Honda Jazz Hybrid 2014 Review - International

It’s the second time we’ve sampled Honda’s new Jazz, and the first time I’ve sampled the brand’s hybrid and dual-clutch transmission (DCT) technology together in the same sitting. The good news is that all are fantastic.

The new Jazz -- which is actually sold under the moniker ‘Fit’ in Japan and other markets -- has been on sale in its domestic market since September, but is not slated to land in Oz until the middle of 2014.

However, a model borrowed from an inner-Tokyo dealership this afternoon proves Honda is on to a winner, combining convincing dynamics, peppy motivation and exceptional packaging in a very handsome little body styled in Honda’s new EXCITING H DESIGN!!! [no, we’re not shouting, that’s seriously what it’s called].

Sure, we’re not going to be able to provide you with a comprehensive road test based on a whip around the block, but what we can tell you is that the new Jazz Hybrid lives up to the expectations set by its predecessor, and is in many ways a superior vehicle to most in this category when sampled in the environment for which it was created.

Why, I hear you ask?

Because it does all that its asked of it -- and all that it claims to do -- with a maturity that belies it’s diminutive proportions.

The Jazz Hybrid sets off cleanly under electric power before firing the petrol engine as pace quickens with urban traffic. The drivetrain is smooth under acceleration and quiet until pushed. Pace gathers quite briskly as the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission swaps promptly through its ratios.

For a heavier light car -- it weighs 1475kg owing to the weight of the lithium-ion battery pack and in-transmission electric motor -- the Jazz Hybrid actually feels quite light on its feet. It maneuvers swiftly from lane to lane and feels planted when rushed through a 90-degree turn. Honda says that much of this balance is owed to a 55:45 front-to-rear weight distribution figure.

The steering is beautifully consistent and offers a lovely compromise between assistance and feedback. A colleague joining me on the trek around Tokyo actually had to double-check that the steering was electrically-assisted, such is the natural and communicative feel from the tiller.

With the engine building more revs the din through the cabin is a little raucous, and comes as a bit of a surprise to a ride that is otherwise so tranquil. The impression is much the same from the DCT which is positive of shift in most circumstances, though not always when asked to hurry away from a near-stop.

There’s little road or wind noise to speak of, only a hubbub of Japanese talk-back from the classy touchscreen infotainment unit neither of us can understand.

Honda says the new Jazz Hybrid can achieve 36.4km/L (or 2.7L/100km) and that the regular petrol models will achieve 26.0km/L (or 3.8L/100km for the 1.3 and 21.8km/L (or 4.6L/100km) for the 1.5. Australian ADR figures will vary.

In the Hybrid model, a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a small synchronous electric motor.

Honda dubs the system i-DCD, or intelligent dual-clutch drive. Electric power comes from a 20kWh lithium-ion battery (previously Ni-MH) fitted between the rear wheels and under the cargo area floor. The air-conditioning compressor and water pump are both electrically driven.

Specification information was a little hard to determine [owing to my poor grasp of the Japanese language], but from what can be determined, the Jazz Hybrid offers 47kW in ECON mode, 75kW in Normal mode and 92kW in Sport mode. The torque value of 189Nm (from zero to a very specific 3056rpm) remains uniform across all three modes.

The Jazz retains the 60:40-split and flat-folding Magic Seats of the previous model, which is great news from those seeking to maximise the practicality of their light hatch. The even better news is that because the model is around 50mm longer than the old one, interior space is even better than before. There’s more than enough room for four adults, and entry and egress remain definite high points.

Our test model was the higher grade version of three hybrid Jazz models available in Japan (Fit Hybrid S) and was fitted with plush cloth trimmed seats, a 6.0-inch colour touchscreen display, sat nav, 4x40W-speaker sound system, Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, USB and HDMI connectivity, 2x12V power outlets and even Yahoo! internet connectivity.

15-inch alloy wheels (shod with 185/65-series tyres), climate control, paddle shifters, auto lights and wipers, cruise control and a single-zone climate control HVAC system also appear to be offered as standard.

The brochure also appears to make mention of the availability of 4WD in combination with both petrol engines, though no clarification was available.

In Tokyo, the range-topping Jazz Hybrid S (as tested) is priced from 2,242,000 Yen or just under $24,000 Aussie dollars. The current Jazz Hybrid is priced from $22,990 (plus on-road costs).

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