- A used Honda Jazz Hybrid is priced from RM 60k
- 137 PS and 170 Nm from its petrol-electric powertrain
- Better pick over the City Hybrid?
The Honda Jazz Sport Hybrid i-DCD made its Malaysian debut alongside the City Hybrid and HR-V Hybrid, as part of Honda Malaysia’s three-pronged hybrid push a couple of years ago.
Unlike the previous generation Jazz Hybrid and its Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) powertrain, the newer Sport Hybrid i-DCD is completely overhauled.
Out goes the CVT transmission, as it got replaced by a sportier (hence the Sport Hybrid moniker) 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
With the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in place, the Jazz Hybrid definitely gets our vote for driving experience, far ahead of the previous generation model and even the non-hybrid Jazz 1.5 (GK5).
Similar to the GM7 City Hybrid, the GP5 Jazz Hybrid also gets some revised bits compared to its non-hybrid sibling. In the case of the hatchback, it gets stiffer front and rear coil springs and a new performance rod that’s placed between the rear axle.
Variants of the Jazz Hybrid
At launch, Honda Malaysia only offered one variant of the Jazz Hybrid, with equipment list largely mirroring the mid-spec Honda Jazz 1.5E.
Standard equipment of the Jazz Hybrid includes halogen headlights, 15-inch alloy wheels, urethane steering wheel with audio controls, front and side airbags, as well as stability control.
Unlike the top-spec Jazz 1.5V, the petrol-electric variant does not get the sleek dual-tone 16-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and curtain airbags.
Urethane steering and no paddle shifters
Furthermore, the Jazz Hybrid also misses out on the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters – a feature found on its fellow hybrid sedan sibling.
In terms of pricing, the Honda Jazz Hybrid was priced at RM 87,500 upon its debut in Malaysia, a tad bit cheaper than the City Hybrid.
Reasons to buy a Jazz Hybrid
Let’s face it, the main reason why you should pick the Jazz Hybrid over the regular petrol variants is not because of its equipment count (only 4 airbags, not 6 like the top-spec 1.5V variant), but rather its superior performance and handling prowess.
In place of a regular petrol engine + CVT combo found in the non-hybrid variants, the Jazz Hybrid offers a petrol-electric powertrain hooked up to a 7-sped dual-clutch automatic.
The difference in terms of driving experience between the two are worlds apart.
Boot space is 49 litres less than before, but still retains the ingenious Ultra Seats
Whereas in the regular petrol Jazz, acceleration is gradual and gentle, the petrol-electric Jazz Hybrid cranks things up a notch or two.
From the get-go, the Jazz Hybrid is civilized and matured, thanks to its electric motor that provides an almost EV-like driving experience at lower speeds.
And when you give it the beans, the Jazz Hybrid responds instantaneously, with the electric motor aiding the petrol engine to deliver a combined system output of 137 PS and 170 Nm. The quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission also lives up to its Sport Hybrid moniker, though the availability of paddle shifters would have sweetened the deal.
Due to the extra weight introduced by the hybrid battery pack, Honda has given the Jazz Hybrid firmer front and rear coil springs, as well as a new performance rod between the rear axle.
But that’s not all – the steering rack on the Jazz Hybrid is also quicker than regular petrol variant, translating into a far nimbler hatchback, one that belies its plebian looks.
Having a heater is a blessing when you're drenched and soaked from rain
And interestingly enough, hybrid versions of the Jazz and City offer a heater – something not offered on the regular petrol models.
The sophisticated powertrain and upgraded handling are the main reasons why Honda decided to call the models Sport Hybrid and boy do they live up to their name.
As for fuel consumption figures, owners have reported getting fuel consumption figures that range between 5-litre/100 km (20 km/L) to 3.3-litre/100 km (30 km/L), depending on driving style and conditions.
Used market prices of the Jazz Hybrid
Prices of a used Honda Jazz Hybrid starts from the RM 60k mark for a 2017 model year, rising to about RM 65k for a newer 2018 one.
As for 2019 model year ones, they are priced around the RM 67k mark for one.
Common problems
Hybrid stigma is unfounded, at least not for Japanese ones, the Honda Jazz Hybrid is a relatively trouble-free car. Plus, seeing that it is mechanically similar to the City Hybrid, there aren’t any major issues to report of.
Photo via Honda i-DCD Hybrid Fit/Jazz/City/Grace/Vezel/HRV Fans Club
Perhaps the most common error message that owners have been reporting about are cryptic messages like “Check Transmission, Reverse Gear Not Available”, or “Check System, Stop Driving When Safe”, this issue often boils down to a 12V battery that has run flat and needs replacement.
Photo via: Zetty Zuharizam on Honda i-DCD Hybrid Fit/Jazz/City/Grace/Vezel/HRV Fans Club
What about inverter issues you ask?
Well, i-DCD Honda hybrids have no such problems, because it doesn't have an inverter in the first place – well actually there is, but it's integrated into the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU), and is not a part that you can replace separately.
Tto our knowledge, failures of the inverter are extremely rare. There are outlier cases in which the inverter failed, but no owners had to repair theirs outside of the warranty period.
As for battery replacement cost, Honda Malaysia stated that it costs roughly RM 5,500 to replace the Lithium-ion battery pack.
For those seeking for a trouble-free experience, it’s highly recommended to choose for a slightly newer Jazz Hybrid, one that ideally still has its factory warrant intact.
The Jazz Hybrid, similar to other Honda models sold by Honda Malaysia, is covered by a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty. On top of that, it is also covered by an 8-year unlimited mileage for the hybrid battery.
Conclusion
Whereas the Jazz Hybrid loses out on some equipment compared to the City Hybrid, the former claws back with its Ultra Seats – a feature not offered on the City.
While sacrifices to the equipment list is expected for the Jazz Hybrid, there’s no faulting the little hatchback when it comes to driving dynamics, and in some cases even surpassing the newer City Hatchback RS.
Although the newer City Hatchback RS gets all the bells and whistles, including the Honda Sensing ADAS suite, we reckon that for those seeking for a more affordable hybrid should take a closer look at a used Jazz Hybrid instead.
Keyword: 5-year old used Honda Jazz Hybrid GP5 from RM 60k – Unassuming looks that belies its electrifying performance