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Beefed up Jazz a smart alternative

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Jazz and Jazz Crosstar MMC

Honda Jazz Crosstar

By Bill McCarthy

There are models that can sometimes appear to slip under the radar, for one reason or another. And while the excellent Jazz is pretty well known, tried and tested in the country, its muscular sibling, the Crosstar offers a significant alternative.

Both models received a makeover for 2023 with the 1.5 litre petrol e:HEV hybrid powertrain revised to generate extra power, an extra 10 kW, and efficiency.

A small SUV, it really defies that description, with Tardis like cargo space and practically in spades. It has a more rugged look than the Jazz with side skirts and rear bumper redesigned to complement its more rugged appearance,

Add to that a super-efficient full hybrid power unit showing economy of just shy of 60mpg, even more than the official figure, and you have quite a package.

 Include the bells and whistles which give this range topper  a genuine premium feel and at a shade over £28k, and given the cost of new cars and the kit on offer, it seems a reasonable price.

It looks pretty good as well, sitting higher off the ground than the standard Jazz, offering integrated roof rails, revised grille and smart 16-inch alloys.

In practical terms, an impressive 304 litre capacity can be extended to a huge 1,205 litres with the rear ‘Magic” seats down. That familiar seat configuration allows for fold-flat or flip-up flexibility to boost stowage space.

The design also retains the wide tailgate opening for optimum loading together with the stepless flat floor.

 It feels roomy all around with the fuel tank moved to benefit the front seats, which allows that extra boot space.

The interior is bright and roomy with a large, raked windscreen and plenty of headroom even for taller people. 

Seats are comfortable and Honda’s heated ‘anti-fatigue’ are designed to make long journeys less tiring. 

The centre point is a nine inch touchscreen, the brains of the car, controlling Apple and Android connectivity with sat nav and infotainment. In addition, WiFi hotspots and My Honda+ app keep occupants connected while driving.

A seven-inch TFT instrument cluster also feeds real-time information to the driver, while it is packed with creature comforts like multi-function steering wheel, climate control and important additions like rear view camera and parking sensors.

On the road the engine performs admirably, offering decent pace and the previously mentioned economy. The hybrid system works via a lithium-ion battery supplying direct power to the electric propulsion motor

  • Hybrid Drive: The engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn supplies the electric propulsion motor
  • Engine Drive: Petrol engine connects directly to the wheels via a lock-up clutch.

Switching between the modes is barely noticeable with the components working together for maximum efficiency.

Honda’s CVT transmission improves with each version of the car, despite that kind of transmission not being my favourite. 

Handling is pretty decent and the car feels stable, but the suspension does jar, picking up  the worst imperfections on our shocking roads.

It also features a new transmission tunnel edging and a revised black water-repellent seat fabric, while the boot also features a rubber

Packed with safety kit, it includes an upgraded Traffic Jam Assist function with steering support from 0 km/h, reducing the burden on the driver when navigating traffic,

Honda’s SENSING technologies include: Collision Mitigation Braking System,Adaptive Cruise Contro, Road Departure Mitigation system and EBlind Spot Information: and Intelligent Speed Limiter: together with a full complement of airbags, 

For those wishing to tow, a payload of 500kg is impressive, adding to what is already a practical motor. The Jazz never fails to impress and this version is no different.

FAST FACTS 

Jazz Crosstar Advance 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid

 Price: £28,010 

Mechanical: 1598cc, 107PS, petrol hybrid engine with single step CVT transmission 

Max Speed: 108mph 

0-62mph: 9.7 seconds 

Economy: 58.9 mpg (WLTP)
C02 emissions: 108g/km

Insurance: 19

Warranty: 3 years, 90,000 miles

Electric/hybrid, Family hatchback, Honda

Renaissance for Honda with stylish hatchback

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2022 Honda Civic e:HEV

Honda Civic e-HEV

By Bill McCarthy

Honda’s evergreen Civic last year underwent another renaissance with its all-new 11th-generation model. The hybrid offers an altogether sleeker, more sophisticated look, with a longer wheelbase to deliver a coupe-like silhouette

The bumper features a mesh pattern in the upper grille flanked by sleek light clusters, while tail lights have been integrated into the tailgate.

The interior too has seen modifications and is packed with standard equipment, from the entry-level onwards.

Honda describes it as a ‘human-centred interior’ which brings quality, tactility, exceptional space and comfort.

It is certainly comfortable and larger glass areas allow for a bright interior.

There are three specifications, Elegance, Sport and Advance which offer a clean, uncluttered design with a premium feel which includes soft touch finish combined with harder-wearing plastics.

The seats are comfortable with a combination of fabric and leather and neat features include two cup holders and a tray to accommodate a smartphone and a deep central storage box.

The centrepiece on this model is a 10.2 inch (nine-inch is standard) touchscreen display which controls navigation, climate, connectivity for smartphone and infotainment. It also runs Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

This range-topper also offers heated steering wheel, leather-style seats, panoramic glass roof and a 12-speaker Bose sound system, together with 18-inch two-tone diamond cut alloys.

While SUVs and crossovers are all the rage for their practicality, the Civic offers a decent amount of cargo space with 404 litres available, increasing to 1187 with the rear seats folded. While down on its predecessor, it is still pretty roomy and a wider tailgate allows for easier loading.

Powered by a lively ‘self-charging’ hybrid there is plenty of pace available and even the CVT gearbox is a more refined beast than of previous times. Much less raucous under hard acceleration.

It can hit 60mph in just 8.1 seconds and has plenty in reserve when on the motorway. However when pottering around, the electric motor can take on much of the work, reducing emissions and improving economy.

The two-litre petrol engine and electric motor produce 143PS combined, which offers pace and fuel economy of a claimed 56.5mpg.

With its firecracker sibling the Type R, you would expect excellent handling. But the hybrid is a surprisingly engaging drive, minimising roll, offering bags of grip and precise steering. It’s a car that likes to be driven especially on winding twisting lanes.

All Hondas are safe and this Civic has earned top ratings in Euro NCAP tests. It features Honda’s SENSING system which includes collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and traffic sign recognition. 

This ranger topper also includes blind spot information including cross traffic monitor.

It may not be the cheapest in its segment, starting at just over £30k, but it is packed with kit and is a stylish, practical and economical vehicle. It’s a pretty good drive as well.

Honda Civic e-HEV Advance Style

Price: £32,995

Mechanical: 143PS, 1,993cc, 4cyl petrol engine and electric motor driving front wheels via a CVT automatic gearbox

Max speed: 112mph

0-62mph: 8.1 seconds

Combined mpg: 56.3

Insurance group: 28

CO2 emissions: 114g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/90,000 miles