Honda has joined the e-revolution in this country with the May 1st launch of the new Jazz, which is now available in three models, the Jazz Life, the Jazz Crosstar and the Jazz e:HEV Luxe.

Of these, the e:HEV is probably the most alluring, given it represents Honda’s first vehicle to feature electrification by way of two electric motors working with the recognised 1.5-litre, i-VTEC petrol engine, a lithium ion battery and a fixed gear transmission system.

All of these allow for a seamless transition between three drive modes:

• EV Drive where the lithium-ion battery powers the electric propulsion motor directly.

• Hybrid Drive which is when the petrol engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn supplies it to the electric propulsion motor.

• Engine Drive which is when the petrol engine is connected directly to the wheels via a lock-up clutch and drive-force is transmitted directly from the petrol engine to the wheels.

Essential information? The Jazz e:HEV Luxe delivers fuel efficiency of 2.8 litres per 100km from a powerplant total output of 80kW and 253Nm.

The electric motors are Honda-developed and accordingly, are lightweight, compact and extremely efficient, spinning up to 13,300 rpm (the sort of revs high performance motorcycle engines deliver) to give a maximum speed well above the legal limit.

This sounds odd, because at highway speeds, the e:HEV Jazz uses its petrol engine, with the electric motor just providing a peak power boost for quick acceleration.

Jazz’s electric motors are used for inner city work, which is where they make the most of their energy efficiency. The intelligent power control unit switches between EV Drive and Hybrid Drive, whichever is the most appropriate.   

Both modes can charge the battery, again, optimising the car for the inner city, which has always been the natural hunting preserve of the Jazz. An electric hybrid model from Honda then, is just what the customer ordered – or it will be soon.

In saying this, one shouldn’t discount the remaining two models. Sure the e:HEV is the sexiest in terms of trend, but the Jazz has always been all about the driving experience, packaging, the practicality and the technology.

Jazz’s entry model – the Life – has seen a significant upgrade over the previous generation, most notably with an LED light upgrade front and rear, the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with an eight-inch infotainment screen, a sports trim interior, auto climate control, smart entry, push button start, privacy glass and walk away auto locking all wrapped up in a more defined and purposeful body design riding on 16-inch alloys.

And as cool as the Jazz Life now looks, the Crosstar is Honda coming a little late to the party, but arriving nonetheless, and with style designed to appeal to new Jazz buyers who might not have considered the brand, until now.

The Crosstar adopts exclusive underpinnings in its suspension and steering tuning and shows them off for all the world to see with its raised ride height. This does not leave it unprotected however: new front and rear bumper protection along with body protectors are part of the Crosstar DNA, as are built-in body rails, a unique-to-Crosstar grille and on the inside, water-repellent fabrics to reinforce the adventurous nature of the Crosstar.

Common to all models is an interior upgrade which Honda claims is class leading for the micro segment, and it’s important to note the exemplary ‘Magic Seat’ set-up which has always underpinned the Jazz, is still in place.

In addition, Jazz has been able to adopt increased safety credentials, by taking on – improved – Honda Sensing for the first time in its top spec e:HEV Luxe model.

This includes an upgraded rear vision camera and enhanced collision mitigation/adaptive cruise control/lane keep assist systems.

Pricing starts at $28,000 for the Jazz Life, $30,000 for the Jazz Crosstar and $35,000 for the Jazz e:HEV Luxe model.