Not that we haven’t seen Honda’s new sub-compact before – as the Fit in North America and elsewhere, but after showing the Jazz Prototype in Frankfurt last year, Honda is ready for the debut of the Euro model.
So what changed over the study and the North American Fit? Nothing really, except the trim level of the display model pictured here.
When it goes on sale in Europe this summer, the third generation of Honda’s practical B-segment car will be offered initially with a 1.3-liter VTEC petrol engine delivering 102PS (101hp) at 6,000 rpm, paired to a new six-speed manual that replaces the previous 5sp unit or an optional semi-automatic CVT transmission.
A hybrid version with a 1.5-liter engine and an electric motor producing over 130hp is expected to join the range later in the year or in early 2016.
Honda’s Jazz shares its underpinnings with the new HR-V featuring a 95mm longer body over the outgoing car at 3,915mm with a wheelbase of 2,530mm (+30mm). Boot space has been increased to 354 liters (VDA)with the rear seats in use and 884 liters (VDA) with the seats down. It also comes fitted with Honda’s 60:40 split rear ‘Magic Seats’ that can be folded forward to increase storage space.
Like other Honda models this year, the Jazz will get the new Advanced Driver Assist System package that employs a camera and mid-range radar, and the latest version of the Honda Connect system that syncs with smartphones and other multimedia devices through MirrorLink, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI and USB.
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