Honda Jazz Hybrid HX: Road test

As I grew up, Honda was best known for the NSX, hot hatches such as the Civic Type R and its involvement in Formula one. However, times have changed along with concern for the climate and the Jazz is Honda's fourth hybrid.

Mechanically similar to its bigger brother, the Insight, is there any reason to go for the Jazz apart from it being cheaper? I spent a week with the £17,995 Jazz Hybrid HX to find out.

The current car dates back to 2008, but the introduction of this Hybrid model is part of a mild range re-fresh. At the front, there are new lights, a hybrid-specific grille and a more aerodynamic front bumper.

At the side, there are new alloy wheels with special aerodynamic brake calipers, with just a new set of distinctive clear rear light clusters and Hybrid badging at the back, completing the light face-lift.

The Jazz Hybrid is fitted with the same 87bhp 1.3-litre petrol engine that's fitted in the bigger Insight and has a clever stop-start sytem. With emissions of 104g/km and 62.8mpg fuel consumption figures, this Honda should prove to be very cost-effective to run, although it's not Congestion charge exempt and still costs £10 to tax.

The Jazz Hybrid's steering is over-light and lacks feel. Still, its small dimensions and good all-round visibility mean parking is a doddle.

With its low-rolling resistance tyres lacking grip and soft suspension, there's some body roll in corners. It's not that much fun to drive either, because it's only available with CVT transmission, which results in boomy acceleration even on light throttle. The Jazz's ride is composed for a supermini, but the green tyres mean more road noise.

Inside, our HX test car felt quite luxurious with the standard leather trim; build quality is first rate even if it's not quite up to German rivals.

The 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine seems much better suited to the smaller Jazz than the bigger Insight, feeling less raw and raucous. Revving it hard is the way to make the most of what performance is available, but it's not advised as the din the engine kicks up will hurt your ears and the Jazz's green intentions.

The Jazz Hybrid is not a fast car, but then again that's not the point; 62mph comes up in a less than impressive 12.3 seconds and the top speed is just 109mph.One of the Jazz's key selling points is its tardis-like, versatile cabin. Thankfully, despite the addition of the hybrid engine and its batteries, it's as spacious and practical as the standard car. There's plenty of room for a couple of adults in the back and there's the same 883 litres of boot space.

The RX test car had most of the equipment you'd ever need including big car features such as electric windows, steering wheel audio controls, automatic climate control, leather trim, heated front seat and a CD stereo with auxiliary socket.

The standard-fit, single-disc CD player sounds good and if that's not enough, there's a port to play your MP3 player through. A navigation system is available on the range-topping HX-T.

If you're keen to go green and must have a hybrid powered car, then the Jazz is the cheapest on sale. If more space isn't an issue, it makes its bigger and more expensive brother, the Insight, pointless as the Jazz is quicker and slightly better to drive. If I had the choice, I'd still rather have the standard petrol version though.

Source;
http://uk.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/honda-jazz-hybrid-hx-road-test/