Honda Jazz (2015 – 2020) Review

Honda Jazz (2015 – 2020) At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
A brilliantly practical and versatile small hatchback, the Honda Jazz has few drawbacks other than its disappointing infotainment set-up.

+Unrivalled practicality and versatility. Plenty of room for four adults to travel in comfort. Surprisingly fun to drive, especially 1.5 i-VTEC Sport.

-Only two engine choices: both naturally-aspirated petrol. Irritating infotainment system with no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

On average it achieves 91% of the official MPG figure

If you’ve ever wondered how to squeeze a quart into a pint pot, look no further than the Honda Jazz. It’s always been a masterclass in making the most of every inch of interior space while keeping the outer dimensions of a small hatchback, and the model launched in 2015 was a superb step on in the Honda Jazz’s development. Although not quite as good to drive as a Mazda 2 or the massive-selling Ford Fiesta, nor quite as classy as an Audi A1 Sportback, the Honda Jazz still manages to be an extremely sound bet for used buyers. Read on for our full Honda Jazz review.

The Honda Jazz is something of an unsung hero among small hatches. Unfairly derided for its sensible image and traditionally more ‘mature’ owner – the average buyer age is over 60 – the Honda Jazz has never quite had the appeal of the likes of the Volkswagen Polo or Ford Fiesta.

But maybe the Honda Jazz that arrived in 2015 – complete with a Sport model – will change your mind.

This Honda Jazz takes all the strengths of its predecessor – namely clever packaging, an incredibly practical interior and Tardis-like amounts of space – and builds on them to create one of the best used small hatches on sale.

It does, of course, retain Honda’s ingenious ‘magic seats’ that fold and flip in various configurations to allow you to carry surprisingly large items – like plants, upright vacuum cleaners and bikes.

Yet there’s even more interior space, a larger boot and plenty of clever little touches to make everyday life easier. In fact, it has the room and versatility to shame much larger cars.

It also has the feel of a much bigger car on the motorway, too, with high comfort levels and a relaxed nature. This Honda Jazz was much better in corners, with lots of grip and nicely weighted steering.

There were big improvements to the interior quality and finish, too, while the Honda Jazz is also one of the most refined small cars around with little road noise and a superbly forgiving ride.

Most Honda Jazz models of this era are powered by a 1.3-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, which does lack low down response, as it’s not turbocharged. However, it has more than enough power for the car and is very quiet. It also works very well with both the standard six-speed manual or the optional CVT automatic.

After 2018, Honda Jazz buyers could opt for a 1.5-litre petrol engine in Sport trim. A clear attempt to attract younger customers, the Sport featured a red stripe on the front, sporty side skirts and a rear spoiler. Gloss black 16-inch alloys were standard, while orange stitching added a touch of raciness to the interior.

Like the 1.3, the 1.5 is a naturally aspirated engine. This means it needs to be worked hard compared to turbocharged rivals, but enthusiastic drivers might enjoy building the revs. Indeed, the Honda Jazz Sport is a surprisingly fun car to drive, as long as you’re not expecting instant thrills.

The Honda Jazz is also well equipped. Add in its big car feel, a high-quality finish and, of course, its unrivalled interior space and practicality – helped by those clever ‘magic seats’ – and this makes the Honda Jazz easy to recommend.

Honda Jazz (2015 – 2020) handling and engines

Driving Rating
The Honda Jazz is more fun to drive than its reputation might suggest, but the engines need to be worked hard to give their best.

Honda Jazz (2015 – 2020): Handling and ride quality

Not only is the Honda Jazz refined, quiet and economical, it’s also a revelation to drive.

The firm has taken all of its handling know-how and applied it to the car. As a result, it’s mightily impressive in corners, with lots of front-end grip and nicely weighted steering.

You can happily tackle a tight bend with some gusto, and the Honda Jazz will give you plenty of confidence.

The ride quality is phenomenally good for any car, let alone one this small. It’s smooth over rough surfaces and glides over speed bumps. On the motorway, the Honda Jazz feels like a much bigger car, with a relaxed and stable feel, plus little in the way of wind or road noise.

Honda Jazz (2015 – 2020): Engines

Buyers get a choice of two naturally aspirated petrol engines – a 1.3-litre and a 1.5-litre.

Honda has resisted following the trend for smaller capacity turbocharged engines, but the 1.3-litre that most buyers choose still has a reasonable 102PS, which is more than adequate for a car as light as the Honda Jazz – it tips the scales at just over a tonne.

The fact it’s not turbocharged means the Honda Jazz does lack a little in low-down response. It’s fine around town, but can be frustrating when accelerating on to a fast-flowing dual carriageway from a slip road.

This is down to the fact the 1.3 i-VTEC only has 123Nm of torque – in comparison to the Ford Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost that produces 170Nm.

As it's an i-VTEC engine, the Honda Jazz really comes into its own at high revs, which is somewhat at odds with the car’s billing as a sensible small hatch. It will happily rev all the way up to a dizzy 6500rpm and isn’t coarse in the process. In fact, it buzzes along with real gusto, although we doubt this is what many Honda Jazz owners will want to do.

If you’re after a lazier drive, the 1.5-litre Sport isn’t the Honda Jazz for you. Just like the 1.3, the bigger engine needs to be worked hard for its performance. If you’re willing to do that, however, you might be surprised at just how fun it is. This isn’t a car for those who want to ride a wave of torque, but rev towards the limiter and the Sport can make surprising progress.

During more relaxed everyday driving, both Honda Jazz engines are quiet and refined.

A six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard, or there’s the option of a CVT automatic gearbox. The manual works very well with a positive change, a light clutch and low overall gearing.

But don’t discount the CVT. It suits the relaxed nature of the Honda Jazz perfectly. True it can prove noisy under acceleration, but for the most part it’s smooth. Plus it benefits from European-specific software to give more predictable, manual car-like behaviour.

Honda Jazz (2015 – 2020): Safety

Every Honda Jazz of this generation has City Brake Active, which provides automatic emergency braking to avoid or lessen the impact of a collision in town.

A speed limiter was also included, and lane assist was standard across the range, with the exception of  the base S model. When new, the Honda Jazz scored a superb five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests.

Isofix rear child seat mounts are included with the Honda Jazz, alongside twin front, side and curtain airbags.

Honda Jazz (2015 – 2020): Towing

The Honda Jazz of this generation can pull a 450kg unbraked trailer. Go for a braked trailer and you can haul as much as 1000kg with the car.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
1.3 i-VTEC 54–55 mpg 11.2–11.5 s 116–120 g/km
1.3 i-VTEC CVT 58–60 mpg 12.0–12.3 s 106–114 g/km
1.5 i-VTEC 48 mpg 8.7 s 134 g/km
1.5 i-VTEC CVT 52 mpg 10.1 s 125 g/km

Real MPG average for the Honda Jazz (2015 – 2020)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

91%

Real MPG

37–64 mpg

MPGs submitted

351

Honda Jazz (2015 – 2020) interior

Interior Rating
The amazing interior space, quality and versatility are the envy of much larger cars, and among the Honda Jazz’s biggest selling points.
Dimensions
Length 3995–4051 mm
Width 1980 mm
Height 1550 mm
Wheelbase 2530 mm

Full specifications

Honda Jazz (2015 – 2020): Practicality

The Honda Jazz may be a small car, but it’s amazingly versatile and practical – more so than many larger cars. Thanks to its clever design, there’s an abundance of space inside, with lots of headroom and plenty of legroom.

In fact, Honda claimed there’s as much kneeroom in the back as a Mercedes S-Class. Even with both front seats pushed all the way back, you can still happily carry four adults in comfort.

Taller drivers may find the driving position a touch cramped. It feels like the seat could do with going back another couple of inches, but the seats themselves are comfortable with decent support. You can happily cover long distances in the Honda Jazz in comfort.

Other features such as the wide-opening doors make getting in the back – or fitting child seats – a painless process. 

What really makes the car so practical is the ingenious ‘magic seats’, which made their debut in the 2001 Honda Jazz. These fold forward in one clever movement to create a flat load floor. Their real party trick, though, is that they flip up and lock in place, allowing you to carry tall items like plants on the rear floor. No other small car can match the clever practicality of the Honda Jazz.

This generation of Honda Jazz is more spacious than its predecessors and that means a bigger boot. It’s a very useful space that’s 17 litres bigger than on the model this car replaced in 2015, with a wide opening and low load lip making lifting items such as pushchairs in a doddle.

If you need to carry larger objects, then the rear seats can be folded, giving a flat load deck with 1314 litres to the roof.

It’s also possible to fold the front passenger seat, meaning items like planks or a surfboard will fit. You can even fold the seats to form two beds.

Honda Jazz (2015 – 2020): Quality and finish

The quality of the finish and the material used is top notch, which went some way to justifying the high list price of the Honda Jazz when new.

It feels a cut above your usual hatchback, yet is still durable and hard-wearing.

Honda Jazz (2015 – 2020): Infotainment

The Honda Connect infotainment system – standard on SE models and above – is one of our biggest gripes with the Honda Jazz.

It’s slow and frustrating to use, and the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will no doubt put off many buyers. However, you do get Bluetooth and a USB port to help with connectivity.

Honda Jazz (2015 – 2020) value for money

Value for Money Rating
An all-round sound buy, the Honda Jazz should prove an affordable used car both to own and run whichever version you choose.

Honda Jazz (2015 – 2020): Prices

Look for an early version of this generation of Honda Jazz and you are likely to spend from £8000 for an eight-year-old model with about 65,000 miles to its name.

A four-year-old Honda Jazz with less than 20,000 miles on the clock will come in at £14,000 from the company’s approved used scheme, which will also give you the peace of mind of a year’s warranty.

Honda Jazz (2015 – 2020): Running Costs

The 2015 Honda Jazz is not going to put a big dent in your budgeting whichever version you choose.

With the 1.3-litre petrol engine, it claimed an official economy of up to 60.1mpg, while the 1.5 was rated at up to 52.3mpg. In every case, you should see around 50mpg in normal use.

Emissions from the Honda Jazz vary between 117g/km and 125g/km, so road tax is affordable whether it’s a pre-April 2017 model, or post this date when road tax costs change for used cars.

Insurance is another easy-on-the-wallet item to fund, as the Honda Jazz sits in groups 13 to 19, and servicing at Honda dealers is not pricey.

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Honda Jazz (2015 – 2020) models and specs

The entry-level Honda Jazz S comes with air-conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter and dusk-sensing auto lights. Every grade has Honda’s City Brake Active to help avoid low-speed accidents.

The Honda Jazz SE model adds front and rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and 15-inch alloy wheels. A myriad of drive-assist systems are also standard, including lane departure warning, intelligent speed limiter and traffic sign recognition. 

If you opt for a Honda Jazz EX, you get smart entry and start, automatic air-conditioning and a six-speaker audio upgrade. Styling is enhanced with 16-inch alloy wheels and front foglamps.

Lastly, the Honda Jazz Sport model features styling upgrades, including a thinner front splitter with a red stripe, side skirts and a bold rear diffuser.

A tailgate spoiler is standard, as are 16-inch black alloy wheels. Inside, the steering wheel and gearknob are finished in leather, while orange stitching brightens up the cabin.

Dimensions
Length 3995–4051 mm
Width 1980 mm
Height 1550 mm
Wheelbase 2530 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1066–1124 kg
Boot Space 354–1314 L
Warranty 3 years / 90000 miles
Servicing 12500 miles
Costs
List Price -
Insurance Groups -
Road Tax Bands B–E
Official MPG 47.9–60.1 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 5

On sale until August 2020

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.3 i-VTEC EX 5dr - - -
1.3 i-VTEC EX CVT 5dr - - -
1.3 i-VTEC EX Navi 5dr - - -
1.3 i-VTEC EX Navi CVT 5dr - - -
1.3 i-VTEC S 5dr - - -
1.3 i-VTEC S CVT 5dr - - -
1.3 i-VTEC SE 5dr - - -
1.3 i-VTEC SE CVT 5dr - - -
1.3 i-VTEC SE Navi 5dr - - -
1.3 i-VTEC SE Navi CVT 5dr - - -
1.5 i-VTEC Sport 5dr - 47.9 mpg 8.7 s
1.5 i-VTEC Sport CVT 5dr - 52.3 mpg 10.1 s
1.5 i-VTEC Sport Navi 5dr - 47.9 mpg 8.7 s
1.5 i-VTEC Sport Navi CVT 5dr - 52.3 mpg 10.1 s

On sale until January 2020

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.3 i-VTEC EX 5dr - 54.3 mpg 11.5 s
1.3 i-VTEC EX CVT 5dr - 57.6 mpg 12.3 s
1.3 i-VTEC EX Navi 5dr - 54.3 mpg 11.5 s
1.3 i-VTEC EX Navi CVT 5dr - 57.6 mpg 12.3 s
1.3 i-VTEC S 5dr - 55.4 mpg 11.2 s
1.3 i-VTEC S CVT 5dr - 60.1 mpg 12.0 s
1.3 i-VTEC SE 5dr - 55.4 mpg 11.3 s
1.3 i-VTEC SE CVT 5dr - 58.9 mpg 12.2 s
1.3 i-VTEC SE Navi 5dr - 55.4 mpg 11.3 s
1.3 i-VTEC SE Navi CVT 5dr - 58.9 mpg 12.2 s

Model History

February 2015

Specification for Honda Jazz announced

The Jazz will be fitted with an efficient 102PS 1.3-litre i-VTEC petrol engine. A refined ride is allied to more responsive and engaging handling, thanks to a new, more rigid and lighter chassis and re-engineered suspension.

High-quality soft-touch materials and thoughtful interior design provide a sophisticated ambience. With a seven-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash, Honda Connect is a new in-car infotainment system that offers internet browsing and access to real-time news, traffic and weather and numerous internet music stations.

The Advanced Driver Assist System package, which employs a camera and mid-range radar, underpins a comprehensive suite of new advanced safety technologies introduced across Honda's new product line-up during 2015.

Longer by 95mm on the outside and with a 30mm longer wheelbase, new Jazz is endowed with astonishing interior passenger space: leg, shoulder and headroom in the front and rear are unrivalled in the class.

Boot space has been increased to 354 litres with the rear seats in use and 884 litres with the rear seats down. Each of the 60/40 split Magic Seats in the rear can adopt numerous configurations to maximise the versatility of the spacious interior.

In ‘Utility' mode, the rear seat back folds forward as the seat base lowers to create a long, flat floor. In ‘Tall' mode, the rear seat base is locked in a vertical position to leave space from floor to ceiling. ‘Long' mode sees front and rear passenger seat backs fold forward to a horizontal position.

At launch, the Jazz will be available with the highly efficient, highly responsive 1.3 litre i-VTEC petrol engine from Honda's Earth Dreams Technology series. Delivering 102 PS of power at 6,000 rpm, the new engine is mated to a six-speed manual (replacing the previous five-speed unit) or a semi-automatic CVT transmission.

July 2015

UK prices of 2015 Honda Jazz announced

From £13,495 in S trim, £14,595 in SE trim and £15,715 in EX trim. CVT Automatic versions are priced from £14,595 in S trim, £15,695 in SE trim and £16,815 in EX trim.

January 2018

Revised Honda Jazz introduced

Priced at £14,115 for the entry level S grade, the range tops out at £17,155 for the new Sport edition, which features the new 130PS 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine.

With customer deliveries expected to start from February, the new line-up will also include Skyride Blue Metallic as a new colour option.

The 102PS 1.3 i-VTEC engine range will start off at £14,115 on-the-road for the entry-level S model. Specifications are generous across the range, with base-grade S models fitted as standard with convenience features such as air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter and dusk sensing auto lights.

The mid-grade SE model, priced from £15,615 on-the-road, adds front and rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and 15” alloy wheels.

Those opting for the top-grade EX model (from £17,115) will appreciate smart entry and start, automatic climate control and reversing camera. Styling is enhanced with 16-inch alloy wheels and front fog lamps, while LED headlights are now standard addition on the EX.

Brand new to the line-up is the Jazz Sport which features a 130PS 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine. Based on the SE grade the Sport features; a thinner front splitter beneath the lower grille, and triple-strake diffuser to the rear bumper – both finished with a sporty red accent line similar to the Civic Type R, LED headlights, front fog lamps, side sill skirts, a tailgate spoiler and gloss-black 16-inch alloy wheels. The interior features a unique pinstripe pattern on the upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, all of which are enhanced by orange stitching.

May 2019

Reader report when attempting to order a Honda Jazz Sport that the Jazz Sport has been discontinued. Confirmed by Honda that Jazz Sport discontinued due to next gen Jazz with hybrid drivetrain making debut late 2019. Still "a few" Jazz 1.5iVTEC Sports in UK stock.

What to watch out for

05-12-2015:

Report of sticking parking brake system on new 2015/65 reg Honda Jazz.

13-04-2016:

Complaint of TPMS valve breaking off at a garage airline. Only £10 to replace, but massively time consuming and inconvenient.

20-07-2016:

Complaint of "fierce" clutch take-up and judder from drivetrain of March 2016 Honda Jazz 1.3iVTEC manual.

21-07-2016:

Complaint of problems with Connect radio system of October 2015 Jazz, not resolved by a software update.

01-06-2017:

Complaint of over active power assistance to brakes of ex-demo Jazz 1.3 i-VTEC purchased in February 2017.

10-01-2018:

Complaint of over sensitivity of valve based TPMS on a Jazz that can set off alarms for a disparity of a mere 2PSI.

21-02-2018:

Report of Honda dealer advising owner of Jazz to have manual transmission oil changed at 2 year/13,000 mile service at cost of £75. Probably to ensure no shrapnel gets into the transmission bearings, an old failure problem with Jazz.

05-05-2018:

Report of starter relay failing on 2014 Honda Jazz. Replacement £80.

22-11-2018:

Report of self-dipping headlignts of 2017 Honda Jazz no longer working.

07-01-2019:

Report of parking sensor problems with 2017 Honda Jazz 1.5iVTEC Sport CVT-7 now at 16,000 miles. "Randomly they would switch themselves off and pressing the button had no effect. The only way to get them back on was to stop the car and turn the ignition off then back on, and then the manual switch for the sensors would work. As it was random, Honda initially wouldn’t do anything without proof. So owner had to wait until the fault materialised, then drive straight to the dealer and get them to hook up their computer and get the download whilst the car was in fault mode. They obtained a code and replaced the module. Owner had a couple of repeats since, but nothing like it was, and nothing over the last few months.

24-02-2019:

Report of intermittent failure of front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlight dip and lane deviation sensors. The faults are intermittent working on occasion then switching off sometimes when driving. Owner took it back 5 times, and the dealer has contacted Honda to try and fix the fault but so far nothing has helped and they are waiting to hear from Honda again.

20-05-2019:

Complaint of October 2017 Honda Jazz with 8,000 miles cutting out on four recent occasions while waiting at crossroads or traffic lights. "Just dies completely. After 3 to 4 minutes, it will get going again."

30-05-2019:

Complaint of a/c failure in 2017 Honda Jazz 1.3iVTEC soon after service. Went back to dealer and was re-gassed. Dealer thought losing gas from condenser but wasn't sure and unable to fix. Reader referred to a/c FAQ: /faq/air-conditioning.

18-06-2019:

Report of clutch judder since new in 2018 Honda Jazz 1.3iVTEC, now at 1,500 miles. Dealer unwilling to remedy.

20-07-2019:

Report of failing acceleration in February 2019 Honda Jazz 1.3i-VTEC CVT-7. C annot get above a speed of 5 to 10 miles per hour. Owner took it in to Honda twice, they checked the electronics and cannot find a fault. There is an Adjustable Speed Limiter which the Honda dealer suggested owner must have pressed. But this cannot be activated below 18mph.

21-07-2019:

Report of radio and hands-free phone of May 2018 Honda Jazz "going wrong" after 3 months. Supplying dealer could not fix it. Dealer refused to replace the radio. Dealer claims that he has not witnessed the radio being faulty, but owner says he has. Once dealer had the car for 2 days tryong to fix it. Suggested letter to dealer principal threatening small claims for the cost of repairing/replacing the radio.

09-08-2019:

Report of problem with TPMS of 2015 Honda Jazz crying wolf on a hot day after a tyre had to be replaced with a new one, so about 7mm v/s about 5mm of the other tyre on the same axle. The heat that driving on a hot summers day puts into the air in a tyre can increase its pressure by up to 3PSI and if that takes it over the set disparity in the TPMS, the alarm goes off. Can sometimes by sorted out with a pump, a gauge and some patience. There may be a software fix to make the system less sensitive and only alarm when a greater disparity is detected. (Turned out there is a software fix that de-sensitises the system slightly to allow for the fitting of non standard tyres.)

17-12-2019:

This is one make of clamp: http://www.catsafe.org.uk/ This is the type recommended by Toyota: https://www.vtstore.co.uk/accessories/security/catloc-catalytic-converter-lock This is Toyota's advice: https://blog.toyota.co.uk/catalytic-converter-theft-how-to-protect-your-car

17-12-2019:

Complaint about uncomfortable driver's seat in Honda Jazz. "It feels like a plate or mechanism has been installed just below the upholstery making the seats feel like I’m sitting on cinder blocks." That will be the fuel tank that is located beneath the front seats. No solution to this.

24-04-2023:

Report of a 2017 Honda Jazz breaking down in the live lane of a motorway. Police got the car started but dealer couldn't diagnose the issue. Thought it could be the EGR valve. This has now been replaced and car is running fine.

What does the Honda Jazz (2015 – 2020) cost?