Honda Jazz review

Like contestants on Britain’s Got Talent, some cars are gifted in various ways but have so far not been received with universal adoration. The Honda Jazz is a case in point.

The Jazz has always stood out for its practical interior and reputation for unimpeachable reliability, yet it's never really hit the heady sales heights of some of its more conventional small car rivals, the most obvious examples being the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo.

Today's fourth-generation Honda Jazz wants to grab a bit more of the limelight, so it’s learnt some clever tricks to wow the crowds, including the ability to juggle. No, not balls or fire sticks; it juggles between petrol and electric power to improve efficiency, in much the same way that the Toyota Yaris Hybrid does. Honda’s petrol-electric hybrid system uses two electric motors, powered by a compact battery, working alongside a frugal 1.5-litre petrol engine. 

The latest Jazz also features a modern interior, and it comes packed full of safety equipment (more on that later). There’s even the option of a more adventurous, SUV-inspired version, called the Jazz Crosstar. It's a bit like the Ford Fiesta Active, being dressed up with black plastic cladding around its wheelarches, plus it has bolt-on roof rails, two-tone paint, a unique front grille design and jacked-up suspension.

So, does the Honda Jazz deserve to do well in a popularity contest against the very best small cars? That's the question we'll be answering in this review. And if at the end you decide that it's the perfect fit for your lifestyle, our New Car Buying service can help you secure a hefty discounts on the Jazz without the hassle of haggling.