2018 Honda Jazz 1.5 i-VTEC review - verdict

The Honda Jazz small hatchback has been facelifted and gained a new 1.5-litre petrol engine. Is this now the pick of the range?...

2018 Honda Jazz 1.5 i-VTEC review - verdict

The addition of this new, more powerful 1.5 engine offers more flexibile performance to buyers of the super-practical Jazz, and it's available for a very small amount of extra cash (only around £200) over the 1.3.

True, its fuel economy isn’t as good – the 1.3 offers a claimed 56.6mpg while the 1.5 comes in at 47.9mpg – and the 1.5's CO2 emissions are a relatively high 124g/km, so company car buyers should look at cleaner turbocharged rivals. Engine noise is also a real negative. But, on balance, the 1.5 engine is the better of the two.

Despite that and the Jazz's superb interior space, we'd still suggest looking at other small cars first, such as the Ibiza or Polo. They're much better to drive, have plusher interiors, still offer very good space and practicality and are available for similar money.


What Car? says...

Rated 3 out of 5


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Rivals:

Ford Fiesta

Volkswagen Polo


2018 Honda Jazz 1.5 i-VTEC Sport

Price £17,115 Engine 4cyl, 1498cc, petrol Power 128bhp at 6600rpm Torque 114lb ft at 4600rpm Gearbox 6-spd manual 0-62mph 8.7sec Top speed 118mph Official economy 47.9mpg CO2, tax band 124g/km, 23%

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