The small quarterlight ahead of the front side window, and a further side window behind the C-pillar, ensure excellent all-round visibility. Furthermore, there is a choice of 10 lively exterior colours offered to meet individual style preferences.


A sporty and distinctive interior

Honda Jazz has an emphatically sporty interior based around what Honda calls a 'dynamic layered style' concept. The bold, open-line motif mixes light and dark shades of chic grey with metallic accenting throughout the cabin. A metallic instrument panel and aluminium-coloured three instrument cluster add to the sporty ambience.

The audio system (or optional satellite navigation system/CD player) is seamlessly integrated into the centre panel. Beneath this are the heating controls, with the three large rotary switches designed to appear almost independent of the panel.

The floor-mounted centre console incorporates a deep storage pocket and two illuminated cup holders ahead of the gear lever. There is also an additional cup holder positioned behind the gear lever, as well as another storage pocket. Furthermore, a storage undertray beneath the fascia is provided on both the driver's and passenger's side.

The front doors open with three stage checks for added convenience up to a maximum of approximately 70 degrees for comfortable entry and exit.

Sources of noise and vibration have been tracked down and eliminated, using an efficient combination of vibration-damping material, soundproofing, and insulation to produce a supremely quiet and comfortable interior. In particular, the doors employ a dual seal which achieves a significant reduction in the amount of noise penetrating the cabin.


Centrally mounted fuel tank contributes to unique package

Externally Honda Jazz occupies the same kerb space as a supermini, (or B-segment car), but once inside new benchmark levels of packaging efficiency are immediately apparent. A key role is played by Honda's new Global Small Platform featuring an innovative, centrally located fuel tank, mounted just beneath the front cabin floor. This arrangement, together with the H-shaped torsion beam rear suspension allows for a much lower rear floor. At the same time this rational layout provides increased body rigidity, enhanced crash protection in all directions as well as improved protection of the fuel tank, since it has complete perimeter protection provided by the floor cross members and the floor frame.

In addition, Honda Jazz has a relatively short nose section, freeing up further cabin space. This is made possible by the compact nature of the engine, the simply constructed, yet high-performance front strut suspension, as well as the new front side frame construction. Together with its monoform design, with a windscreen base raked well forward, Jazz offers an unprecedented amount of cabin space for a vehicle in this class.

The tandem distance (measured from the hip point of the front seat passenger seated normally to that of the rear seat passenger, and a key indicator of in-car roominess) is 935 mm, a figure on a par with many larger C-segment contenders. Similarly, load volume with all seats in place, is a capacious 353 litres (VDA), also matching many C-segment vehicles. The load area is also highly practical, with a wide-opening tailgate, a cargo floor located at 462 mm and a loading lip at just 600 mm above ground level (unladen). Usefully, there is also sufficient space beneath the rear seats to accommodate small packages.

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