2021 Honda Jazz e:HEV Review: All This Jazz
Derryn Wong
08/07/2021
1. Introduction
2. Design and Appearance / Space and Practicality
3. Interior and Features
4. Driving Experience
5. Competitors, Pricing and Conclusion
2. Design and Appearance
As mentioned in our news story, the Jazz remains a similar size to before: “At 4,035mm long, 1,694mm wide, and 1,537mm tall, it’s only slightly bigger than the preceding model, which was 3,955mm long, the same width, and 1,524mm tall.”
That’s good news since compact hatches are one segment that definitely do not need the trend of constant expansion. But where the fourth-gen car departs is in styling as Honda has taken a turn away from the sportier, ediger lines of the third-gen, towards a friendly, if not downright adorable mien. It looks like an automotive Tarepanda or baby dugong, with wide-set, ‘don’t hurt me’ eyes, and the blue Honda hybrid badge indicates it also does less harm in turn.
Those who like spoilers and whatsits on their Jazz will probably turn away now, not that they were ever fooling anyone to begin with.
Our straw poll of the new looks seem to indicate a polarising design with people either loving or hating the new look. But a Jazz has never been a Suzuki Swift Sport, nor pretended to either. If anything, the new minimised grille section, large greenhouse and focus on practicality is utterly refreshing in the age of coupe-this and SUV-that. It may be the lesson to take away is that a Jazz is for those with nothing to prove.
Space and Practicality
A key draw of the Jazz is that it’s always been larger in practice than it is on paper.
Nominally, a compact hatch does great for two adults and that’s it, don’t expect much by way of people or cargo. But the new Jazz feels even more spacious now, at least as spacious as a small MPV – say a VW Touran – with plentiful headroom and even legroom for four adults.
With the hybrid battery under the boot floor, boot size is 284-litres, or 20-litres less than the non-hybrid’s 306-litres. It’s a notable 50-litres less than the previous Jazz, but on par with other compacts like the Suzuki Swift’s 275-litres and VW Polo’s 280-litres. Flop the seats down – they still fold flat – and you have an impressive 1,200-litres of cargo room.
Of course the Jazz’s magic trick is still there – the Magic/Ultra seats which can flip up to carry tall items. It’s easy to use – just lift the bottom seat rail, flip the bottom section up, then lock it into place with the rail. It still works a treat, as we managed a full-sized office chair. Overall the Jazz is still one of the best little cars for carrying big things.
Page 3: What’s up front, and what features does the Jazz pack?
1. Introduction
2. Design and Appearance / Space and Practicality
3. Interior and Features
4. Driving Experience
5. Competitors, Pricing and Conclusion
About the Author
Derryn Wong
CarBuyer's former chief editor was previously the editor for Top Gear Singapore and a presenter for CNA's Cruise Control motoring segment.
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