That’s particularly so with the rangetopping hybrid Jazz e:HEV Luxe now eligible for a Clean Car rebate of up to $4140 from its retail price of $35,000. On-road costs are extra.
Honda New Zealand is one of the few distributors to have stock available immediately for delivery anywhere in the country from its national distribution centre in Nelson.
It’s a position that’s the envy of many brands trying to satisfy fleet buyers during the current pandemic.
THE LOOK
The previous generation Jazz had quite aggressive styling for a light hatchback, especially the RS models when fitted with the optional Mugen body kit.
However, the new generation is less wild-child and will appeal to a wider global audience, although Honda Australia has dropped the Jazz for the new HR-V as its new entry level car. But the much more rounded, smoother and friendlier looking Jazz will continue in New Zealand as Honda says demand from its loyal fan base is still very strong.
The flagship e:HEV Luxe is targeted at business and private buyers; the high-riding SUV-like Crosstar with factory fitted roof rails is aimed at leisure buyers, and the entry level Life at the Honda faithful who want a well-equipped but inoffensive city runabout.
THE RANGE
Honda has priced the Life from $28,000, the Crosstar from $30,000 and the e:HEV Luxe from $35,000 under its no-haggle Price Promise.
The entry level 1.5-litre Life automatic with a sports trim interior replaces the previous 1.3S.
The SUV/Crossover style Crosstar is also powered by a 1.5-litre automatic, and the Jazz Luxe which replaces the previous Hybrid model, features Honda’s new two-motor e:HEV electrified technology.
It’s the first model in Honda NZ’s line-up to wear the new e:HEV badge and the first example of Honda‘s e:Technology branding that will feature in all future electrified products.
We can expect to see an e:HEV version of the HR-V and there may be a Civic Hatch with the hybrid powertrain if there’s enough demand.
INSIDE
All three Jazz variants are fitted with Honda’s nine-inch infotainment system paired with seven-inch driver’s display with an intuitive user interface.
There are wireless Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, Magic seats, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, smart entry, push-button start, walk away auto door locking, power folding mirrors, privacy glass, and 16- inch alloy wheels.
Honda says wider front seats use 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 provide a lounge like rear cabin.
The new Jazz’s most noticeable difference is the thin A-pillar which improves visibility through the panoramic windscreen and front quarter lights.
The Jazz Crosstar will appeal to people who want a compact crossover style vehicle but without the expensive and weight of an all-wheel drive system.
It has increased ride height (25mm), dedicated suspension and steering tuning, a unique grille, front and rear bumpers and body protectors, waterresistant upholstery, and integrated roof rails.
The e:HEV Luxe offers a full leather interior, with two colour choices (black or tan), leather wrapped steering wheel, soft-touch dash, armrest and knee pads, heated seats, key linked power folding mirrors, and platinum exterior trims.
THE DRIVE
The e:HEV system consists of two compact electric motors connected to a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and a fixed-gear transmission via an intelligent power control unit.
They work together to provide smooth and direct response. The electric system provides 80kW of power and 253Nm of torque and Honda says the Jazz e:HEV Luxe powertrain selects seamlessly from three interchangeable drive modes.
In EV Drive mode, the lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric propulsion motor directly. But in Hybrid Drive, the engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn supplies it to the electric propulsion motor.
In Engine Drive mode, the petrol engine is connected directly to the wheels through a lock-up clutch and drive force is transmitted directly from the engine to the wheels. The Jazz e:HEV Luxe has quoted fuel efficiency of 3.8 litres/100km.
In most urban driving, optimum efficiency is achieved through seamless transitions between EV Drive and Hybrid Drive. At highway speeds, Engine Drive is used, supplemented by an ondemand peak power boost from the electric propulsion motor for faster acceleration.
In Hybrid Drive, excess power from the petrol engine can be diverted to recharge the battery using the generator motor. EV Drive is also engaged when the car is decelerating, harvesting energy through regenerative braking to recharge the battery.
SAFETY
The e:HEV Luxe is the first Jazz in the New Zealand line-up to be fitted with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features and driver aids. It includes a new wider, higherdefinition camera, replacing the previous camera and radar set-up.
It improves awareness of vehicle surroundings and recognises 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 highways – for increased safety.
OUR VIEW
The Jazz e:HEV Luxe is unashamedly happiest in its natural habitat: stop/ start urban traffic where its powertrain shows its best attributes and best performance.
Most city driving is accomplished quietly using electric power from the battery, with the petrol engine occasionally kicking in to replenish battery power, particularly if you’re using the air conditioning.
Honda has given the Luxe a premium feel, especially in Meteoroid Grey Metallic painted cars which have tan leather upholstery on the seats, door trims and dashboard. It really elevates the atmosphere of luxury in the cabin.
Sadly, tan is reserved for the grey cars and other colours get black leather. Because of the rear mounted lithium battery, the Luxe loses about 50 litres of boot space in comparison to the Crosstar and Life.
It doesn’t quite get the completely flat load-through of its siblings, but the Magic Seats still offer flexibility to carry tall items in the cabin.
The funky two spoke steering wheel is a delight to look at and use. Its design pays homage to that of the firstgeneration EB Civic light hatchback which started Honda’s mass market journey in New Zealand.
