Honda Jazz Life 2021

The range starts with the entry-level ‘Life’, then moves up to the slightly higher-spec Crosstar and the e:HEV Luxe Hybrid completes the range. This means that there’s sure to be a Jazz model to satisfy those motorists in the market for a small hatch with all the luxury, versatility and fun previously associated with larger models.

In this review, we’ll be focusing on the Honda Jazz Life.

A new lease on Life

The Life variant offers significant standard specification improvements on the outgoing ‘S’ variant, including a 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC powertrain, 16-inch alloy wheels and an attractive sports trim interior. The Life also includes LED headlights, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and guide type tail lights. On top of this you get smart entry, push button start, walk away auto locking, power folding mirrors and privacy glass.

To fit in with the times, a new-gen infotainment system with Android Auto and Wireless Apple Carplay is included as standard.

The design of the new Jazz translates to a minimalist and clean look, referred to in Japanese as ‘Yoo no bi’, which recognises the beauty that exists in everyday items and have been honed over time to make them even more beautiful and ergonomically satisfying to use for their specific purpose.

The smooth exterior and sleek front face are key to achieving a sophisticated visual balance, with all the different exterior surfaces, including the C-pillars and rear combination lamps, blended together, devoid of any lines.

Bold new-vision area

Thanks to new structural technologies, the A-pillar is now half the width of that found on the previous model, which improves forward horizontal visibility. The sleek A-pillar design is enabled by greatly improved torsional rigidity and new structural technologies that move impact stress towards the front quarter light pillars.

From the front seats, you are treated to an unobstructed view with a smooth flat uncluttered dashboard, with the pillars helping to create a spacious, widescreen panoramic view – almost like you’re sitting in a futuristic simulator.

The designer of the all-new Jazz, Baek Jongkuk, explained: “I wanted to create a car which was a ‘kind companion’ for the owner, while maximising its usability. I did this by minimising unnecessary features and simplifying exterior lines to deliver a car which features a friendly, fresh appearance, complete with a comfortable and practical interior.”

New intuitive connectivity

Intuitive infotainment technology with seamless in-car connectivity is present, with Honda’s all new eight-inch infotainment system paired with a seven-inch Drivers Display standard across all grades.

The new LCD touchscreen interface features familiar smartphone-style usability, with swipe controls to browse recently used applications and media lists. The comprehensive suite of apps can be supplemented by seamless smartphone mirroring, via Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, which is available for Jazz occupants via a wireless connection for the first time. Hard keys and a rotary volume adjustment knob return for ease of use.

The steering wheel controls have also been enhanced with a scrolling roller for improved menu navigation, which also lights up nicely in low light conditions.

Jazzed-up interior

The interior provides a nice place to be and follows on from the clean look of the exterior. New wider, anti-fatigue front seats feature mat-structure support, replacing the previous spring set-up, to help prevent fatigue on long journeys. Improved rear-seat design and a thicker rear seat pad together provide a lounge-like experience for passengers in all seats.

Auto Climate Control is now standard on all variants of the Jazz, using both a digital display and rotary knobs for precise control. The white coloured trim accents compliment a clean, almost retro, interior look and do well to highlight the two spoke steering wheel.

The backs of the front seats have handy pockets for rear seat occupants to slot a smartphone in while travelling, and there are seven cup holders stored throughout the car to cater for your hydration needs.

Simply a clever package

The all-new Jazz retains Honda’s class-leading interior space that was the hallmark of previous generations through the clever packaging of components into the chassis and within the engine bay.

The key to maximising cabin room is the positioning of the fuel tank in the centre of the chassis beneath the front seats, 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.

The drive

The thoughtful design and unique personality makes the new Jazz both exciting and simplistic to drive, from the keyless entry and push button start to the no-fuss gear lever control and electric handbrake - everything works seamlessly. It’s a cute, almost happy looking, car from the outside and its occupants can feel safe and comfortable inside with the anti-fatigue front seats and simplistic interior keeping the driver focused on reaching their destination safely.

The engine and transmission combination presents a very efficient package with a combined fuel efficiency rating of just 5.8L/100km available from the 1.5L engine. This translates to a 131g/km CO2 fuel efficiency rating.

Short in safety

Honda has a fantastic safety feature package called ‘Honda Sensing’, which is only available on the top-spec e:HEV Luxe variant of Jazz and includes systems like Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation and Adaptive Cruise Control.

The Life variant is equipped with the following safety features: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control and ABS with Brake Assist, and 10 SRS airbags. 

It would be great to see the Honda Sensing package applied across the range, especially considering the increased trend towards the inclusion of many new standard safety features across the global motoring industry with the likes of Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist now featured as standard on most new cars.

The new Honda Jazz had not received an ANCAP rating at the time of writing. 

Verdict

In the small car sector, there are a lot of similarly sized options for comparison like the base model GX Toyota Yaris (from $26,990 TDP), the Volkswagen Polo TSI (from $28,750 +ORC) and the entry-level Kia Rio (from $22,990 +ORC).

What might just sway your vehicle choice in favour of the new Jazz could be its friendly looks, the excellent use of space, or even the great fuel economy that the Honda Jazz has to offer.

Safety systems

• SRS airbags (driver, passenger, front and rear sides, front and rear side curtain)
• Three-angle reverse camera with dynamic parking aid
• Emergency stop signal
• Vehicle Stability Assist
• Agile Handling Assist
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Anti-lock Braking System and Brake Assist
• Traction Control

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