The new Honda Jazz was publicly unveiled at the last Tokyo Motor Show, with the Japanese brand now providing more information on the fourth generation of the compact and versatile model.
The main novelty, in addition to the style that is profoundly different from its predecessor, but without losing its monocab profile, is the fact that the new Honda Jazz will be available only with a hybrid engine (not plug-in), meeting the brand's commitment to electrifying its entire range by 2022.
There may only be one engine available, but there are two Jazz engines to choose from: the regular version and the Crosstar version. The Jazz Crosstar is inspired by the SUV world, differentiating itself with ingredients such as increased ground height and plastic protections. The grill is also specific, has bars on the roof and the interior also reveals waterproof upholstery.
Magic banks? yes there is
The magic seats are one of the most striking features of the Honda Jazz since the first generation was known in 2001. The fourth generation of the Japanese SUV doesn't do without them.
The magical seats — where we can lift the seat from the rear seat independently of the back — ensure the Jazz has added versatility, made possible only by the positioning of the fuel tank in the center of the chassis, under the front seats.
Subscribe to our newsletter
The trunk has 298 l , 56 l lower than the Jazz still on sale. The lower capacity is justified, we assume, by the location of the hybrid system's batteries under the trunk floor, as there doesn't seem to be any major differences in dimensions between the new generation and the predecessor (final dimensions have not yet been released) . With the seats folded down, the luggage compartment capacity reaches 1203 l.
The magic benches, one of the hallmarks of Jazz, remain in the new generation.
Hybrid that wants to be electric
The hybrid system on the new Honda Jazz is identical, in operation, to the i-MMD on the larger CR-V. And like this one, although the e:HEV designation identifies a hybrid vehicle, the way it works is more akin to an all-electric vehicle than a hybrid like the Toyota Prius.
It is the electric motor (capable of rotating at 13,300 rpm) that assumes, in most situations, the function of the main engine to put the Honda Jazz in gear, and the “battery” where it gets the necessary energy is the combustion engine 1.5 DOHC i-VTEC.
The system consists of two electric motors (one of which takes on generator functions), a 1.5 l DOHC i-VTEC gasoline engine and a lithium-ion battery. The transmission is fixed gear, meaning there is no gearbox (as in most trams). Everything is managed by an intelligent power control unit.
In total, the new Honda Jazz debits 109 hp and 253 Nm , sufficient for livelier performances than the norm, as we can see by the 9.4s in the classics 0 to 100 km/h (the maximum speed is 175 km/h).
This solution promises consumption, and CO2 emissions, contained: 4.5 l/100 km and 102 g/km (WLTP). If we opt for the Crosstar version, the values rise to 4.8 l/100 km and 110 g/km. And taking the CR-V, a family-sized SUV, as an example, it will be able to hit the official numbers with ease.
As with the CR-V, the new Jazz e:HEV also comes equipped with several driving modes:
- Electric Mode (EV Drive): Li-ion battery supplies power directly to the electric propulsion motor
- Hybrid Mode (Hybrid Drive): the combustion engine supplies power to the electric motor-generator, which in turn supplies power to the electric propulsion engine.
- Conventional mode (Motor Drive): the gasoline engine is connected directly to the wheels through a locking clutch (lock-up).
The change between modes is automatic and imperceptible for those who drive, and in most situations, you will be “jumping” between EV Drive and Hybrid Drive modes. Motor Drive mode is activated on highways (highways, for example) where, according to Honda, the combustion engine is more efficient.
In Hybrid Mode, excess power from the combustion engine is used to charge the batteries and, as you would expect, energy is also recovered when decelerating or braking.
More connected…
The new Honda Jazz offers a wireless connectivity system. There is a central touchscreen, with Honda claiming that operation of the most regularly used controls is now 58% faster compared to its predecessor, minimizing “distracting factors”.
Connected services (weather, parking, music, navigation, location and telephone services) are also accessed via the touchscreen of the infotainment system and can even be activated by voice. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also available wirelessly, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
More and more common in today's cars is the presence of a “personal assistant”. The Honda Personal Assistant was debuted on the Honda e electric, and will also be available on the new Jazz. Just say “Ok Honda” to “wake up” the assistant, followed by an instruction or question, and it even allows real-time search, such as finding services available at specific times.
… is safer
The new Honda Jazz comes equipped with a set of technologies for active safety Honda Sensing, which includes equipment such as autonomous emergency braking capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists, also working in night driving; adaptive cruise control (a debut in Jazz); and lane maintenance assistant — all available as standard.
It can also be equipped with an intelligent speed limiter — it recognizes the limit and adheres to it automatically, progressively reducing the speed if we go above it —; therefore, it also brings recognition of traffic signals; and even has automatic maximums.
The premiere is also a new front central airbag — the number of airbags inside the Honda Jazz is now 10 — integrated in the center of the driver's seat backrest. In the event of a collision, it expands to the side helping to protect the occupants' heads.
When arrives?
The new Honda Jazz is expected to arrive during next summer, and so far, prices for the new model have not been advanced.