Latest first drives Honda Jazz Hybrid Dec 2010
Which? Car long-time favourite, the Honda Jazz is being launched as a hybrid. We drive the 1.3-litre Jazz Hybrid for the first time, to see how it compares with a conventional Jazz. Does it make sense when compared with other popular superminis, like the VW Polo BlueMotion, the Mazda 2 and Hyundai i20?
Smooth and quiet pulling away
What's new?
The Jazz Hybrid is the first of a refreshed line-up of Honda's popular supermini that will hit UK showrooms from February 2011. The revised models promise improved ride comfort and steering-feel and an upgrade to the interior trim (with a leather option available for the first time).
As the Hybrid comes with Honda’s tried and tested CVT automatic gearbox, this has given Honda the opportunity to return this transmission to the conventional line up too, offering it with the 1.4 petrol engine, where it replaces the i-Shift (automated manual transmission).
Honda Jazz Hybrid – the same but different?
Styling tweaked but unmistakably a Jazz
On the outside, the changes are subtle. The Jazz has been tweaked, but still remains close to the original form. All versions offer new ‘projector style’ headlights and the rear lights on the Hybrid come in clear plastic. Another difference on the Hybrid is the fitting of blue chrome surrounds on front and rear lamps, front grille and registration plate.
There are several new colours to further separate the new version from the old, but for those concerned about going too far from a proven formula, this car still looks every inch a Jazz.
Hybrid doesn't crack 100g/km
Emissions and fuel consumption for the Hybrid on the combined cycle are 104g/km and 62.8mpg. It’s slightly disappointing Honda couldn’t crack the sub-100g/km mark, for zero road tax. It compares well with 125g/km and 52.3mpg for the Jazz 1.4 CVT. But it is no match for the class-leading ‘eco’ supermini, the Polo Blue Motion (1.2 TDI 75PS), which emits just 91g/km and returns 80.7mpg on the combined cycle.
Honda Jazz Hybrid pricing
The new Jazz range goes on sale in February with prices starting at £11,295 for the 1.2. The 1.4 CVT will sell at £14,495 and the Hybrid weighs in £1,500 more at £15,995.
This is around £600 more than a Polo Blue Motion 1.2 TDI, and over £1,200 more than a Mazda 2 diesel. Or choose yourself the Hyundai i20 1.4CDI Comfort and you could pocket nearly £4,000 in spare cash.
Click here to read our full Honda Jazz Hybrid first drive
Read our reviews of the VW Polo BlueMotion, Mazda 2 and Hyundai i20.
