Oh, and we haven’t even talked about Honda’s status for reliability.
Honda UK
