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Matt Brogan14 Feb 2018
REVIEW

Honda Jazz 2018 Review

Honda Jazz is a fit, flexible light car that's been updated with new tech, and a new look
Model Tested
Review Type
Quick Spin
What's it all about?

The current-generation Honda Jazz has served as the brand's light-car staple for four years now, and is mildly updated for 2018.

Changes to the new Jazz include remoulded front and rear bumpers, a new grille, new 16-inch alloy wheels (on VTi-S and VTi-L variants), a snazzy new paint colour dubbed Phoenix Orange (pictured), and a raft of tech updates that extend to a new 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment array with standard satellite navigation. The top-spec VTi-L on test also gains LED headlights and DRLs.

Otherwise, the three-model line-up is unchanged. All Honda Jazz grades soldier on with the brand's proven 88kW/145Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine matched to a five-speed manual gearbox or continuously variable transmission (CVT).

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How much will it cost?

The good news here is that the base-grade Honda Jazz VTi is no dearer than the outgoing model at $14,990 (plus on-road costs). The optional CVT adds $2000 and metallic paint $495.

The list price of the mid-tier Jazz VTi-S with CVT only increases $200 to $19,990 (plus ORCs), while the flagship Jazz VTi-L (also CVT-only) jumps $500 to $22,990 (plus ORCs).

All variants are available optionally with Honda's Luxe Pack, the $1498 dealer-fit bundle comprising alloy pedals, black-painted alloy wheels, bonnet protector, carpet mats, door sill garnishes, door visors, and a luggage tray.

Honda now offers a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty on its entire passenger car range. On the Jazz, service intervals remain stingy at six months or 10,000km (whichever comes first), though Honda does outline service pricing under its Tailored Service scheme for up to five years or 100,000km, with no check-up dearer than $297.

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Why should/shouldn't I buy it?

The five-door Jazz's biggest selling point is its versatility. The boxy body and intelligent use of interior space offer TARDIS-like cabin dimensions that belie its on-paper dimensions; while the increased infotainment technology, single-zone climate control and uncomplicated instrument panel help keep the Jazz fresh.

We also think the Jazz's wide-opening doors, straightforward controls and high hip-point are a bonus for older drivers, while just about everyone will appreciate the ease of manoeuvrability its compact footprint delivers.

Progress from the Honda's 1.5-litre petrol engine is decent, and the CVT is mostly cooperative. The tiller offers adequate assistance for around-town operation and parking, and the inclusion of a standard reversing camera and acoustic parking sensors certainly helps.

On the downside, the Jazz can feel a little challenged by high-speed cornering. The narrow track and tall body conspire to unsettle its hold on the road when asked to change direction quickly, the slab sides also highly vulnerable to upset from crosswinds. We also found the Jazz more comfortable with two or three people on board, the ride somewhat brittle when driving solo.

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When is it available in Australia?

The updated Thai-built Jazz range went on sale locally in August 2017 with all grades now available in dealerships nationally.

It's a refresh aimed at helping to align the third-generation GK-series Jazz more closely with its newer contemporaries, and one that will tie it over until an all-new replacement arrives.

There's no word yet on when that might be, but as revealed exclusively by motoring.com.au last year, it's expected the next Jazz will benefit from Honda's complete range of Honda Sensing safety gear.

The current Jazz was first launched locally in July 2014. It follows the second-generation (GE-series) sold in Australia from 2007-14, which superseded the original (GD-series) that began the Jazz trilogy back in 2001.

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Who will it appeal to?

As we alluded earlier, the Jazz is one of those do-it-all Light hatches with the sort of flexibility and amenity to outshine most in its class.

Honda's configurable Magic Seats appeal to a broader demographic than the key rivals listed below, the 18-position cargo bay quickly and easily converting the Jazz's carrying capacity from an already-generous 345 litres to more than 1300 - that's better than some mid-size SUVs!

It's also one of the roomier Light cars on the market, comfortably accommodating four adults, and with sensible ergonomics and clear outward visibility for front and rear passengers alike. The driver's seat is manually regulated through the usual ranges while the steering wheel offers both tilt and reach adjustment.

The Honda Jazz features three-point seatbelts all-round, as well as three top-tether child-seat anchor points. Owing to Honda's Magic Seats, it does not offer ISOFIX child-seat preparation.

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Where does it fit?

Sitting beneath the Civic in Honda's line-up, the Jazz - and its sedan sibling, the City - locally fit in the VFACTS Light Car segment under $25,000. The busy segment contains no fewer than 17 competitors, mostly of Asian and European origin.

Relative to its design age, driveline technology, and price, the Jazz competes most closely with the Holden Spark, Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris - although the Spark is technically in the VFACTS 'micro' segment.

It's important to note, however, that the Jazz does not offer autonomous emergency braking or similar high-tech electronic driver assistance aids fitted as standard on some rivals, such as Carsales Best First Car, the Skoda Fabia, or the upcoming Volkswagen Polo.

Honda sold 7301 examples of the Jazz in Australia last year, giving it a 9.1 per cent share of its market segment. The figure places the Jazz fourth on the Light Car ladder behind the dated Hyundai Accent (17,578 units), efficient Mazda 2 (12,101), and facelifted Toyota Yaris (11,226).

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So, what do we think?

The Honda Jazz does most of what you'd expect a Light Car to do - and rather well.

It mightn't be the most tech-savvy or the best handling car in its class, and it certainly isn't the quietest (the wind noise at highway speeds is terrible). But it is the most practical, and one of the better finished Light hatches we've had on test.

That said there are better deals to be had at this end of the market. With competitors offering the added safety of autonomous emergency braking and better after-sales support, it pays to shop around.

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2018 Honda Jazz VTi-L pricing and specifications:
Price: $22,990 (plus ORCs) / $23,485 (as tested, plus ORCs)
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 88kW/145Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel: 5.9L/100km (ADR Combined) | 7.3L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 135g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP (based on 2014 result)

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Written byMatt Brogan
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Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Expert rating
63/100
Engine, Drivetrain & Chassis
12/20
Price, Packaging & Practicality
14/20
Safety & Technology
14/20
Behind The Wheel
12/20
X-Factor
11/20
Pros
  • Commodious cabin
  • Clever, flexible cargo area
  • Excellent vision and ergonomics
Cons
  • Six-monthly service intervals
  • Lacks safety tech of some rivals
  • Somewhat brittle driver-only ride
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