The new Honda Jazz is revealed with a whole new definition of compact spaciousness. The Honda Jazz, known in some markets as the Fit, came into the market in 2001 and introduced a funkier, more practical dimension to the small car market. Such was the adoration Jazz received that it won Car of the Year in Japan and South Africa soon after. More of an evolution in design than a revolution, the new Honda Jazz has grown in size. The new car retains most of the old car’s good parts, such as the magic seats that dive down with one action as well as the underfloor storage.

New Honda Jazz Engine Options

The new 66 PS 1.2-litre petrol delivers fuel economy of 5.1-litres per 100km average, and the 73 PS 1.4-litre does 5.3-litres per 100km, which are exceptional claimed figures. Both these engines are i-VTEC engines, but may not be confused with a Type R i-VTEC motor.

Interior Features

The interior of the new Honda Jazz has been improved as well, with things like a driver’s foot rest (never underestimate the importance of this feature!), i-SHIFT 6-speed automated manual transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a panoramic roof on the 1.4-litre EX model. The other “bigger car” feature in the new Honda Jazz is Shift Indicator Light or SIL which tells driver when to shift gears for the best fuel economy.

New ACE body structure

Even more efficient safety performance results from the introduction of the ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure, a concept that is being progressively rolled out across the Honda range. Its structure, in particular a front polygonal main frame, helps to reduce the negative effect of misalignment between vehicles of different sizes and construction and multiple energy absorbing pathways disperse impact energy to prevent cabin deformation.

Standard on allnew Honda Jazz models are dual front and side airbags, full length side curtain airbags and three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions, those in the front with dual-stage pretensioners. The front passenger airbag can also be deactivated to allow a rear facing child seat to be fitted to the front seat and for the first time Jazz is equipped with seatbelt reminders for both the front and rear seats. Front seats are also fitted with active headrests to minimise the potential for whiplash injuries.

Two ISOFIX fittings in the left and right rear seats together with tether anchors in the roof ensure correct child seat installation.

Larger, more refined cabin with even better functionality

The ingenious interior layout of the original Jazz, with its compact suspension and centrally-mounted fuel tank liberating more load space, together with the increased external dimensions of the new model, mean interior comfort has been taken to a new level.

Rear seat passengers now have 37 mm greater knee room, while the distance between front and rear passengers is up by 30 mm. The slightly wider body of the new Honda Jazz also means shoulder room increases by 44 mm in the front and 43 mm in the rear.

Visibility gets a considerable boost, too. Reduced width A-pillars, a larger windscreen and quarter windows three times the size of those in the previous model make for more relaxed driving, while retractable rear headrests ensure the view out of the rear window is now totally unobscured.

Magic Seats now one-motion dive-down

Given the popularity of the previous Jazz’s innovative ‘cinema’ style rear seats, it comes as little surprise that Honda chose to offer a similar arrangement in the new car; but while the latest Magic Seats operate on the same principle, they are even more convenient since they have a one-motion, dive-down operation. No longer is there a need to move the front seats forward to collapse the rear seats. Instead, thanks to headrests that are virtually flush with the seatback, the 2:1 split rear seats are able to clear the front seats even when the latter are slid back to their rearmost position.

New Double-Trunk boot feature (1.4-litre models)

The outstanding practicality of the Magic Seats concept is complemented in the new Honda Jazz by a flexible luggage area based on similar principles to the arrangement found in the Honda CR-V. Standard on 1.4 models, which are equipped with a tyre repair kit, the Double-Trunk boot features an underfloor storage area concealed by a double hinged panel – Regular Mode. The 230 mm deep, 64 litre capacity lower compartment is ideal for stashing sports gear or wet items, and once covered, won’t soil other luggage.

The floor can be removed altogether or folded up against the rear seats to make full use of the total depth available – ideal for particularly tall objects (Tall Mode). Alternatively, rather than folding the complete panel against the seat backs, its rear half can be folded up to create a load shelf at half height – so creating a double load space – Upper/lower Mode. Heavier items can be stored below, while lighter items can be placed on the upper shelf, and since it incorporates a load net, is perfect for carrying awkwardly shaped items, preventing them from moving around.

Total luggage space available is 399 litres in models with a tyre repair kit, greater than that of some compact MPVs and class-leading in the supermini sector. The previous Jazz had a total of 380 litres (VDA).

Refined cabin environment

High quality, pleasant-to-the touch materials, stylish design and tasteful colours give the cabin of the new Honda Jazz a more upmarket feel.

More comfortable front seats with better support, a driver’s footrest, a height adjustable driver’s seat, a steering wheel adjustable for reach and rake and larger rear seats are just some of the features that contribute to the more cosseting, more relaxed cabin environment. Extra sound insulation and the increased body rigidity also play their part in making the new Honda Jazz a pleasant place to be. And for a real sense of spaciousness, the new Honda Jazz 1.4 EX is equipped with a panorama roof that extends over the rear seats for a great aerial view. Heat absorbing glass and a power sun shade ensure a comfortable cabin environment all year round.