Honda Jazz 2020 review
Overview
The fourth-generation Honda Jazz, on sale in the UK from spring 2020, ditched the old petrol engines entirely — every car in the range is a full hybrid wearing Honda's e:HEV badge. Under the bonnet, a 1.5-litre petrol engine works with two electric motors and a single-speed e-CVT to deliver 109PS, 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds and claimed economy of 62.8mpg with CO2 from 102g/km. It is a proper hybrid, not a mild one, so it can genuinely glide around town on electric power alone.
Yes, the Jazz still has that pensioners' favourite reputation — and you know what? That is precisely why it makes such a sensible used buy. Grandparents bought them new, serviced them by the book and rarely stressed them, so clean examples with full Honda service history are commonplace. But don't write it off as dull: the GR Jazz is far more comfortable, quieter and better connected than the old car, with adaptive cruise, lane-keeping and wireless Apple CarPlay from mid-spec upwards. It was even voted Carbuyer's Best Used Hybrid Car for 2023.
The star of the show is the cabin. Honda's Magic Seats flip the rear seat bases up cinema-style to swallow tall plants or a flat-pack, then fold flat for a 1,205-litre load bay — no rival supermini touches that versatility. The 304-litre boot is actually the weak spot on paper, so bring your suitcases on the test drive if family duties matter.
When buying used, prioritise condition over trim, check the service book (services are due every 12 months or 12,500 miles), and remember the original Honda warranty was 3 years / 90,000 miles — a 2020 car bought in 2026 will almost certainly be out of manufacturer cover, so look at Honda Approved Used stock or budget for an extended warranty. Early e:HEV cars are mechanically simple — no cambelt, no conventional clutch — which is why they top reliability surveys, but do insist on the battery fan filter being cleaned and the 12-volt battery's age being confirmed.
UK price from: £18,980
Specifications
| Engine | 1.5L hybrid petrol (e:HEV i-MMD) |
| Power | 109 PS |
| Torque | 253 Nm |
| 0-62 mph | 9.4 seconds |
| Top speed | 108 mph |
| Transmission | e-CVT single-speed |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy | 62.8 mpg combined (WLTP) |
| CO2 emissions | 102 g/km |
| Boot space | 304 litres (1,205 litres seats folded) |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars (2020) |
| Insurance group | 18-22 |
| Warranty | 3 years / 90,000 miles |
Features
- e:HEV full-hybrid powertrain as standard — every UK Jazz from 2020 is a hybrid, no petrol-only option
- Magic Seats: flip-up rear seat bases for tall loads plus fold-flat backs for a 1,205-litre maximum
- Honda SENSING driver-assist suite standard — adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and traffic sign recognition from the base SE
- 9-inch Honda Connect touchscreen with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay on SR trim and above
- Centre-mounted front airbag and driver knee airbag — part of a package that earned 5 Euro NCAP stars
- My Honda+ connected app with Wi-Fi hotspot capability and remote journey-to-car navigation
- 'B' brake-energy mode for stronger regenerative braking around town — gentle on brake pads and discs
- Crosstar EX variant: raised ride height, roof rails, water-resistant seat fabrics and two-tone paint for a crossover look
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £38.99 | Pattern part; OEM specification |
| Oil filter | £11.99 | |
| Cabin pollen filter | £12.99 | |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £19.99 | |
| 12V auxiliary battery | £74.99 | |
| Engine air filter | £14.99 |
Pros
- Outstanding real-world economy — 62.8mpg WLTP claimed; owners report high-50s on motorways and the hybrid system shines brightest in stop-start town driving
- Honda reliability, hybrid simplicity — no cambelt to replace, no clutch, regenerative braking extends pad life; Jazz models consistently top owner-satisfaction surveys
- Class-leading interior versatility — the Magic Seats system genuinely has no equal among superminis
- Strong safety record — 5 Euro NCAP stars (2020) and Honda SENSING standard, rare kit for a used small car under £20,000
- Cheap to run day-to-day — insurance groups 18–22, servicing from £180 under Honda's 12/12+ scheme after year three, and hybrids skip ULEZ/CAZ charges
Cons
- Boot is modest for the class — 304 litres is below average for a supermini, so families with pushchairs should compare against rivals
- Engine drone at motorway pace — the e-CVT holds the 1.5 at high revs when accelerating hard; refined in town, less serene on the M1
- Out of manufacturer warranty now — a 2020 car bought in 2026 will have exhausted Honda's 3-year cover, so factor in warranty or maintenance cover on higher-mileage examples
- Pricier than petrol rivals, used and new — the hybrid tech commands a premium (used examples still fetch £13k–£19k for a 2020 car), and Crosstar running costs are marginally worse
