Used Honda Jazz for sale: everything you need to know
The Honda Jazz majors on space, dependability, and ease of use. Those qualities have only improved with the fourth and latest generation, launched in 2020, which features hybrid power across the range for low running costs and simple driving characteristics, while the interior is just as spacious and clever as it’s always been.
The Jazz is one of the more expensive superminis, but makes a lot of sense today as a used buy, in part thanks to Honda’s reputation for reliability. All models are well-equipped too and shouldn’t feel too out of date in terms of their in-car technology - while Honda’s loaded its smallest car with plenty of safety kit too. Read on to find out more about the Jazz.
Should you buy a Honda Jazz?
If your priorities for a small car put space, reliability and low running costs above hot hatchback-like handling or sleek styling, then the Honda Jazz should be on your shortlist. That’s not to say the latest Jazz doesn’t drive well or is awkward to look at - it’s probably better than ever in both respects - but some of its qualities stand out above the others.
The Jazz has always had a deeply clever interior, so that seems like the best place to start. Honda’s Magic Seats make a return, letting you either fold the rear seats for a completely flat load area, or raise the seat squabs to give you a deep space behind the front seats for tall or awkwardly-shaped objects.
The rest of the cabin is great too. Interior quality and design have both taken a big step forward with the latest generation. It’s also well-equipped, while the view out is great, helped by split front pillars and the raised seating position you’ve always got in a Jazz. It’s a doddle to drive, thanks to the super-smooth hybrid powertrain (which doesn’t need plugging in, but still returns 60mpg or more), while the handling is light and tidy and the ride quite grown-up for a small car.
Another string to the Jazz’s bow is reliability. This alone may be a factor in buying a Jazz, though if you want something similarly efficient and also with a great reputation for longevity, the Toyota Yaris Hybrid is one option, while the Mazda 2 (in both its Yaris-based hybrid form, and the identically-named but quite different conventional model) is another. The mild-hybrid Suzuki Swift is less spacious but also less expensive and more nimble, while for quality in a small car, the VW Polo and Audi A1 are two others to consider.
What’s the best used Honda Jazz model to buy?
When it comes to the post-2020 Jazz detailed here there’s only one engine, a 1.5-litre hybrid, so no difficult choices need be made there. It’s no bad thing either, as it’s an effective and fuel-efficient engine and there are only small performance and economy differences based on trim - the Crosstar being slightly slower and using a touch more fuel. The Crosstar is appealing but if you really want an SUV then Honda also sells the HR-V, so it probably makes more sense looking further down the Jazz range for the ideal spec - the SR is our pick, with a 9-inch media display and a set of alloy wheels.
Used Honda Jazz fuel economy and performance
- Honda Jazz 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid: With a 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric assistance the Jazz gets 109PS, good for a 0-62mph time of 9.4 seconds (or 9.9 for the Crosstar), and fuel economy of 62.8mpg (which drops to 58.9mpg for the Crosstar).
What used Honda Jazz trim levels are available?
Befitting its new pricing, which starts a little higher than most similar superminis, the Jazz is well equipped across the range. One feature fitted as standard is Honda Sensing safety tech, which includes collision mitigation for automatic braking in certain scenarios. There’s a centre airbag between the front seats too. Five trim levels give you an option of different levels of equipment, with an off-road style Crosstar model topping the range.
- The Honda Jazz SE is pretty generously equipped for an entry-level car, with climate control, front and rear electric windows, and even heated front seats, only notably lacking alloy wheels from the spec list.
- The Honda Jazz SR is similar in specification to the SE but has a sportier appearance, including alloy wheels and part-leather upholstery. A 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also standard.
- The Honda Jazz EX has a more luxurious feel, and includes satnav for the touchscreen, a heated leather steering wheel, and a rear-view parking camera.
- The Honda Jazz EX Style takes the EX and adds bi-colour alloy wheels and some distinctive side mouldings.
- The Honda Jazz Crosstar EX has an SUV-inspired look, getting a raised ride height, roof rails, plastic body cladding, water-repellant interior upholstery, and a premium sound system.
Used Honda Jazz dimensions and boot size
The Honda Jazz’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4044mm (Honda Jazz Crosstar: 4090mm)
- Width: 1694mm (Honda Jazz Crosstar: 1725mm)
- Height: 1526mm (Honda Jazz Crosstar: 1556mm)
- Ground clearance: 136mm (Honda Jazz Crosstar: 152mm)
The Honda Jazz’s boot space is:
- 304 litres (Honda Jazz Crosstar: 298 litres)
- 1205 litres with rear seats folded (Honda Jazz Crosstar: 1199 litres)
Used Honda Jazz road tax
All Jazz are hybrids, and that means a handy, though not particularly profound ten-quid saving over taxing a regular petrol or diesel supermini. That means paying a flat VED rate of £180 per year.
How much is it to insure a Honda Jazz?
Relatively high new pricing possibly contributes to the similarly lofty insurance group ratings for this seemingly sensible supermini. The Jazz range starts at group 19 in SE trim, with the EX slightly more at group 20. For comparison, a Volkswagen Polo starts at the minimum group 1, and goes no higher than group 15 in the standard range.
