The 2019 Tokyo Motor Show was the platform from which the new Honda Jazz 2020 came into the limelight. The next-gen light hatch is a direct competitor to the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta. In Europe, the front-wheel-drive hatch will feature a 1.5-litre hybrid drivetrain (80kW/253Nm). The all-wheel-drive variations will only be available in Japan, its home market.
The introduction of the all-new Honda Jazz 2020 is in anticipation of only electrified powertrains in Europe by 2022. No doubt the Jazz is a bells and whistles model, sports impressive and automatic only, but it comes with a shell shocker price tag for some buyers. Jazz EX, the well-equipped variant has a starting price of £21,385 and £20,185 for the Jazz SR. An SUV-inspired model that will invade Nissan Juke’s realm is also in the pipeline. The price tag for the Crosstar EX variant will be £22,635.
Honda Jazz 2020 Hybrid Features
e:HEV Hybrid System
The twin-motor hybrid powertrain is perhaps the standout feature of the new Jazz models. The e:HEV range will be the first to flaunt the latest e: Technology branding and utilize the latest technology by the brand. This new technology will consequently feature in all Honda electrified versions.
All the variants will have an innovative fixed-gear transmission, which, according to Honda, is more efficient and smoother than CVT. The e:HEV powertrain boasts 108bhp and 253Nm of torque, thanks to a compact lithium-ion battery pack, two electric motors and 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol.
Design
According to Honda, the one-box MPV-like design will maximize the interior space just like the old model. But unlike the previous model, this unit has a chunkier bumper and larger headlamps. In the rear, it has more conventional horizontal lights as opposed to the vertically stacked units in the previous Jazz
The new Jazz has a more rigid body shell and improved windscreen view, thanks to the slimmed-down A-pillars. And similar to the previous model, the vehicle comes with a generous rear hatch opening for hauling bulky items. Unfortunately, the boot space takes a significant hit from the current 354L to 298L.
The more rugged Jazz Crosstar EX features a unique front grille design, two-tone paint and new bolt-on roof rails. Honda says that the model has water-resistant upholstery in case of accidental spills from your favorite beverage.
Dashboard
The new Jazz comes with a top-shelf multimedia system with voice controls, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, built-in sat-nav, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. According to Honda, the new model comes with physical dials and buttons for controls, which is in response to consumer demand.
Paint Finishes
There is a range of premium paint finishes that buyers can choose from. Options include Midnight Blue Beam, Shining Grey, Platinum White, and Surf Blue. “Premium+” color schemes are also on the plate, and they include Premium Sunlight White and Premium Crystal Red, which take you back about £650 for each. The premium paint finishes add an extra £550 to the price.
Without a doubt, the price tag of the all-new Honda Jazz 2020 hybrid is out of reach for most of the current light-hatch buyers. But according to Honda, “the days of cheap city cars are over.”
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