Coming exclusively as a hybrid in Europe, the fourth-generation Honda
Jazz will offer for the first time a high-riding Crosstar version alongside the
regular body style. The 2020 Jazz will also inaugurate Honda’s e:HEV powertrain
badging in Europe, part of the e:Technology branding that will be featured on
all future electrified products of the Japanese brand. Honda wants all its European
mainstream models to feature electrified powertrains by 2022.
The all-new Honda Jazz packs a two-motor hybrid
powertrain as standard for the first time. No specs were released but Honda
claims the new powertrain offers “an exceptional blend of strong and effortless
driving performance and impressive fuel economy.” Newly developed for the Jazz,
the hybrid system is also said to provide “a smooth, responsive and direct
driving feel.” Honda also promises EV-like driving dynamics.
Looking exactly like the Japanese-market Fit, the
2020 Jazz introduces a new Crosstar variant which brings increased ride height,
a unique front grille design, water-resistant upholstery and integrated roof
rails. The Crosstar will offer the same hybrid powertrain and will be available
with the same interior features as the standard model.
Speaking of the interior, the all-new Jazz is said
to offer levels of comfort and spaciousness “unrivaled in the B-segment.” The
front seats are now wider and feature mat-structure support instead of springs,
helping prevent fatigue on long journeys. The rear seats have been improved as
well offering a thicker seat pad.
The 50-percent thinner A-pillars improve horizontal
visibility while the expansive windscreen lets more light into the cabin. The
new model retains its predecessors’ clever packaging with the fuel tank placed
in the center of the chassis beneath the front seats. This enables the 2020
Jazz to retain the versatile rear Magic Seats. Depending on cargo space
required, they offer both “fold-flat” or “flip-up” seat flexibility.
On the tech front, the 2020 Honda Jazz offers a new
touchscreen-based infotainment system with smartphone-style usability, a WiFi
hotspot, as well as Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity.
The Honda Sensing safety pack is said to offer the
most comprehensive suite of advanced safety features and driver aids in its class.
Equipped with a wider, higher-definition camera, the 2020 Jazz offers “improved
awareness of vehicle surroundings, including recognition of verges without
kerbs or roadside markings.”
Additionally, the Collision Mitigation Brake System
gains night-time operation to detect pedestrians and cyclists; it also applies
the brakes when oncoming vehicles cut across or turn into the path of the car.
Thanks to the new camera system, the Adaptive Cruise Control can now follow
traffic at low speeds in congestion and work together with Lane Keep Assist on
urban and rural roads – as well as multi-lane highways.