Honda Jazz EX Style 2022: 65.8MPG Tested, 5-Star Safety

The 2022 Honda Jazz EX Style stands out in the crowded supermini segment with its clever hybrid technology and remarkably versatile interior. This top-tier model combines everyday practicality with refined efficiency, making it a compelling choice for urban drivers and families alike. Our extensive road test reveals its strengths in fuel savings and passenger comfort, balanced against its positioning in the range.

Design and Exterior Appeal

Honda has refreshed the Jazz’s appearance for 2022, adopting bolder lines and a more dynamic stance to attract younger buyers. The EX Style trim elevates this with unique black accents on side mouldings, door mirrors, and a rear spoiler, paired with a contrasting roof color that adds visual flair. Riding on 16-inch alloys, it maintains a compact footprint ideal for city parking while hinting at its capable nature.

The bodywork feels modern and robust, shrugging off minor dings from daily use. Available in eye-catching shades like Midnight Blue Beam, it projects a fresh image far removed from older perceptions of the Jazz as a retiree’s runabout. This evolution helps it compete visually with rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa.

Interior Innovation and Space Mastery

Step inside, and the Jazz EX Style impresses with an airy, high-quality cabin that belies its external dimensions. Materials are durable yet tactile, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas creating a premium ambiance without excess luxury. The layout prioritizes ergonomics: controls are intuitively placed, and the steering wheel—complete with heating—offers multifunction access to infotainment.

What truly sets it apart is the space utilization. Generous headroom and legroom accommodate four adults comfortably, even taller ones in the rear. Honda’s Magic Seats system allows rear benches to flip up or fold flat, transforming the load area for bulky items like bikes or plants. This flexibility, combined with numerous storage cubbies, makes it a cargo champion in the supermini class.

• Seating for four with ample room for taller passengers
• Magic Seats for versatile configurations
• Heated front seats and steering wheel for year-round comfort
• Multiple storage compartments throughout

Powertrain Performance: Hybrid Excellence

At the heart lies Honda’s 1.5-liter i-MMD hybrid system, blending a petrol engine with electric motors for seamless propulsion. Total output reaches around 96-107bhp and 253Nm of torque, delivered via a slick e-CVT transmission. Acceleration to 62mph takes 9.4 seconds, sufficient for overtakes and merges without drama.

The hybrid shines in efficiency, with official figures of 62.8mpg and real-world tests yielding 65.8mpg over mixed routes. Electric mode handles low-speed cruising quietly, minimizing the typical CVT ‘rubber-band’ feel through refined tuning. Top speed is a modest 109mph, but refinement on motorways keeps wind and road noise low, aided by excellent visibility from slim pillars.

Driving Dynamics and Comfort

On the road, the Jazz EX Style prioritizes composure over sportiness. The suspension on 16-inch wheels delivers above-average ride comfort, absorbing bumps effectively for its size. Handling is predictable: well-weighted steering provides feedback, and grip levels suit enthusiastic cornering without excess body roll.

City maneuvers are effortless, with light steering and a tight turning circle. Highway stability impresses, maintaining serenity at speed. Refinement is a highlight—quiet operation and minimal vibrations enhance long-journey appeal. While not the sharpest in class, it excels as a relaxed all-rounder.

Technology and Safety Features

The EX Style packs generous kit. A touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB radio, and navigation, controlled via steering wheel buttons. Dual-zone climate, wireless charging, and a rear parking camera add convenience.

Safety is comprehensive, earning five Euro NCAP stars. Standard aids include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and multiple airbags with ISOFIX points. Some systems, like lane departure warning, can be overly sensitive but are easily disabled.

• Adaptive cruise with low-speed follow
• Blind-spot recognition and rear cross-traffic alert
• Wireless smartphone mirroring
• Heated elements for seats and wheel

Pricing and Value Assessment

Priced at £26,410, the EX Style commands a £2,395 premium over the standard EX. This buys cosmetic tweaks and minor extras, but core strengths like space and hybrid efficiency are shared down the range. Rivals offer similar tech at lower costs, prompting questions on whether top-trim justifies the outlay.

Running costs remain low: strong mpg offsets the upfront hit, especially amid rising fuel prices. Warranty and reliability bolster ownership appeal.

Real-World Ownership Insights

Long-term tests confirm durability, with airiness and quality holding up well. It’s versatile for commuters, families, or secondary cars, blending low costs with practicality. Minor niggles, like infotainment glitches, are rare.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Who Should Buy the Jazz EX Style?

Ideal for efficiency-focused families or urbanites valuing space over speed. If budget stretches, it rewards with low running costs and clever design. For pure value, consider lower trims or alternatives like the Toyota Yaris Hybrid.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the 2022 Honda Jazz EX Style a full hybrid?

Yes, its i-MMD system runs on electric power at low speeds, seamlessly switching to petrol for efficiency.

How does the fuel economy compare to rivals?

It achieves up to 65.8mpg in tests, competitive with the Toyota Yaris but superior to non-hybrids like Fiesta.

What’s the boot space like?

Standard 304 liters expands dramatically via Magic Seats, outpacing most superminis.

Does it have Apple CarPlay?

Yes, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on EX Style.

Is it safe for families?

Five-star Euro NCAP rating with full ADAS suite makes it highly suitable.