REVIEW: The Honda Jazz V is the best compact hatchback ever made

The Honda Jazz is a compact hatchback that’s expertly packaged to run economically, have the space for everyday life and the comfort to ferry people over long distances. And the little Honda does this without sophisticated technology to make driving and maintenance easy; it is a good thing.

Size doesn’t matter

Without a doubt, the Honda Jazz is a small vehicle. Park it beside its contemporaries — the Myvi and Fiesta — for comparison. As similar as the exterior looks in terms of size, the interior is vastly different. It is a wonder how Honda has managed to find space in what seems to be a compact hatchback.

It begins with Honda placing the fuel tank under the front seats as opposed to the usual under the rear seats. Subsequently, this allowed Honda to put in a lower, flatter floor at the back. Honda’s ULTRA Seats makes full use of this newfound space by folding up the bench to fit tall things. The seats also can be folded down and level with the boot to slot in long items. And you can do it all with one level pull.

Weekend cyclists will find it a joy to know the Jazz can swallow a full-sized bike with the front wheels removed. The entrance to the boot is wide, tall and the lip is close to the floor. As a result, loading heavier items require less effort. 

Passengers in the rear have vast legroom to enjoy, even if the front seats are pushed furthest back. Headroom is also found aplenty and can fit three across nicely.

Big windows for better views

Although it does not offer the same legroom space, the front seats are no less comfortable. The seats are nicely cushioned and well-bolstered on the sides for support. And they are placed about hip-height that, not only makes getting in and out easier but also give you better sight-lines.

Speaking of sightlines, the glasshouse is large enough to have ample views of the outside. On top of that, the A-pillar and C-pillar expand the side windows with tiny portals on each side. Furthermore, the B-pillar is narrow enough to make checking blind spots easier. 

The dashboard is a simple affair and absent of the standard buttons and rotary dials. Any Jazz from the E spec upwards will have to contend with an air-conditioning touch panel. Consequently, the touch panel makes it difficult to adjust the fan speed and temperature while your eyes are on the road.

Criticism is also levelled against the touchscreen display audio, which looks sourced from an aftermarket catalogue. Having said that, the main complaint here is how the screen is angled to wash out the display under bright sunlight. This extends even to the feed from the reverse camera, so it is good to remember how to park without such driver aid.

Running with fuel efficiency in mind

Keep in mind that the Jazz isn’t fast by any means. The hatchback is powered by a 1.5-litre engine that produces a healthy 118hp and 145Nm of torque. A CVT is paired with the engine to maximise fuel efficiency

Despite the small engine, the Jazz’s curb weight of 1,099kg doesn’t burden the engine. The Jazz acceleration is peppy and it gets up to speed fairly quickly. It is only at higher speeds when the 1.5-litre engine starts going out of breath. 

Nevertheless, the lightness of the hatchback lets it come alive in the backroads. The steering is nicely balanced and turns in quickly. At the same time, the firmer suspension resists body roll brilliantly and bring stability during snappy manoeuvres. 

In all honesty, there are compact hatchbacks that are more powerful, drive sportier and looks more stylish. Yet, the charm of this diminutive hatchback doesn’t diminish but shines as an everyday hatchback. There’s no other hatchback compact enough weave through a bustling city carrying a small tree in the back — it is something only the Honda Jazz can do.