This was not intended as a road test – yet serendipity made it highly entertaining!
My car – that I actually own and pay real money to maintain – broke down.
My suspicion was confirmed when the AA patroller confirmed what I feared: my alternator had failed and should be replaced immediately.
My own car went into the garage for some TLC and as a loaner car I received a Honda Jazz.
This compact family hatchback marks the fourth generation since it first went on sale in 1983, with 2020 models set for a refresh in 2023.
I had driven the previous editions, but not this one. Since every cloud has its own silver lining, why not give it a review?
Honda only offers this petrol-electric hybrid vehicle (e:hev), with three trim levels – Elegance, Advance, and Advance Sport – available and ranging in price between PS27,395 to PS29,850.
If you want the slightly more powerful recreational Jazz Crosstar available only in Advance trim, the price can range between PS29,650 to PS30,360.
My car was a Honda Jazz in Advance trim. With its massive front windscreen providing excellent visibility and its light and airy interior offering both functionality and decent looks.
As with other Jazz models, this one was powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 107hp coupled to an electric motor for a total power output of 122hp.
It was an enjoyable drive and offered plenty of practical benefits.
The Jazz seamlessly switches between petrol, electric and mixed hybrid modes to provide you with just the right power for driving – all without your having to make any adjustments yourself.
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The hybrid vehicle’s additional electric power adds extra punch and agility at lower speeds – something the overall average acceleration time from zero to 62mph of 9.6 seconds didn’t reflect accurately.
You’re sure to understand why the Jazz has proven such a hit; this versatile vehicle makes a perfect vehicle for commuters, school runs, shopping trips and visiting gyms or golf clubs.
Small enough to fit into parking spaces, yet big enough to seat five comfortably if necessary – though four is preferable for comfort reasons.
The Jazz is versatile enough to perform many duties, from transporting friends or children, to load-lugging tasks if you lower its rear seats and increase its boot space to 1,205 litres (844 litres at window level).
Interior space is maximized by placing the fuel tank beneath the front seats in the center of chassis, enabling Jazz to retain the rear ‘Magic Seat’ configuration with flexible seats that can fold flat or flip up for increased cargo room.
A wide aperture tailgate opening and stepless flat floor make loading larger items much simpler.
Honda takes great pride in their hybrid e:HEV system which powers the Jazz. Here is its science.
This system comprises two compact yet energy-dense electric motors connected to a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery pack and an innovative fixed gear transmission linked to an intelligent power control unit.
All these components work harmoniously together to provide a smooth and direct response to driver input from accelerator pedal.
If that seems complex, take comfort knowing that its engineering works: the Honda Jazz is far sprightlier than it appears to be.
The vehicle chugs along motorways elegantly enough, and its top speed of 108mph comfortably exceeds UK maximum speed limits.
With a fuel consumption average of 61.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 120g/km, your wallet will also benefit.
Honda’s current Jazz serves to exemplify their long-held reputation for reliability, which shows no signs of diminishing.
Recently, a report highlighted the Honda Jazz as being the most reliable vehicle on the market.
Warranty Solutions Group conducted a survey of 5,000 vehicle repair claims by Warranty Solutions Group that revealed the Jazz to have the lowest claim rate with just 2.6% and average claim amounting to PS392 – well ahead of Toyota Yaris at 2.94 per cent and PS376 respectively and Volkswagen T-Roc at 3.05 per cent with average claims totalling PS436.
Honda stands out for its reputation of reliability and engineering excellence; nevertheless, they remain one of the more understated brands on the market.
Like Cinderella from fairytale fame, Jazz is often underestimated and underappreciated; yet when I unexpectedly encountered it for myself, I truly had an amazing time and was loath to return it!
Citroen plans 2CV
Electric Car Citroen’s CEO has indicated that its iconic two-seater coupe, known as the 2CV, will make its return as an electric vehicle.
Citroen global chief executive Thierry Koskas believes its successor 2CV will contain many of the hallmark qualities that made its predecessor so beloved.
These include simplicity, daring design features that include suspension tuned specifically to deal with rough roads, practicality, value for money and, crucially in this age of sustainability, strong green credentials.
Customers can expect a model on the market within two years, according to him.
Speaking at the UK launch in Oxfordshire of Citroen’s latest model – the e-C3 electric hatchback – Koskas revealed plans for a few retro Citroen models to join their current overhauled lineup.
“Our aim is for certain iconic models from Citroen to elevate its brand even more,” he informed me.
“We have an enviable heritage – with models like the DS and 2CV.”
