JAZZ UP YOUR SUMMER
THESE are challenging times, so what better way to relax than with some Jazz. I did just that at the Berkshire launch of the fourth-generation Honda Jazz compact city car — powered by a nifty hybrid electric-petrol system. This was the first UK coronavirus-compliant car launch under strict social distancing and safety measures coinciding with showrooms re-opening.
Visibility in the new Honda hatchback is much improved, thanks to a wider windscreen and much thinner pillars. Sound-deadening improvements mean it’s also ten per cent quieter than before.
A rival to the Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta and VW Polo, it adopts technology pioneered in the all-electric ‘Honda-e’ and is the first of six new ‘electrified’ Honda models due by 2022.
For the first time, there’s a Crosstar variant with a reduced-size SUV-style that is more flexible, funky and practical than the standard version.
This is my favourite. It rides higher than the standard Jazz, has integrated roof rails and 16in silver and black alloy wheels.
The 109hp hybrid system combines a 1.5litre petrol engine with two compact electric motors. It can run in hybrid drive, pure electric mode and engine drive and can move seamlessly through all.
The smart, contemporary interior has pleasant, soft-touch materials and an uncluttered dashboard.
Comfortable front seats dispense with springs in favour of a slat system to reduce fatigue and relieve back pain.
There’s also more legroom in the back.
Clever flexible rear ‘magic seats’ fold down to increase loadlugging space fourfold from 298litres — more than enough for a modest shopping trip — up to an impressive 1,199 litres.
The standard hatchback accelerates from rest to 62 mph in 9.4 seconds up to a top speed of 108 mph, but offers pocketfriendly fuel economy of 62.8 mpg with CO2 emissions of 102g/km. The fractionally longer, wider, higher Crosstar accelerates from rest to 62 mph in 9.9 seconds, has a top speed of 107mph, but will still manage 58.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 110g/km.
Standard prices from £18,995, rise to £20,185 for the SR and £21,385 for the EX variants.
The Honda Crosstar, from £22,635, is available only in top EX trim.