Honda Jazz Hybrid Road Test
Review by Tristan Tancredi - 15 May 2013
As Honda so proudly love to mention, the Jazz Hybrid is the "Cheapest Hybrid vehicle available in Australia". Quite a remarkable achievement in itself.
Fusing a 1.3 litre petrol engine with Hondas own Integrated Motor Assist system, the Jazz Hybrid is a fuel efficient, eco friendly, compact hatch.
It claims to retain the versatility of its petrol powered stablemate, whilst offering exceptional fuel economy figures. So, let's take a closer look to see if this claim remains true.
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| Drive | Engine | Exterior | Interior | Safety |
Drive: 4/5
The Jazz Hybrid petrol engine paired with the IMA system is combined with a Continuous Variable Transmission with Grade Logic. The automatic transmission is highly capable and delivers a smooth, often seamless, driving experience.
Considering the Jazz Hybrid is 70kgs heavier than the non-battery petrol variant, the CVT transmission still performs more than admirably. Albeit, when flooring the accelerator, the Hybrid does let off a rather unhappy groan as it struggles to reach high speeds.
Reaching 0-100km/h in 12.1 seconds proves that the Jazz Hybrid is no pocket rocket. What it is however is a reliable, smooth, highly capable, fuel efficient and steady performer that handles itself very well across a myriad of surfaces.
Despite the overall 70kg weight increase, The IMA system is now more compact and lightweight than ever. This aids in Honda's quest for the Jazz to remain as 'practical' as it has always been. City driving is simple thanks to the impressive and compact styling of the Hybrid. Parking is also a walk in the park and is aided by optional parking sensors.
Honda claims a combined fuel usage of 4.5 litres per 100kms. After a week of on-road testing we notched up 5.4 litres per 100kms. It must be noted that during this time we utlised ECON mode for about 80% of the time.
ECON mode can be flicked on or off via an ECON button positioned to the right of the steering wheel just below the ignition. ECON mode reduces the zippiness of the Jazz yet aids with fuel economy. An IMA assist indicator is visible on the mult-information display. And in trademark Honda fashion, driving patterns are displayed via an ECO drive bar surrounding the speedo. Different colours indicate different driving patterns and alternate from green, red and blue depending on driving habits. This is a great indication to aid drivers in minimising their fuel use.
And just quickly, cruise control is extremely simple to use and works well.
Engine: 4.5/5
The Jazz Hybrid utilises a 1.3 litre i-VTEC engine paired with Hondas Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) System. The IMA system uses an electric motor in conjuction with the petrol engine and CVT transmission to ultimately minimise fuel usage whilst enhancing performance.
The IMA system provides multiple benefits, the largest of which is the drastic reduction in fuel usage. Also,the IMA system uses regenerative braking to recapture energy lost through deceleration. This captured energy is then used to accelerate the vehicle. This information is displayed on the Drivers Instrument Cluster.
By using the electric motor, the petrol engine has less work to do, thus fuel is drastically saved over time. Add to this ECON mode and Automatic Stop/Start, which automatically shuts the engine down when stationary and the Honda Jazz is a very environmentally conscience vehicle.
The Petrol Engine, combined with the IMA system produces 72kW at 5800rpm and 167nm at 1000-1700rpm.
Exterior: 4/5
Measuring in at 3900mm long, 1695mm wide and 1525mm high, the Jazz is definitely a compact little hatch. A kerb weight of 1178kg places the Hybrid at a significantly greater weight than the Jazz Vibe (1110kg, automatic).
Notable exterior features include; Fog lights, blue tinted front grille, halogen headlights and 15" alloy wheels. Not bad for a sub $23,000 vehicle.
The Jazz Hybrid is available in a variety of colours; Alabaster Silver, Fresh Lime, Polished Metal, Rallye Red and Taffeta White. We sure did look like Kermie cruising around in the Fresh Lime Jazz Hybrid for a week.
Safety: 5/5
The 2013 Honda Jazz, released in Australia in February 2013, achieved a 5-star ANCAP safety rating with a total score of 35.1 out of 37.
Standard safety features of the Jazz include; Front Airbags, Side Airbags with OPDS, Full length curtain airbags, ABS with Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Progressive Crumple Zones, ACE Body design and Vehicle stability Assist with Traction Control Systems (Traction control and be switched on or off manually).
Rear Parking Sensors and an optional extra.
Interior: 4/5
Slip inside the Jazz Hybrid and lower yourself into the "Magic" seat system. Yes, that's not a typo. The magic seats are softly padded, highly supportive to the lumbar region and extremely comfortable. The word 'magic' is due to the fact that the seats can fold in 18 different ways. Look out David Copperfield.
This impressive feature allows for the compact Jazz to create surprisingly generous space within the cabin. There is enough leg space to satisfy all occupants of a loaded car. The well designed interior also comes with decent storage compartments. 10 cup holders are spread throughout the cabin. A variety of storage pockets and compartments are also littered throughout.
With the back seats folded up, there is 223 litres of bootspace. With the seats folded down (load to window) there is 722 litres of bootspace. This is significantly less than the standard petrol variant.
A digital clock sits on the front dash and is surrounded by radio, air conditioning and media controls. The front dash may seem a little "bulky" and "aggressive" at first glance. Yet, everything is neatly positioned and functional (apart from the USB port and AUX ports being in very different locations). A black steering wheel with silver trim merges elegantly with the complete black interior feel.
Views are unhindered via the rear vision and side mirrors. A noticeable long front windscreen provides the driver with world class drivers positioning and viewpoints.
Bluetooty connectivity is standard, as are steering wheel controls and a decent sound system.
Overall: 4/5
Australia's cheapest Hybrid Car may be the vehicle that one day breaks down the barricade stopping the Hybrid from taking over the industry. A strong on-road performer that handles itself well across a myriad of surfaces.
Drinking only 5.4 litres per 100kms (which is slightly over the estimated figure from Honda, 4.5L), the Honda Jazz Hybrid deserves a look in for anybody wanting an ECO friendly alternative. Not only will fuel costs be drastically cut, you will also be doing your bit for the environment. Win-Win.
Priced from $22,990, you'd be silly not to check one out if you're in the market.
* Prices are manufacturer list prices only, for the drive away price please contact your local authorised Honda dealer.
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