Honda has officially unveiled the fourth-generation Honda Jazz at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. The global compact hatchback is expected to go on sale in February 2020.
As with all previous generations, Honda says the all-new Jazz is designed with spaciousness and usability in mind. Honda’s engineers emphasised on “four dimensions of comfort” in the design process – visibility, seating comfort, ride quality and usability.
The A-pillar of the all-new Jazz has been redesigned with a new cross-sectional structure, enabling a wider frontal visibility compared the previous model without compromising on structural integrity during a collision.
On the inside, the instrument panel also has a flat-topped design with an emphasis on horizontal and straight lines to further aid visibility out of the cabin. The windshield wipers have also been repositioned to be barely visible from the driver’s seat.
The all-new Honda Jazz will be the first Honda model to feature a new-generation body stabilising seat for the front passengers. Developed originally for use in high-class sedan models, the planar support structure of the seat stabilises the body and reduces fatigue during long-distance driving.
The flexible Magic Seats makes a return on the fourth-generation Honda Jazz, with larger and thicker seat padding which Honda claims to offer seating comfort equivalent to other high-class sedan models.
All variants of the Honda Jazz comes standard with Honda Sensing advanced safety features. Powered by a front-view wide angle camera and eight sonar sensors, the all-new Jazz features a new short-distance collision mitigation braking system, along with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and other Honda Sensing safety features.
The infotainment system is also equipped with the Honda Connect system, which is a first on any Honda vehicles. The new on-board communication module works in conjunction with the optional Honda Total Care Premium service to provide remote control of vehicle functions via a smartphone application.
The Honda Connect system can also automatically contact emergency services with location and vehicle information, as well as a security guard dispatch service when the car experiences abnormal situations – a functionality we think will be limited to the Japanese market only.
As the leaked images revealed, the all-new Honda Jazz will be available in five different variants. The Basic is the entry-level variant featuring a simple and endearing design, while the Home adds-on visual and tactile quality with colour-coordinated fabric seats, genuine-leather steering wheel and soft paddings on the dashboard and door panels.
The Ness is designed as the “sporty” variant, with striking colour accents on both the exterior and interior of the car. The variant adopts water-repellent materials on the seats and soft paddings, suitable for the fitness-junkie.
The Crosstar sports a rugged look with variant-specific exterior design elements and 16-inch aluminium wheels. The crossover-inspired variant also uses water-repellent materials for the seats and soft-touch panels on the dashboard.
The top-of-the-line Luxe variant comes with genuine leather upholstery on the interior to create a “elegant and comfortable” space. On the outside, the Luxe features platinum-style chrome plating and 16-inch aluminium wheels.
No specific information on the drivetrain was provided during the launch today, but Honda says that the fourth-generation Honda Jazz will be available as a e:HEV model, featuring the compact 2-motor i-MMD hybrid powertrain.
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