Honda first previewed the redesigned 2014 Jazz/Fit in July last year. Now the car has had its American debut at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, showing off dynamic styling, and upgraded interior packed with “class leading features and technology.”

Known as the Fit in Japan and US, the brand claims the latest Jazz is the most efficient among all its models, as it joins the current line-up of 1.5-litre 4-cylinder hybrid powertrains offered in cars like the CR-Z and Civic Hybrid.

The car that has been their bestseller for over a decade, has also won numerous awards and according to the Japanese automaker, “stands out in the market as a benchmark of reliability.”

All-new powerful engine

The new Jazz or Fit Hybrid makes use of a brand new system called the Sport Hybrid Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive, developed under the Earth Dreams initiative, and has styling influences from the 2012 Insight.

The US model will come equipped with an all-new direct-injected 1.5-litre 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine delivering 97 kW at 6500 rpm and a peak torque of 154 Nm at 4600 rpm. It is10 kW and 11 Nm more powerful than the outgoing engine and is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT with paddle shifters.

Honda’s estimated fuel consumption figures are rated at 7.3-litres/100 km City, 5.4-litres/100 km Highway and 6.5-litres/100 km Combined.

Exterior styling

The 2014 Honda Jazz gets a whole new look that is dominated by hard angles, and out back there are new LED taillights and a rear diffuser. Further adding to the new style are an aggressive front fascia with a new grille and headlight design, and 16-inch tyres outfitted with a new 5-spoke wheel design.

Chassis updates for the 2014 car also include new rear dampers and revised suspension along with the use of high-strength steel that has helped the car lose 26 kg.

Enhanced interior and technology features

The 2014 Honda Jazz now offers Bluetooth connectivity, Honda’s lane watch camera and a 7-inch touchscreen,heated seats, a moonroof, a multi-angle rearview camera and Expanded View Drivers Mirror. For the first time ever, the Jazz can also now be had with leather-trimmed seats.

Both passenger volume and rear legroom have been increased compared to the previous model. With the rear seats folded flat, the car offers a substantial amount of space.

2014 Honda Jazz gallery