Honda Jazz Hybrid 2020

Positioned in the versatile city car segment, the Honda Jazz Hybrid 2020 relies on proven engineering from the Japanese manufacturer. It offers a full-hybrid system without a charging port, combining a petrol engine and electric motor to reduce consumption in urban use. With 206 horsepower, it targets drivers seeking energy efficiency without charging constraints. The range starts at €21,990 in Elegance trim and stretches to €27,890 for the Crosstar Exclusive two-tone variant, covering a range of budgets.

Design and practicality

The Jazz displays compact dimensions with a length of 4,044 mm and width of 1,694 mm, typical of the urban city segment. Its height of 1,526 mm provides good visibility from the driver's seat. The range comes in two body styles: the classic urban version and the Crosstar variant, featuring elevated ground clearance and a more adventurous appearance, to meet demand for a vehicle positioned between a city car and mini-SUV.

Cargo space is limited to 298 litres in standard configuration, expandable to 304 litres. This reduced volume is an inherent compromise for small city cars, offset by interior space modularity. Front heated seats are among the offered features, providing welcome comfort in cold weather.

Engine and performance

Honda's e:HEV system couples a petrol engine and two electric motors (one for traction, one for generation), without an external rechargeable battery. This full-hybrid architecture delivers 206 horsepower for the entire powertrain. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 9.4 seconds, placing the Jazz in the lower-middle range of the segment for responsiveness. Top speed is 175 km/h, sufficient for urban and inter-urban use.

In driving mode, the Jazz switches to all-electric at low speeds thanks to its electric motor, reducing consumption and emissions in city traffic. The transmission operates in front-wheel drive, the standard configuration for this category. The system recovers energy during braking and deceleration to recharge internal batteries, optimizing overall efficiency without driver intervention.

Range and charging

Being a hybrid vehicle without a charging port (full-hybrid), the Jazz does not carry an external battery to charge from the grid. Its range depends entirely on its petrol tank and kinetic energy recovery system. This architecture eliminates charging constraints but requires regular visits to the petrol pump, with no access to restricted traffic zone benefits reserved for electrified vehicles in certain major cities.

For users seeking a cable-free solution but concerned with reducing energy consumption, the Jazz represents a viable compromise. It targets drivers with mixed urban-inter-urban journeys rather than those driving primarily long-distance in the city.

Equipment and technology

Standard equipment includes LED headlights, standard for this category in 2020, ensuring good night visibility. Automatic emergency braking is listed among driver assistance systems, contributing to vehicle safety. Front heated seats provide welcome extra comfort in winter.

Beyond these elements, available technical information does not specify the complete detail of computer equipment (central screen, connectivity, infotainment systems). The Elegance, Executive, Exclusive and Crosstar trims likely offer increasing levels of equipment, but without access to exhaustive details for each variant, assessment remains cautious on this aspect.