Honda Jazz e:HEV Luxe 2021 Car Review

The top-of-the-range model – the e:HEV Luxe - sets itself apart from the other two variants on offer due to its impressive EV-like driving dynamics and its suite of advanced technology and safety systems.

The new Honda Jazz e:HEV Luxe starts from $35,000 (+ORC).

A simple look

Across the range, the Jazz certainly has a very individual look and, according to the designer Baek Jongkuk, the car is designed as a companion, with focus on improving the usability of the space and minimising on unnecessary features that would detract from the usability of the vehicle.

The exterior flaunts its simple lines which, in our opinion, echo and pay homage to the retro EB1 Civic, especially when you see the dinky A pillars which have been reduced to half the width of the previous model through greatly improved torsional rigidity, and new structural technologies that move impact stress towards the front quarter light pillars.

Retro flair

Stepping into the new Jazz conjures up some unusual emotions. It seems to have followed in the footsteps of the popular ‘Honda e’ (currently unavailable in NZ) which managed to embrace its heritage with lots of nostalgic and quirky touches, despite its modern fully electric platform. The Jazz manages to continue this trend with brown seatbelts that coordinate beautifully with the two tone black and tan interior.

Also included on the Jazz e:HEV is a split leather-wrapped two-spoke steering wheel with a soft touch dash, armrest and knee pads. Both of the front seats are heated, and the exterior earns exclusive platinum finish exterior trims.

Honda has focused on a new design philosophy, encapsulated in the Japanese notion of 'Yoo no bi', which recognises the beauty that exists in everyday items which have been perfected over time to make them even more beautiful and ergonomically satisfying to use for their specific purpose. The result is a minimalistic cabin which doesn’t really feel lacking in features, despite perhaps looking like that at first glance.

Origami seats

Although it’s a completely new car, some of the old tricks such as the positioning of the fuel tank in the centre of the chassis beneath the front seats has been kept, which is unique in this class. This enables the Jazz to retain the exceptionally versatile rear Magic Seats that offer both ‘fold-flat’ and ‘flip-up’ seat flexibility depending on cargo space required. It’s not just the rear seats that have a trick up their sleeve, either - there are smart compact pockets on the back of the seats which are perfect to hold your passengers’ mobile devices, and they’re conveniently located near to the rear USB ports for easy charging.

Aside from the flexible space offered by the ingenious magic seats, there’s an impressive sized boot for a small hatch at 304 litres. This can be increased to 1,205 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

Room with a view

From the driver’s seat there is a country cottage window box like panoramic viewing experience - with copious amounts of natural light through the expansive windscreen and front quarter lights serving to enhance the sense of spaciousness in the cabin.

The full range includes a splendid new 9” infotainment system paired along with a seven-inch Drivers Display. The comprehensive suite of in-built apps can be supplemented by seamless smartphone mirroring, via built-in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay- which is available with a wireless connection for the first time.

Superior Safety

Honda Sensing is now available for the first time on the Jazz, although only exclusively on the e:HEV Luxe variant.

The Honda Sensing technology has also been enhanced, with the application of a new wider, higher-definition camera, replacing the previous setup. This enables improved awareness of the vehicle’s surroundings, including recognition of verges without kerbs or roadside markings.

The Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) is improved and now applies the brakes when oncoming vehicles cut across or turn into the path of the car. The new camera system also enables Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to follow traffic in congestion and applies Lane Keep Assist on urban and rural roads, as well as multi-lane motorways for increased safety.

At the time of writing, no variants of the new Honda Jazz had been awarded an ANCAP rating.

Hybrid performance

The e:HEV system is newly developed for Jazz, and consists of two compact, powerful electric motors connected to a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and an innovative fixed-gear transmission via an intelligent power control unit. All of these parts work harmoniously together to provide a smooth and direct response. The e:HEV Battery is also backed by an individual five-year 100,000km warranty.

The new drivetrain offers an economical yet rewarding driving experience. The advanced e:HEV hybrid setup seamlessly selects from three interchangeable drive modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive – although the difference in feeling between the modes is barely noticeable. Despite this, the Jazz e:HEV Luxe is capable of an astonishing fuel efficiency of 2.8L/100km.

Another noticeable aspect of the drive is the steering, which is now much more precise than expected thanks to a sports variable gear ratio setup.

Verdict

If you’re after a spacious and efficient hatch, then the Jazz e:HEV Luxe is certainly worth considering.

Its practicality and unique styling sets it apart from the cookie cutter pack and some of the retro design cues do indeed pull on the heart strings, especially if you’ve ever found yourself behind the wheel of a Honda in the Seventies or Eighties.

Our pick of the three variants would definitely be the e:HEV Luxe due to the fantastic leather interior, enviable efficiency, practicality and, most importantly, its advanced safety.

Click here to read our full review on the new entry-level Jazz Life.

Safety systems

• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
• Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
• Auto High-Beam Support System (HSS)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)

Find out more on how the AA can help you when buying a new car:

• AA Money - aa.co.nz/money
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• AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
• AA Running Cost Reports - aa.co.nz/runningcosts

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