Next generation Honda Jazz is expected to go on sale internationally in 2020; to have increased dimensions than the outgoing model
Honda’s Jazz or Fit hatchback has been around for four years in its third generation globally and the first traces of its replacement have graced the internet. Spotted testing in Southern Europe, the prototype of the new Jazz indicates that Honda has decided to retain its overall unique profile for the near future.
However, it appears to have grown bigger in size with a more rakish A-pillar. The next generation Honda Jazz will reportedly measure a length of around 3,990 mm – making it 35 mm longer than the model sold in India currently while complying for tax benefits, as it’s still under 4 metres long.
The increased length will be accompanied by additional width to liberate more interior room as well as boot volume in the already spacious model. The test mule with pre-production body panels suggests that the four-generation Honda Jazz is in its early stages of development.
From what we can see, the front end could become more evolved than ever with smaller headlamps and integrated LED DRL treatment, horizontally stacked tail lamps, now-signature chrome strip running across the width up front to be in line with latest Honda vehicles, a sportier front bumper, etc.
The Japanese auto giant will make the next-gen Jazz – probably due for debut in 2020 – feature rich with added equipment and more premium interior. With B-segment subcompact cars becoming more upmarket in recent years, Honda could employ a suite of driver assistance and electronic aids as well for overseas markets.
Honda unveiled a facelift for the existing Jazz last September at the Frankfurt Motor Show and it was expected to enter India this year. Instead, we only had a minor update as part of 2018 MY package. Honda could launch the facelifted model in India next year or skip it to pursue the next generation, as demand for premium hatchbacks has always been high and new challengers are coming in thick and fast.
The company could offer a hybrid powertrain derived from the Accord or Insight and the existence of a tiny 1.0-litre turbo engine from Civic is not ruled out either. In all probability, Honda may stick with the 90 bhp 1.2-litre petrol and 100 bhp 1.5-litre diesel with BSVI compliance for domestic customers.
As previously reported, a pure electric variant of the Jazz with around 300 km driving range could arrive at specific markets like China. It is important to note that Honda has partnered Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) for EV development and Jazz could be part of a potential project.