Honda Jazz Hybrid

The Honda Jazz is a Singaporean staple, now in its 4th generation. Unlike the bold and sharp design of the 3rd, the current car is softer and shows a lot of rounded corners on the outside. Have driven the 3rd and test drove the 4th. The new version has a more pronounced upright driving position. It retains the rear magic seats options and front seats are more body supportive. While this is good for most people, people who need more space might find it a little tight. There is some similar design cues from other more electric cars from Honda's range, the interior seems to be more family friendly oriented than than the 3rd. The Jazz is a good option for those who are thinking about their first car to run about town and need the option of some cargo space. And the plus is that the Jazz has been around for more than 20 years, and that this is the latest version Honda has to offer.... Read More

I test drove the facelifted variants some time in August and have not gotten around to writing the review. Both variants come with a 90kW or 121hp electric motor, 14hp more than the 80kW or 107hp motor. Torque is still the same. When I test drove the cross star variant, it was basically a normal jazz on high heels. I don't get the point of it because a hatchback is supposed to stay a hatchback. Other brands are trying to squeeze some sort of SUV into each segment. The cross star did not have very direct steering and had more body roll when driving around corners. The interior was rather rugged and the two-tone 2-spoke steering wheel was just simply just tacky and does not match the rugged interior, the lack of a center console arm rest is also very weird of a feel to me. All in all, the cross star struggles to put the power down because of its softer suspension set up and cornering in the car makes the user lose confidence. However, things are different in the Luxe over the Cross Star. The Luxe has a more aggressive front fascia making it more desirable and really does mean serious business. The interior is still the same as what you would expect from the Jazz... 2-spoke steering wheel, original factory head unit, leather-wrapped and a center console arm rest. This is where it gets more interesting for the Luxe over the Cross Star. Suspension while firm, The Luxe variant was competent in putting the power down. However for both cars, they struggle and run out of breath after the 100km/h mark. If the pre-facelift variant was good at accelerating, the facelifted Luxe does it better. I would say that the Cross Star is good as a lifestyle vehicle while the Luxe is a more sporty vehicle, at this point it can be considered a semi-hot hatch with the acceleration times. All in all, both variants have a specific target market, but the Luxe to me would be something I would consider as it is a hatchback and not something in-between like the cross star. Practicality wise, both are similar with a 304L boot, ultra seats. Honda Sensing is also standard minus the Low Speed Follow found on the HR-V.... Read More