Honda Jazz Crosstar Hybrid Review

Welcome to my in-depth review of the Honda Jazz Crosstar Hybrid! This little 1.5-litre self-charging hybrid offers 109 brake horsepower and a 0-62 mph time of 9.9 seconds. The Crosstar is the top-spec version of the latest Jazz, featuring a slightly higher ride height and a more rugged design. But don't be fooled into thinking this car is an off-road superstar — it's not built for that. The standard Honda Jazz starts at £26,000, while the Crosstar begins at £28,000. Let's dive in and see if the Crosstar justifies the extra £2,000.

The Honda Jazz Crosstar Hybrid is a solid option if you're looking for a practical, economical car with great visibility, clever storage solutions, and a comfortable driving experience around town.

Space and Practicality: Does the Crosstar Measure Up?

One might be disappointed to learn that the Crosstar's boot is actually a bit smaller than the standard Jazz. With all seats in the upright position, you get 298 litres of boot space. Fold those seats down, and you're looking at 838 litres up to window height or 1,199 litres to the roof. With the seats folded flat, the Jazz feels more like a compact van, offering great flexibility for a car in this class. One of the standout features is the "Magic Seats" in the rear, which can be lifted to provide additional vertical space —perfect for transporting taller items like potted plants.

While the Jazz has always been known for its clever use of space, the Crosstar's slightly smaller boot could be a downside for some. But overall, the Jazz Crosstar continues the tradition of versatility, making good use of every inch of available storage.

Interior Quality: Comfort and Tech

Moving to the front of the Jazz Crosstar, the first thing you'll notice is the abundance of cloth upholstery — it's everywhere! While cloth seats may not be everyone's first choice compared to leather or synthetic options, Honda has made these seats water-repellent, which adds a practical touch. Despite this, the seats are reasonably comfortable, though lacking in side support and lower lumbar adjustment.

The steering wheel is well-designed, featuring a two-pronged layout common in modern Hondas. It's comfortable to hold and has just the right number of controls within easy reach. The driver information display is clear and bright, if not particularly eye-catching. A significant upgrade is the infotainment system, which has seen a massive improvement over older Honda systems. With wireless Apple CarPlay and a bright, responsive screen, it's a joy to use. Physical knobs and dials for the air conditioning and volume controls add to the tactile quality of the interior.

In terms of connectivity, the Crosstar offers two USB-A ports and a 12-volt power outlet, alongside a traditional drive mode selector. This contrasts with many manufacturers that are shifting towards more minimalist controls.

Rear Seat Comfort and Storage

In the rear, despite the fixed position of the rear bench, there's ample legroom, foot space, and headroom. Even at 6'2", passengers will find the rear seats comfortable. The middle seat, as is often the case in compact cars, is best suited for short journeys or smaller passengers. Rear amenities are limited to electric window controls and two USB-A ports, but the overall build quality feels solid and well-constructed.

One noteworthy feature in the Crosstar is the quality of its audio system, which includes a subwoofer in the boot. The sound quality is exceptional for a car in this class, offering clear and robust audio performance.

Driving Experience: How Does the Crosstar Perform?

Once you hit the road, the Honda Jazz Crosstar proves to be very "nippy" around town. It feels agile and responsive, making it easy to navigate through tight city streets and quickly pull away from junctions. However, its charm diminishes somewhat on the open road due to its eCVT setup. Unlike a traditional CVT, the eCVT feels smoother but can still exhibit that familiar "drone" when accelerating hard. This might be a minor issue for some, but if you're primarily driving around town, it's unlikely to bother you much.

Visibility is a significant strength of the Jazz Crosstar. Thanks to its large glass panels and expansive windscreen, you get better forward visibility than in many of its rivals. Even with somewhat large rear pillars, the view out of the back remains good due to the sizable rear window and a high-quality reversing camera.

Despite its slightly higher ride height, the Jazz Crosstar is just as easy to park as its lower-sitting competitors, like the Ford Fiesta. Its compact footprint makes it a breeze to manoeuvre in tight spaces.

Fuel Economy and Ride Comfort: Where the Crosstar Excels and Falls Short

When it comes to fuel economy, the Jazz Crosstar impresses. With an official WLTP figure of 58.9 MPG combined, you can expect to achieve close to this in real-world conditions. While it might not match the fuel efficiency of a Toyota Yaris Cross, it's still highly competitive, making the Crosstar an economical choice for urban driving.

However, ride comfort is one area where the Crosstar doesn't quite deliver. Despite its raised ride height (by only 16mm), the suspension is firmer than expected, and the ride can feel a bit "crashy" over rougher surfaces. It's not unbearable, but it's less cushioned than you might anticipate for a car of this kind. Additionally, the steering can feel slightly numb, but this is typical for cars in this segment.

Verdict: Is the Honda Jazz Crosstar Hybrid Worth It?

The Honda Jazz Crosstar Hybrid is a solid option if you're looking for a practical, economical car with great visibility, clever storage solutions, and a comfortable driving experience around town. However, the Crosstar doesn't offer much beyond what the standard Jazz already provides, making it hard to justify the extra £2,000 price tag unless you have specific needs or preferences for the Crosstar's unique features.

For most buyers, the standard Honda Jazz will likely suffice, offering nearly all the same benefits without the added cost. The Crosstar is a well-rounded car but may not be different enough from the standard Jazz to warrant the extra expense. If you're considering a Jazz, think carefully about whether the Crosstar's minor enhancements align with your needs, or if you'd be just as happy with the standard model.

To find out the latest lease prices for a Honda Jazz Crosstar Hybrid, Click here.