• Water resistant upholstery
• Powerful stereo as standard
• Grey tweed on the dash

How is the quality and layout?

We’ve already gone into great detail about the interior in our main Jazz hatchback review so, rather than repeat ourselves here, we’ll focus on the things that are different for the Crosstar. For a start, there’s the addition of water resistant upholstery – a smart inclusion that will make the lives of the Crosstar’s drivers and their active lifestyles even easier.

Originally the Crosstar got grey tweed on the dashboard, lifting the cabin’s style as well as its quality (which was already improved compared with previous generations of Honda Jazz). Current models have a less tactile vegan leather finish. The view out the front remains excellent, as in the hatch.

Infotainment and tech

Crosstar buyers get a much more powerful stereo as standard, with eight speakers including aluminium tweeters and Honda-specific Kevlar cones. A subwoofer in the boot adds rich bass without intruding too much on luggage space, while other speakers are stealthily hidden in the interior door handles. It’s capable of impressive volume and clarity.

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Ahead of the driver is a 7.0-inch digital instrument screen, which is complemented by a larger 9.0-inch infotainment system with slick menus and graphics. Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay are available if you prefer these.

Comfort

• Taller car, so easier to access
• Seat design promotes comfort
• Impressively quiet inside

Being a bit taller than the hatchback, the Jazz Crosstar has a higher ‘hip point’, making it easier to get in and out of for people with reduced mobility.

It’s quietest around town in electric-drive-emphasising EV mode, with barely a whisper coming from the engine bay. Enhanced noise reduction material takes away wind and engine sounds when on the move.

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The frame design of the seats means more support and deeper cushioning.