Honda Jazz Review (2015-2019)

What is the Honda Jazz?

The Honda Jazz is an economical and practical compact five-door hatchback that rivals superminis such as the Toyota Yaris, the Ford Fiesta, the Hyundai i20 and the Skoda Fabia.

This version arrived in the UK in 2015 and replaced the popular second-generation Honda Jazz, which had been on the market since 2008. The third-generation Jazz wasn’t just a mild update, though, as it featured a new platform, new engines, modern tech and more space.

How practical is it?

The Jazz retained some of its predecessor’s features, such as the innovative and extremely flexible Magic Seat system, which allows for an array of interior configurations. The neatest of these are the rear seat bases, which flip up against the backrests - a bit like cinema seats - and then lock into place, allowing you to carry particularly tall items in the rear footwells.

The previous Mk2 Jazz was already one of the roomiest cars in its class, and this Mk3 version does even better. There's even more generous rear legroom than before, and the boxy bodywork means there's lots of headroom, too.

The Jazz also has a big boot at an impressive 354 litres with the rear seats up or 897 litres when they’re folded down. The boot is smaller than in its predecessor's, but still bigger than those of most rivals.

Honda sought to tackle some of the criticism of the previous model by adding higher quality cabin materials. It was largely successful, giving the Jazz a fairly posh and very robust feel.

What's it like to drive?

Only one engine was available to begin with: a 1.3-litre i-VTEC petrol that offered a claimed average of up to 61.4mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 106g/km (although these figures were achieved under the old and often unrealistic NEDC test). A six-speed manual gearbox was standard, but a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic was also available. The latter was slower, though, taking 12 seconds to hit 62mph, as opposed to the manual’s 11.2 seconds.

The net result of all these revisions, upgrades and all-new parts was a car that both looked and drove better than its predecessor, all while retaining the same neatly engineered, durable and practical feel.

While it’s keener and more responsive on the road than the second-generation Jazz, it still isn’t much fun and, despite Honda’s suspension revisions, it isn’t the comfiest car of its type, either. Other cars, such as the Fiesta, are far more rewarding to drive and more comfortable.

In late 2017, a 128bhp 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine was added to the range. It was a good bit brisker, but still needed working hard for best effect. As a result, the Jazz was still hamstrung by the fact that many of its competitors were available with more flexible - and more economical - turbocharged petrol engines, instead of the naturally aspirated options found in the Jazz.

Technology, equipment and infotainment

The third-generation Jazz also has more equipment than the previous version. Honda’s City-Brake Active assist was made standard on every model, which made the Jazz safer to drive and helped it earn the maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.

The initial trim range was S, SE, and EX, each of which came with a 1.3-litre petrol engine and the option of a manual gearbox or CVT. Standard equipment included air-conditioning, cruise control, a speed limiter and automatic headlights, while the SE added front- and rear parking sensors, electric heated mirrors, extra safety features and 15-inch alloy wheels. The EX benefitted from creature comforts including climate control, a six-speaker audio system, front fog lights, 16-inch wheels and a smart entry and start system.

Honda’s Connect Infotainment system was standard on SE and EX models and included a 7.0-inch touchscreen display in the centre of the dashboard. This has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI and MirrorLink connectivity, as well as a range of apps, and Garmin navigation was available as an option. Many buyers will expect such features, so it’s worth going for these versions over a regular S variant. There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support, though.

Honda Jazz running costs

The Jazz is certainly cheap to run. Honda claimed average mpg figures of 55.4-61.4 when the Jazz was new, and most owners report around 50mpg in the real world.

Road tax costs aren’t bad, either. Early 1.3-litre Jazz models had a CO2 range of 106-120g/km, meaning annual VED of £20-30. Cars registered after 31 March 2017, however, will cost the same flat annual rate as everything else. If keeping costs to a bare minimum is key, it might be worth seeking out those earlier versions.

You could buy a tailored service plan from Honda to keep costs in check over a long period. These plans can last up to four years and account for the condition and usage of your car. Local independents can easily service a Jazz as well, which may offer some additional savings.

Buying an older used Jazz is a good way to dodge some depreciation and keep your costs down and, fortunately, Honda offers its own used approved scheme, which could make finding a used car less complicated. Cars up to eight years old are sold through the scheme, called Honda Approved, and each comes with a minimum of 12 months’ warranty.

Honda Jazz reliability

When this Jazz was brand new, Honda offered a three-year, 90,000-mile warranty, and extended warranties were available but, more to the point, these cars are tremendously reliable. Honda usually performs admirably in customer satisfaction and reliability surveys, so problems should be few, and the firm has an extensive and well-regarded dealer network.

There have been very few recalls of the third-generation Jazz, which bodes well. There were some on the first-year models, related to a Takata airbag recall, but there has subsequently only been one for a rear seat belt sensor. Fortunately, the government’s online recalls website allows you to easily check whether your potential purchase is due recall work.

You should still inspect any used Jazz carefully, though. Look for signs of panel damage and heavy kerbing that could indicate a tough urban life, and make sure the car has been serviced every year.