The premium hatchback segment in India is one that’s dwindling if we go by the number of options on sale today. Back in the day, this segment witnessed intense competition with hatchbacks from various prominent carmakers. Currently, the prominent players in this category include the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, and Toyota Glanza. Among these hatchbacks, the Hyundai i20 stands out as the quintessential premium hatchback, delivering a legitimate premium experience typically found in a segment above. With a rich history in India, the i20 still remains the most feature-packed hatchback available.
On the other end, there’s the Honda Jazz, which was once the go-to choice for those seeking a spacious hatchback. While the Jazz didn’t boast any exceptional features, it won hearts with its generous cabin space, understated styling, Honda’s exceptional reliability and after-sales support, and its overall likable nature The Jazz’ easy-to-drive nature and light controls further helped it find many buyers during its tenure. Although Honda discontinued the Jazz due to BS6 emissions regulations, it remains a great premium hatchback, and one that’s popular in the used car market.
In this article, we pitch these two premium hatchbacks on paper to see which one emerges on top in each parameter that matters to a buyer looking for a premium hatchback.
Hyundai i20 Vs Honda Jazz: Dimensions
Dimensions Hyundai i20 Honda Jazz Length 3995mm 3989mm
Width 1775mm 1694mm
Height 1505mm 1544mm
Wheelbase 2580mm 2530mm
Ground Clearance 170mm 165mm
Boot Space 311 litres 354 litres
Looking at the numbers, it is evident the Hyundai is the larger of the two hatchbacks. It boasts greater length, width, a longer wheelbase, and higher ground clearance. That said, the Jazz is not too far behind, closely trailing the i20 with strong numbers. Infact, the Honda has the biggest boot space that measures in at 354 litres as opposed to 311 litres of the Hyundai. Similarly, the Jazz also features an adequate 165mm of ground clearance in contrast to 170mm of the i20.
If boot space and interior space are the highest priorities, the Honda jazz is the clear choice here. However, for every other parameter, the i20 takes the lead.
Hyundai i20 Vs Honda Jazz: Engine & Transmission
Parameters Hyundai i20 Honda Jazz Engine Options 1.2-litre 4 cylinder petrol engine 1.2-litre 4 cylinder petrol engine
Transmission Options 5-speed MT, CVT 5-speed MT, CVT
Power 84PS 90PS
Torque 115 Nm 110 Nm
Mileage - -
The Hyundai i20 and the Jazz are hugely similar when it comes to powertrain options. Both these hatchbacks were offered with a diesel engine, but, at the moment, both these hatchbacks are only offered with a petrol engine (the Jazz was also available with a petrol engine before it was discontinued). This engine is a standard 1.2-litre 4-cylinder unit for both these cars. The engine in the Hyundai develops 84PS and 115 Nm mated to either a 5-speed manual or a CVT. The i20 is also available in a sporty version with a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine known as the i20 N-Line. Meanwhile, the 1.2-litre mill in the Jazz develops a healthy 90PS and 110 Nm mated to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a CVT, just like the i20.
So, in brief, both these hatchbacks are very similar and for a conclusive result, we highly suggest a test drive as the numbers more or less convey a similar story. Still, if you’d want us to pick a winner, it’d be the Hyundai i20 as it develops a tad more torque than the Jazz which will provide more useful on a daily use case than outright power output.
Hyundai i20 Vs Honda Jazz: Features & Comfort
Features Hyundai i20 Honda Jazz Infotainment system 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Music system Yes Yes
Climate control Yes Yes
Ventilated seats No No
Adjustable steering Yes Yes
Drive modes Yes No
Instrument cluster Digital Analogue
Sunroof Yes Yes
Adjustable seats (manual or electric) Manual Manual
Rear AC vents Yes No
60:40 rear seat split Yes Yes
Cruise control Yes Yes
A quick glance at the table above is enough to pick a winner as it is quite obvious. The Hyundai i20’s USP is its features list which is unmatched even today. So, when it comes to features comparison with the Honda Jazz, the i20 leads the way with a great margin that is substantial enough to be a deal-breaker. Some of the features highlights include, a bigger infotainment system, digital driver’s display, rear AC vents, connected car features, a premium Bose sound system, etc.
The i20 is the clear pick here and although the Jazz is well-loaded for a premium hatchback, it does not stand a chance against the huge features list of the Hyundai.
Hyundai i20 Vs Honda Jazz: Safety Features
Features Hyundai i20 Honda Jazz GNCAP Safety Rating 3 stars 4 stars
Airbags 6 airbags 2 airbags
ABS with EBD Yes Yes
ESC Yes Yes
Traction control No No
Automatic headlamp Yes No
Rain-sensing wipers No No
Hill hold assist Yes No
Hill descent control No No
Rear sensors ˇYes Yes
Rear parking camera Yes Yes
ISOFIX Child seat anchor points Yes Yes
ADAS No No
If we go by just the safety features on board, the Hyundai i20 is the leader here as it packs some clever safety tech like auto headlamps, hill hold assist, and drive modes. However, since we hold the GNCAP safety ratings to the highest standard, the Jazz is our pick when it comes to safety. Why? Where the Hyundai i20 scored an average 3-stars, the Jazz trumps it by scoring a great 4-stars, making it one of the safest hatchbacks in India without a doubt.
Hyundai i20 Vs Honda Jazz: Price Comparison
Variants Hyundai i20 Honda Jazz (used prices from New Delhi) Base Variants Rs 6.99 lakh Rs 3.91 lakh Mid Variants Rs 7.40 lakh to Rs 9.44 lakh
Upper Mid Variants Rs 9.53 to Rs 11.05 lakh
Top Variants Rs 11.16 lakh Rs 9.00 lakh
The Hyundai i20 is one of the most expensive hatchbacks in its segment with prices ranging between Rs 6.99 lakh for the base version and Rs 11.16 lakh for the range-topping variant. Considering the amount of features and kit on board, the price is justified to a point and we cannot tag it overpriced. The mid and upper mid variants are priced well and it is just the range-topping variant which is priced close to Rs 15 lakhs (on-road).
The Honda Jazz is now a discontinued model and so, we don’t have any new prices for the same. But, as the Jazz was around for a long time and as it is a popular hatchback in India, there are plenty of examples in the used market. There are examples priced from just Rs 3.91 lakh for a range-topping 2017 model going all the way till Rs 9.00 lakh for a 2021 model.
Summary
Breaking down this comparison, we can see that the Hyundai i20 leads the way in terms of dimensions and features. On the other hand, the Jazz is our pick when it comes to safety and price to an extent (since it is a used car). Both these hatchbacks are closely matched when it comes to powertrain options as both of these are powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine with similar output figures.
If you want a brand new premium hatchback that does the job and rewards you with a true premium experience, the Hyundai i20 is the perfect hatchback for the job. It is also the hatchback for customers who prefer a feature and tech loaded hatchback. But, with prices hovering around Rs 11.00 lakh for a top-spec variant, it is anything but affordable.
If the budget is a constraint for you, a used Honda Jazz makes so much sense. After all, it is still a worthy premium hatchback with all the essentials covered. It is huge in size, and makes up for its lack of premium features by being one of the safest hatchbacks in India. It is easy to drive and it is backed by a great brand and its reliability. At the end of the day, if your budget is only around Rs. 6 lakh, a pre-owned Jazz might just be the car you need.
