HONDA

This is the all-new (international) Honda Jazz in LHD

For the longest time, Honda has been referring to its all-new hatchback as the Fit. Now while we all know it here as the Jazz, the automaker hasn’t exactly called the fourth-generation model by its other name…until now.
After making its global debut at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show last October, Honda has officially revealed the international version of the 2020 Jazz. This version may be for the European market, but the B-segment hatchback looks no different than what was revealed over in Japan a few months ago. But since this is now left-hand drive, we are now able to get a closer look at what we might get in the not so distant future.



Featuring a more seamless and contemporary design, the all-new Jazz has smooth contours, a more eye-catching front fascia, and a friendlier-looking exterior overall. It is not as sporty as the third-generation hatchback (which some have complained), but Honda said that they had to redesign it in order to meet the needs of every day life.
“I wanted to create a car which was a “kind companion” for the owner, while maximising its usability. I did this by minimising unnecessary features and simplifying exterior lines to deliver a car which features a friendly, fresh appearance, complete with a comfortable and practical interior,” said Baek Jongkuk, designer of the all-new Honda Jazz.



Following the Japanese notion of ‘Yoo no bi’, their latest design philosophy centers on making a simple and functional exterior that is also fresh and practical. Starting with its face, the 2020 Jazz gets a distinct pair of headlights and LED daytime running lights that are reminiscent of the first generation Jazz. It also gets a new C-pillar design and new LED rear combination taillights that can be easily seen day or night. Finally, it has new alloy wheels that were specifically designed to be thin and aerodynamic as possible for the hybrid version.
As for the Jazz Crosstar variant, Honda claims that it offers a more ‘SUV-style proposition’ and is oriented towards those with active lifestyles. It gets a bolder front grill design, black body cladding, stylish side sills and roof rails, and a unique set of alloy wheels.



For added pizzazz, the Crosstar can also be specified with a two-tone paint job that makes it more appealing than a standard Jazz. Other than that, the Crosstar gets the same level of equipment and features as the standard Jazz.
Inside, we see that the European version of the Jazz gets the same cabin design as the one launched in Japan. Following the ‘Yoo no bi’ philosophy from the outside , the designers wanted to make a clean and minimalist interior that is also practical and functional. From the new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, two-spoke multifunction steering wheel, 7-inch TFT instrument display, and new climate control panel, Honda has made the all-new hatchback have a sleeker, and more intuitive interior.



Honda also mentioned that they made the wide center console armrest be at the same height with the door armrest. For Honda, not only does it make for a more relaxed driving position, but it also reflects the Jazz's more upscale level of comfort akin to larger, premium cars. For improved visibility, Honda made ultra-thin A-pillars which also allow more outside light to enter into the cabin. There’s also a front quarter glass placed on the front side windows which enhances outside visibility.


Magic seats fold-flat or flip upright 

Customers that are fans of the previous generation’s magic seats will be glad to know that they are in the all-new hatchback. Also called ‘ULT seats’, this ingeniously-designed rear seats allows users to fold-flat or flip upright the seats for a more versatile cargo carrying capacity. Complementing the configurable rear seats are the wider tailgate opening and stepless flat floor which makes loading and unloading cargo easier.
Honda did not go much into detail regarding the Jazz’s powertrain. However, they did say that the Euro-spec hatchback will only be available in hybrid form. Both the standard model and the Crosstar variants will be powered by what Honda calls a two-motor hybrid system. Our best guess is that it is an improved version of the hybrid powertrain that powered the previous generation hybrid variant.
The Honda Jazz will officially go on sale starting in summer of 2020 in Europe. 



We do not know yet as to when we will get the all-new Honda Jazz. However, should Thailand get theirs some time this year, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. might follow suit. Fingers crossed that the 2020 Jazz will look similar as to the one offered in Japan and Europe.

by Marcus De Guzman