Long committed to electrification and sustainable mobility more broadly, with ambitious development plans that include the use of hydrogen fuel cells powered by renewable energy and the full electrification of its main models in Europe by 2022, Honda returns to the theme with the launch of a new hybrid model. This is the fourth generation of the Jazz, which arrives on the market just a few months after the introduction of the electric Honda e, unveiled in its world premiere at the last Frankfurt Motor Show and now available at dealerships. Honda Jazz (and its near-twin, the Jazz Crosstar) bids farewell to conventional powertrains and in this new edition is available in hybrid form only, the first of six electrified models announced by the Asian manufacturer before 2022.

Simple and functional, Jazz is compact on the outside and spacious on the inside

Compact, with the dimensions of a city car (it is 4 metres long), the new Jazz makes good use of space, minimising its external footprint and maximising interior roominess, which is immediately apparent as being above average. Credit goes to the short front end, the long wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels), the placement of many components beneath the "floor" or the seats, the higher seating position that is more noticeable in the Crosstar version, and the bright cabin; the feeling is of sitting in a small SUV with the space of a compact MPV. All of this is combined with a highly efficient hybrid system comprising two electric motors and a 1.5-litre petrol engine, plus a lithium-ion battery. "I wanted to create a car that would be a pleasant companion, maximising its functionality. I did so by minimising unnecessary features and simplifying the exterior lines," summarised Baek Jongkuk, the designer of Honda Jazz.

The all-new Jazz Crosstar variant — part SUV, part MPV

The new Honda Jazz features a variant for the first time: the Crosstar. Higher off the ground, with practical water-resistant interiors and roof rails, this version takes its inspiration from SUVs — cars suited to leisure and sport as well as everyday use. Without the drawbacks, however: excessive dimensions, weight and, frequently, high fuel consumption and emissions. Indeed, what Honda calls "e:Technology" is one of the most efficient hybrid solutions available. For a start, it makes excellent use of the advantages of electric drive, especially when travelling in the city, which has always been the natural habitat of the Honda Jazz. Combining high performance with efficiency, comfort and manoeuvrability was the designers' goal; and on at least three of those last points we agree without reservation.

The hybrid system favours urban environments

Let us first look at the figures declared by the manufacturer. Honda Jazz Crosstar has a power output of 109 hp, a top speed of 175 km/h, emissions of 110 g/km (within the limits set by the government Ecobonus) and a declared fuel consumption of 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres, not far from the 5.5 we recorded in real-world use — roughly 18 kilometres to a litre of petrol. The Honda hybrid system operates in three modes: the battery can power the electric motor directly; the petrol engine drives the generator, which in turn supplies energy to the electric motor; or the system relies more heavily on the petrol engine. It is the car that selects the most appropriate option, favouring electric drive in the city, where it is possible to travel short distances on electric power alone. In any case, the hybrid system adapts to the driving style and type of road. The e-CVT gearbox has no gears, so smoothness of drive is guaranteed, especially in traffic jams, where the cruise control can also be used to maintain speed and a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Of course, like all hybrid cars, the Honda Jazz also recovers energy on downhill stretches or when decelerating. Efficiency and comfort are therefore two targets squarely hit. Where the Jazz is less enjoyable is on uphill stretches, on motorway false flats or when overtaking and demanding full power: here the petrol engine becomes dominant and tends to rev higher, with an increase in noise levels; the secret lies in applying the accelerator gradually.

Space and a sense of light; the Jazz's versatile interior

Space — plenty of it relative to the external dimensions. And a cargo flexibility that surprises. Honda Jazz makes versatility a watchword. The boot initially appears a little on the small side. But then, all it takes is understanding how to make use of all the options offered by the rear seats to change one's mind. They fold down, tip up, and fold away. In short, the rear section of the Honda Jazz is decidedly designed for those who frequently need to carry bulky items without resorting to a bulky car. Beyond this, passenger space is also good; three people can sit in the back if needed, thanks to the flat floor.

Voice commands and useful apps to simplify your journey

Minimal: clean lines, few buttons, a 9-inch central touchscreen. And plenty of compartments for storing small items. Not luxury, but rationality — that is the overriding impression of the Honda Jazz. The connected infotainment services are indispensable: accessible via the display and voice commands (the preferable option, especially when driving), the weather updates are useful and the list of points of interest (hotels, restaurants, stations, car parks and much more) is extensive. There is also the option to download apps and to use your own smartphone by connecting it to the car wirelessly, thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety: 10 airbags, including one that is genuinely innovative

Safety, alongside fuel consumption and emissions, deserves careful consideration when buying a new car. In the case of the new Honda Jazz, the equipment is above average — and not only because of the 10 airbags offered as standard, which are decidedly reassuring. There is also an extra touch: an airbag positioned between the front seats which, by deploying in the event of a collision, prevents the two front passengers from striking each other. Added to this is a suite of ADAS — whose importance we have highlighted on several occasions in the past — which here includes an impact-reducing braking system that detects pedestrians and cyclists even in the absence of street lighting, adaptive cruise control that automatically adjusts the distance from the vehicle ahead (it is particularly convenient that it works at low speeds too, such as in traffic queues), lane-keeping assist, and road-sign recognition (which, if desired, automatically limits speed to avoid hefty fines). Recent research unfortunately highlights how these systems are often switched off, when instead we should learn to appreciate and make the most of them. The Honda Jazz Hybrid has a list price starting from €22,500.