Hail the hybrid!

A big car in a small package, the nifty little Honda Jazz looks good, it’s ever so easy to park and it has a wealth of storage spaces (more about that later).

Quite frankly, it’s a complete mystery to us as to why it’s never given the Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Yaris a real run for its money in the sales statistics. We reckon it sets the standard in this segment; it has by far the best and most flexible interior and its build quality is nothing short of superb.

And now… ta da… cue the trumpets… it comes in hybrid guise. The car is called the Jazz Hybrid (IMA). IMA stands for Integrated Motor Assist, which consists of a low-friction 1.3 litre engine (serving as the primary power source), an ultra thin electric motor and a lightweight and compact battery with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). With emissions of just 105 g/km of CO_2, it has the lowest emissions in the Honda Hybrid range. Fuel consumption is just 4.4 l/100 km under the combined drive cycle.

IMA technology has featured locally in both the Insight and the CR-Z. Over the last 10 years of use in Europe, the system has evolved and become smaller, more lightweight and less expensive to produce. The latest version of the motor and PCU in the Jazz Hybrid (IMA) are shared with the newest Insight and CR-Z models to increase efficiency in production, and is 24% more compact than the previous generation system.  This development means that there is still plenty of room in the luggage compartment, for which the Honda Jazz has always been famous. The function of the Magic Seats is much the same, with the boot capacity only slightly less than that of petrol Jazz models.

And oh, those seats really are magical. The range of possibilities is almost infinite – and they are ever so easy to operate. Pop into a Honda dealer and ask them to demonstrate the seats; you will be amazed and impressed. Promise.

But, as they say in the direct marketing ads, that’s not all. There are lots of hideaways for all sorts of things. We adore the two tier glove box. The top tier is cooled using a stream from the air conditioning unit making it ideal for keeping drinks and chocolates cool on the road. It’s also hugely handy for storing make-up on hot South African summer days. There are a grand total of no less than 10 cup holders spread around the cabin.

Apart from the interior, the driving comfort is excellent and it’s also a very nice cruiser out on the open road. In this class of vehicle, the driving comfort and suspension is unrivalled. Hail the Honda Jazz. Hail the hybrid!