Actively engaging
GILES BLAIR thinks Honda will win over a new army of fans with the Jazz Crosstar EX
THE latest Jazz supermini is a game-changer for Honda thanks to its clever hybrid technology and modern styling that broadens its appeal.
Shaking things up even further is the Japanese car giant’s Crosstar EX variant that is clearly aimed at those with more active lifestyles.
It stands out from its sibling thanks to a 30mm higher ride height, more rugged styling and practical touches such as waterresistant upholstery.
The robust design includes integrated roof rails, a bolder front grille, black cladding around the wheel arches and lower sills and chunky 16in two-tone alloys.
Inside, the Crosstar gains an upgraded eight-speaker sound system for belting out the tunes.
It also comes with Honda’s famous rear Magic Seat system with fold-flat or flip-up flexibility for carrying outdoor kit.
I liked the handy, plastic-lined stowage area below the boot floor, too – ideal for muddy footwear and easy to wipe down.
The cabin has ample room for four adults (or three children in the back) and feels uncluttered and solidly built, with some contemporary fabric detailing around the cockpit.
The spaciousness is aided by the expansive visibility created by the ultra-thin A-pillars, while the boot is a healthy 298 litres rising to 1199 with the rear seats folded.
For a car that costs from just £23,385 on the road, it comes packed with a huge amount of hi-tech standard kit.
The nine-inch touchscreen is crystal clear and easy to use, and the system includes Garmin navigation, Bluetooth, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as four USB ports.
Other goodies include keyless entry and start, auto LED lights and wipers, adaptive cruise control, heated seats, front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.
As the driver, I also appreciated the informative, seven-inch, multiinformation display and auto brake hold feature – particularly handy in stop/start urban traffic.
Meanwhile, Honda’s suite of safety technologies is surely one of the most comprehensive and up-to-date available, especially in the small-car sector.
Among the features are collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, traffic sign recognition and intelligent speed limiter.
The Jazz range is available with only one self-charging powertrain, badged e:HEV, which is made up of two electric motors, a 97PS 1.5-litre petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and an innovative fixed-gear transmission.
The car seamlessly switches between electric only, hybrid drive with the engine powering the electric motors and petrol propulsion. The engine can also get a power boost from the electric set-up for faster acceleration.
A fairly firm suspension set-up and the hi-tech Agile Handling Assist system also help to inspire
See more at www.road record. co.uk confidence when cornering, with body lean kept to a minimum.
Honda is renowned for creating an enjoyable, easy-going driving experience and the Crosstar does this thanks to nicely responsive steering, acceleration and braking.
The test car was both effortless to drive and comfortable whether in town or out on the open road – only becoming noisy under heavy acceleration.
With a maximum power of 109PS from the electric motors, this particular Jazz can hit 62mph in 9.9 seconds and go on to a top speed of 107mph.
But CO2 levels are pegged to just 110g/km, with a combined fuel economy of 58.9mpg – and the fuel gauge seemed unwilling to drop during my week with it.
Helping to improve efficiency, there is also an economy mode, operated by a switch on the centre console, that dampens the throttle response among other things.
The whole Jazz Crosstar EX package is very attractive and should do very well with those busy people who are its target.