Honda Jazz Hatchback 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid SR eCVT auto 5d Owner Review

This is my fifth Honda Jazz in a row, but my first ever brand new car, and my first hybrid/automatic. I went for the mid-range model but had the reversing camera fitted as an optional extra, as my previous 2016 Jazz had one and I would definitely miss it! I couldn't justify the price jump to the top spec model as I don't need the other extras (though I do miss the keyless entry). I didn't think I would like having an automatic, but it's been brilliant to drive. Much as I have loved all my previous Jazzes, they're not exactly powerful or nippy cars, especially if trying to accelerate uphill. The automatic gearbox and the hybrid engine though seem to be perfectly matched to give an almost instant response, so pulling out at junctions and accelerating up slip roads is now much more positive an experience. There seems to be as much room in the back as previous models, and there's been an improvement to the positions of the seat belts and buckles so that they don't catch when the magic seats are folded and raised, though the middle seat seems even narrower than before, so I can't imagine fitting three adults in the back. The boot is also slightly smaller because of the batteries, and has an odd ledge along the back which can make fitting all the shopping bags in a little tricky, but it's still a decent size. I think I'd rather have had a flat floor to the boot and slightly more storage under it though, than the two-level effect with the small ledge. There are a few small things that aren't included in the mid-range model that I was surprised by, such as only the driver's window having the "auto" feature, so to open or close the front passenger window I have to hold the button down the whole time, and the keyless entry which I've already mentioned I do miss. With keyless ignition it is slightly annoying to have to dig the keys out to lock the car when I didn't need them in my hand to drive it. Features this model doesn't have that I don't think the higher spec model has either that I'd like to have had include a height-adjustable front passenger seat as my mum finds it difficult to get in and out of, and automatically-folding wing mirrors when the car is locked. Their availability on other cars isn't enough to tempt me away from the Jazz though!