Understanding that crossovers have a broader appeal nowadays, Honda has come up with an SUV-inspired version of the all-new Jazz. Called the Jazz Crosstar, it comes with features that make it better suited for those who aspire to live “active lifestyles.” Taking the all-new Jazz as a starting point, the Jazz Crosstar adds its own unique suspension that raises the ground clearance to a comfortable 160 mm (from the regular Jazz’s 135 mm).
After that, it gets some SUV-like design cues like substantial scratch-resistant black plastic all around the lower part—bumpers, side sills, and doors. It also gets wheel arch extensions, a more formal grille, and roof rails for good measure. The changes are capped off by thicker 185/60R16 tires fitted on unique wheels for the Jazz Crosstar. Further complementing its positioning as an SUV, it even gets water-repellant fabric seats.
Apart from the raised ride height, the Jazz Crosstar is still pretty much the Jazz inside and out. For that, the same engine options remain: the L13B engine (98 horsepower, 118 Nm of torque) or the LEB-H5 gasoline-electric hybrid (109 horsepower, 253 Nm of torque). Interestingly enough, this cutesy SUV-ish hatchback comes with all-wheel drive as an option.
The best news is that the Jazz Crosstar won’t just be a Japan market exclusive. It’s been confirmed to go on sale in global markets such as Europe. Currently, it’s still too early to tell whether ASEAN countries such as the Philippines will get this SUV-inspired Jazz. However, it’s worth noting that it does come with a hefty 290,400-Yen (~ P 135,000) premium over the regular Jazz.
Do you think it’s worth it for Honda to bring it to ASEAN, and are you willing to pay that much premium to just these SUV-like features?
Honda shocked the world in announcing that the all-new Jazz/Fit will be available only in a gasoline-electric hybrid set-up. True enough, when it was unveiled globally at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, it debuted a new 2-motor hybrid system that’s part of Honda’s e:HEV brand push. But now that it’s officially gone on sale in Japan, we’ve just learned that’s not completely true. See, while the star of the Jazz line-up is still the 2-motor e:HEV (it makes a stonking 253 Nm of torque and a reasonable 109 horsepower), Honda’s still selling a version that doesn’t have an electric motor or batteries attached to the drivetrain.
Scrolling through the data sheet reveals that, at least for the Japan market, the all-new Jazz/Fit can still be had with a 1.3-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine. It’s actually the L13B1—a carryover engine from the current Jazz GK model; for that, it makes a reasonable 98 horsepower and 118 Nm of torque. The sole transmission attached to the engine is an Earth Dreams CVT.
According to Honda’s internal tests, the Jazz 1.3 non-hybrid does 20.4 km/L (combined WLTP). It’s great, but it’s also significantly lower than the Jazz e:HEV that does 28.8 km/L on the same testing cycle.
The kicker though comes to the price. The non-hybrid Jazz is priced from 1,718,200 yen (~ P 789,000) to 2,186,800 yen (~ P 1.004 million) compared to the e:HEV’s 1,997,600 yen (~P 918,000) to 2,536,600 yen (~ P 1.164 million)—a 15 percent premium. This significant price different may actually see more buyers opting for the non-hybrid model.
Now what does this have to do with the Philippines, you ask? Well, if Honda opted to keep its Jazz/Fit purely a hybrid model that would significantly reduce its chances of making it here. But now that we know that there’s a conventional powertrain option, and that the current 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine still fits in the bay, it could mean that the all-new Jazz/Fit might arrive here after all. It might sport a carryover powertrain from the current GK Jazz or might even have the all-new City’s 1.0-liter 3-cylinder turbo.
Gasoline-electric hybrids are typically known for one thing: environmentally-conscious motoring. With that, expect sky-high fuel mileage and low tailpipe emissions at the expense of a sordid driving experience. Luckily for enthusiasts, Honda realized that the typical hybrid solution also didn’t fit well with their sporty nature. And so, they’ve developed this: the Sports Hybrid Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive or Sports Hybrid i-MMD. While the name itself is clunky, the technology behind it is amazing. It automatically switches between three driving modes to provide the highest possible efficiency when driving. These modes comprise: EV Drive, where the lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric propulsion motor directly; Hybrid Drive, where the engine supplies power to an electric generator motor, which in turn supplies it to the electric propulsion motor; and Engine Drive, where the engine is connected directly to the wheels via a lock-up clutch.
In most urban or city driving situations, the i-MMD will shuffle between Hybrid Drive and EV Drive. In Hybrid Drive, excess power from the petrol engine can also be diverted to recharge the battery via the generator motor. EV Drive permits pure-electric propulsion and can give a zero emissions range of about two kilometers depending on the driving condition and battery charge.
Meanwhile, the Engine Drive mode is the most efficient set-up for cruising at higher speeds and it can be supplemented by an on-demand power ‘boost’ from the electric propulsion motor to supplement engine torque under certain conditions. At a 60 km/h cruise, the i-MMD will typically run in EV Drive for more than half the time. At 100 km/h, it will be in EV Drive for approximately one third of the time.
The software ‘brain’ of the i-MMD system decides when to shuffle between these modes to maximize efficiency, without disturbing the driver or requiring any further thought or input from them.
Now, while the set-up resembles other hybrid vehicles—where an Atkinson cycle gasoline engine, propulsion motor, generator motor, and power control unit are all located under the hood, and a lithium-ion battery back housed under the trunk, the i-MMD does have one innovation: a fixed gear transmission.
Rather than using a conventional transmission, a single fixed-gear ratio creates a direct connection between moving components, resulting in a smoother transfer of torque. This format means Honda’s system is more compact than a planetary eCVT typically found in other hybrid vehicles, as well as being more refined.
Moreover, the transfer between power sources, including the engine stop-start function, is virtually imperceptible. The smooth transfer of torque means there is no driveline shunt or undesirable feedback through the pedals or steering wheel, and the near-silent powertrain means a vehicle equipped with i-MMD boasts outstanding NVH.
The first application of the i-MMD system happens to be larger Honda vehicles, particularly the likes of the CR-V and the Accord. In this set-up, the 2.0-liter i-MMD makes a respectable 184 horsepower and 315 Nm of torque—figures that match their conventionally-powered counterparts featuring the 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engine. But, based on WLTP test protocols, it does 18.87 km/L. However, the more interesting application of the i-MMD system is found in the Civic-based Honda Insight. With a smaller, 1.5-liter displacement, it still makes a healthy 151 horsepower and 267 Nm of torque—yet, it delivers 22.1 km/L. Though Honda hasn’t confirmed it just yet, if this is the very same engine that they’ll fit in the all-new Jazz Hybrid, then you’re looking at a formidable pocket rocket.
As part of their 2030 Vision, the Honda Sports Hybrid i-MMD will form the cornerstone of their plan to reduce their emissions. Yet, it’s equally clear that while they want to produce environmentally-sound vehicles, they still aren’t willing to give up their sporty nature yet. By coming up with unique methods to electrify their vehicles such as the i-MMD system, Honda is able to chart a unique path, driven by one thing: their challenging spirit.
The styling of the all-new Jazz represents a dramatic design departure compared to Honda’s current efforts. And while some decry it as looking too cutesy, Honda’s own Representative Director and CEO Takahiro Hachigo explains the rationale behind the ahegao styling. For those who’re not familiar, ahegao is a term for an “exaggerated facial expression during sex.” Please take our word for it because Googling it may result in some NSFW stuff.
Anyway, Hachigo-san explains:
“What we strive to do with this all-new Fit [Jazz] is to establish the standard for compact cars suited to this new era. We believe this car will be able to become an industry standard for the new era only if it can win admiration in the Japanese market where fulfilling customer needs for compact cars is especially difficult compared to other parts of the world. Based on this belief, we squarely and sincerely faced our customers in Japan and perfected this all-new Fit as a global model that Honda will propose from Japan to the rest of the world.”
In other words, the all-new Jazz embraces its Japanese styling and engineering and with that, Honda hopes to win more fans the world over. It actually makes sense given the first-generation Jazz was created first and foremost for the Japanese market. Since then, it’s enjoyed a high reputation as a sub-compact with outstanding packaging, fuel economy, driving performance, and design. Globally, the carmaker has already sold more than 7.5 million units.
Hachigo-san continues:
“We developed this vehicle not merely as a means of transportation for our customers. We strived for a vehicle which will become a part of our customers’ daily lives and make their daily lives more comfortable and enjoyable. This is a compact car for the new era, and this vehicle will set a new standard for Honda automobile development.
Based on my experience with its driving performance as well as the visual and tactile quality, I have full confidence in this all-new Jazz.”
It’s clear that there’s no stronger stamp of confidence than Honda’s very own CEO saying that the all-new Jazz will be segment defining. At this point, all that’s left is to actually drive the darn thing and see for ourselves if this little Honda can encash all that design and engineering promise.
So far, internet opinion is split on the design of the all-new Honda Jazz. Some call it “cute”, while others denounce it as “too girly.” But while it’s still too early to judge it based on the court of public opinion, one thing is for certain: it’s still got one trademark feature that’s sure to please long-time Jazz owners. Confirmed by Honda themselves, the all-new Jazz retains its lass-leading levels of interior space thanks to the positioning of the fuel tank in the center of the chassis beneath the front seats. More than that, the Jazz also retains its rear “Magic Seats” (ULTR in the Philippines) and this means the seats both fold flat or flip up in a 60/40 split adding seating flexibility.
For the front passengers, the Jazz now features body-stabilizing front seats with a mat-like structure for support. This replaces the previous spring setup to help prevent fatigue on long journeys. In addition, the rear seats themselves have also been improved with a thicker rear seat pad that provides greater comfort.
Now, for its home market of Japan, Honda has already said that the all-new Jazz will be available in five unique trims displaying unique characteristics. While some of these are decidedly very Japanese (the Home and Ness trims to name two), confirmed is that the crossover-inspired Crosstar will be available for global markets.
The Crosstar variant appeals to buyers who want a bit more crossover stle design. With that, it’s got a unique front grille design, water-resistant upholstery, integrated roof rails, and increased ride height.
Japan is the first market to receive the all-new Jazz (February 2020) while Europe will be next by the middle of 2020. With that, expect it to arrive in the ASEAN markets by the end of 2020 at the earliest.
Honda ushers in a new era for its sub-compact car offering with the global unveil of the all-new Jazz at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019. The all-new model eschews Honda’s “grand design” concept for a more human-centric design approach. It goes on sale first in its home market of Japan by February 2020 with the rest of the world to follow. Without compromising the spacious cabin and excellent usability that has been a hallmark of each successive generation of the Jazz, this 4th-generation all-new Jazz was developed with the intention of becoming the globally-accepted standard for compact cars suited to this new age of motoring.
As a new concept in automobile development, the development team pursued an “emotional value” which cannot be expressed numerically and embodied four dimensions of comfort that enable this vehicle to be better able to support the daily lives of customers. Moreover, the all-new Jazz will come in five different types (at least in Japan) so that customers can select the model that is right for them depending on their lifestyle and life stage.
The hybrid version of the all-new Jazz will be the first Honda compact car equipped with the 2-motor hybrid system Honda developed to realize both excellent environmental performance and a comfortable driving experience at the same time, and will be introduced to the market as a part of Honda’s e:HEV models.
The all-new Jazz features a front pillar with a cross-sectional structure that is different from previous generations of Jazz and yet realizes a structure which enables impact energy to flow to the vehicle body in the event of a collision. While ensuring collision safety performance without compromise, this newly-designed front pillar realizes overwhelmingly wide and superior frontal visibility compared to that of previous Jazz models.
Moreover, the instrument panel features a flat-topped design which emphasizes horizontal and straight lines, and windshield wipers are positioned to be barely visible from inside the cabin, which also enhances a comfortable view while driving.
As for the front seats, the all-new Jazz will be the first Honda model to feature a new-generation body stabilizing seat that Honda developed while envisioning application for its high-class sedan models. The planar support structure of the seat stabilizes the body and makes long driving less tiring and enables the user to enjoy the soft feeling of the seat.
The rear seats of the all-new Jazz continue to feature seat arrangements as versatile as that of the previous generation Jazz and realize seat comfort equivalent to high-class sedan models by adopting a larger and thicker seat pad which offers stress-free seating even for adult passengers.
Equipped with Honda’s new, more compact 2-motor hybrid system, the all-new Jazz will drive smoothly by an electric motor for virtually all situations of everyday driving and realize outstanding environmental performance as well as excellent ride comfort with powerful acceleration and comfortable driving.
While maintaining the spacious cabin from previous generations of Jazz, the all-new Jazz features enhanced usability which supports people’s mobility, including a stress-free layout of storage areas that ensure comfort for all occupants during everyday driving as well as over long-distances.
Five types of the all-new Jazz providing unique individual characteristics:
BASIC - The basic type of the all-new Jazz offers both high-quality design and occupant comfort. This type will feature a simple and endearing design including a front face design with a gentle look and seamless and flowing exterior form.
HOME - This type strives to realize a relaxing and carefully-designed space with high visual and tactile quality by coordinating colors and materials, including natural-looking fabric seats made with high-quality materials, a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and Prime Smooth soft padding.
NESS - This type features exciting color coordination and adopts water-repellent materials for the seat surfaces and soft padding on the instrument panel. It is a sporty and fashionable type which will enable customers to enjoy driving just like they enjoy fitness and sports.
CROSSTAR - This type features an exterior design developed exclusively for the CROSSTAR as well as 16-inch aluminum wheels, which look good both in city and outdoor environment. As for the interior, water-repellent materials are used for seat surfaces and soft padding on the instrument panel. This type projects an enhanced image of compact and yet tough vehicle.
LUXE - Striving to create a space where people can spend elegant and comfortable time, standard genuine leather seats were designed as an exclusive feature for this type while pursuing excellence in visual and tactile quality. For the exterior, platinum-style chrome plating and 16-inch aluminum wheels were adopted to increase the high-quality feel.
For safety, a front wide view camera which covers a wide area in front of the vehicle will be newly added to the Honda Sensing advanced safety and driver-assistive system installed to the all-new Jazz. By combining the front wide view camera and eight sonar sensors mounted in the front and back of the vehicle, the all-new Jazz features further enhanced existing Honda Sensing functions as well as the new short-distance collision mitigation braking system. The Honda Sensing is available as standard equipment on all types of the all-new Jazz in Japan.
Tokyo Motor Show is just a week away, so let the teasers begin. What could be one of the most important new models for Honda at the show is this: the all-new Jazz sub-compact hatchback. Known as the Fit in Japan, Honda says that the all-new Jazz is “redesigned with passenger at its heart.” They also promise to “raise the bar in terms of comfort and driver enjoyment.” Previously, Honda made news because they confirmed that only an electrified version will be sold in Europe using a two-motor hybrid powertrain. This is likely a smaller version of Honda’s i-MMD system which is currently in use in the Accord Hybrid and CR-V Hybrid.
Based on the teaser photo, it’s very interesting to see that the all-new Jazz is going back to styling seen in the first-generation GD model. It’s clear that it’ll have a more rounded (friendlier) appearance perhaps inspired by Honda’s very own all-electric Honda e. It also looks to have shorter overhangs and a more compact appearance, a departure from their overly long, overly complicated designs seen in the current Accord and Civic.
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At this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, Honda is showcasing “the joy of expanding our life’s potential.” As the company marks the 60th anniversary of CB Series motorcycle sales and the 60th anniversary of their participation in Formula One, their pavilion dives deep into the performance and design of their various vehicles. For Honda’s four-wheeled line-up, the all-new, fourth-generation Jazz / Fit will take centerstage. And while the carmaker is keeping all the details close to its chest before the actual unveil, they did confirm that the Jazz / Fit sub-compact hatchback will inherit the spaciousness and highly versatile seating arrangement of the current model. They’ve also confirmed that the Jazz / Fit will also gain a new two-motor hybrid set-up—likely a smaller version of Honda’s i-MMD hybrid system which is currently used in the Accord and CR-V.
While the world waits for another month before the covers are removed in Tokyo, Honda did show the Jazz / Fit’s all-new logo. The upright font-type looks much more formal, more upscale than the current one.
Aside from the all-new Jazz / Fit, Honda is also using the Tokyo Motor Show to debut the all-new Accord and Honda e for the Japanese market.
On the motorsports front, they will showcase the RA272, McLaren Honda MP4/4, RA106 Scuderia Toro Rosso STR13, and Aston Martin Redbull Racing RB14. They will also have a NSX on display as well.
After the debut of its first all-electric vehicle, the Honda e, at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, Honda is announcing the next steps in its “Electric Vision” strategy. Chief among them is the confirmation that the upcoming all-new Honda Jazz will be offered only as a hybrid for the European market. Per Katsushi Inoue, Chief Operating Officer and President, Honda Motor Europe:
“In 2020, Honda will launch the next generation Jazz and today, we can confirm that this model will be introduced into Europe with hybrid technology as the sole powertrain option.”
While the current Jazz, and by extension, the City is available with Honda’s i-DCD or Intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive (a mild hybrid system), it’s understood that the upcoming Jazz will abandon this technology in favor of Honda’s more advanced (and more efficient) i-MMD or Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive.
While the i-DCD prioritizes compactness and simplicity, the i-MMD system goes for maximum efficiency. It uses a system of five interlinked systems: an internal combustion engine, electric motors, a power control unit, an engine-linked clutch, and a lithium-ion battery.
What’s clever about the i-MMD is that there is no transmission, at least in the traditional sense. There are four gearsets between the electric and combustion power sources and the front wheels, but all drive ratios are fixed. The powertrain provides three standard propulsion modes: electric-only, gasoline-only, and combined gas and electric, without shifting gears or varying a planetary ratio.
Honda’s “secret sauce” takes away the conventional transmission and torque converter. And with no pulleys and one fixed gear, it delivers 46 to 80 percent less friction compared to a conventional automatic.
The all-new Jazz is expected to retain a similar footprint with the current model, but will be slightly wider making it even roomier. Spy shots also suggest that it will gain a less angular, softer styling as well. It is also said to gain a floating infotainment console seen in other car manufacturers, too. The all-new Jazz is the centerpiece of Honda’s display at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show this October.
