We put cars through the WapCar Ratings to evaluate their driving performance, ride comfort, build quality, features, interior space, practicality, and fuel consumption. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the 2018 Honda Jazz 1.5L V.

Driving Performance - 31/50 pts, smooth transmission

Straight-line performance is decent and is actually quicker from 0 to 100 km/h than the Toyota Yaris. Its CVT feels a little more direct than in the Yaris but there’s not much in it.

Turn-in is sharp, though you would be to have faith in the Jazz to corner briskly. It doesn’t inspire confidence at first, but once you trust it, it can be quite capable.

Ride Comfort - 33/50 pts, noisy cabin

The suspension is pliant enough albeit not to the extent of the suppleness in the Toyota Yaris. Sharp edges do send a jolt to the cabin, but it’s comfortable in most situations.

Noise level however, is rather disappointing. At 110 km/h, the sound level meter recorded an average of 71 dB. Even at lower speeds, tyre noise is always present.

The front seats are adequately supportive in terms of side bolsters. Steering wheel has tilt and telescopic adjustments, which helps accommodate drivers of all sizes in finding a comfortable driving position. The rear seats however, can get a little uncomfortable during long journeys.

Quality and Features, 28/50 pts, poor infotainment system

Panel gaps deviated by no more than 1 mm from each side, with no outliers. This would indicate about average build quality. Paint thickness averaged in the 110s of µm without outliers as well.

Interior build is par for the money, and so is the selection of materials. One major complaint about the interior would be the subpar infotainment system. Image quality and user interface are poor, and the response is slow.

Space and Practicality - 40/50 pts, class-leading practicality

This is where the Honda Jazz reigns supreme. The Ultra Seat offers the option of Tall Mode, which flipped the rear seats up, to transport tall items like plants or bookshelves. Door bins are rather small but compensated by the relatively large centre console storage.

Fuel Consumption - 15/20 pts, respectable figure

After a mixed journey of 94 km broken down to 60% highway, 40% city driving, the amount of fuel required to brimmed the tank is 6.3 litres. This works out to a calculated figure of 6.7-litre/100 km, which is slightly lower than the Toyota Yaris.

Purchase and Cost - 23/30 pts, relatively low maintenance cost

At RM 84,955 (0% SST), the 2018 Honda Jazz 1.5L V is a slightly more expensive than the equivalent 2019 Toyota Yaris 1.5G. But servicing cost is a tad cheaper over the course of 5 years or 100,000 km, at RM 3,167.

In summary, the 2018 Honda Jazz is the most spacious and practical hatchback in its class, with relatively low fuel consumption and maintenance cost. However, ride comfort and refinement trail behind the Toyota Yaris. Overall, the Honda Jazz pulls ahead from its superior space and practicality.