Cars

Honda Jazz: Reliability and all that Jazz

Honda Jazz
Honda Jazz Honda Jazz

THE Honda Jazz brings the same consistency to topping the car reliability tables as Taylor Swift brings to the Spotify charts with a new track, writes William Scholes.

The Jazz is always there - always has been, always will be. It's simply one of the most reliable, best engineered cars you can buy.

Despite the name, it's never been what you would think of as especially jazzy. The latest version of the surprisingly spacious supermini has attempted to move in a slightly funkier direction, however.

It's got a happy, smiling face, which is nice, and there's also a pseudo-SUV-ish version called the Crosstar.

These days the Jazz comes only with a two-motor hybrid powertrain, blending a petrol engine with electric assistance. It's a complex enough drivetrain, but you just know it will never let you down.

A standout feature is the Jazz's 'magic seat' arrangement, which allows the rear seats to be configured in a variety of ways which, among other things, allows you to carry tall and awkwardly-shaped items that even a larger car would struggle to accommodate.

As well as the range-topping Crosstar there are SE, SR and EX trims. All models get a high level of safety kit, including lane keep assist and an enhanced collision mitigation brake system which can now detect cyclists and pedestrians during the night.

Prices start at just over £19,000. It's a well equipped, frugal and practical little car - with granite-solid reliability as standard.

Honda Jazz
Honda Jazz Honda Jazz