Following the debut of the facelifted Fit range in Japan, Honda announced similar updates for the European-spec 2023 Jazz e:HEV. Those include mild changes in the exterior design, a more powerful hybrid powertrain, and the addition of the new Advance Sport trim to the range next to the regular Jazz and the “adventurous” Jazz Crosstar.
The new Honda Jazz e:HEV Advance Sport looks identical to the JDM-spec Honda Fit e:HEV RS, minus the RS badges. Changes over the regular Jazz are focused on the redesigned front bumper with a large black area around the larger intakes, the honeycomb grille, the side skirts, and the trim-specific 16-inch alloy wheels with five double spokes. The sportier-looking Jazz is available in the pictured Urban Gray shade combined with gloss black mirrors.
Read: The Honda Jazz Crosstar e:HEV Is A Supermini In Crossover MPV Clothing
Next up, the Honda Jazz e:HEV Crosstar gains slightly more rugged looks thanks to the revised honeycomb grill and the silver inserts on the lower part of the bodywork. It also gains the new Fjord Mist blue shade for the exterior and a new finish for the alloy wheels.
For some reason, Honda only showed photos of the Advance Sport and the Crosstar, although the Elegance and Advance trims of the regular Jazz are also mildly updated. The automaker suggests that they feature a more pronounced grille, darker headlight inserts, more sculpted bumpers with textured lower sections, and new alloy wheel designs.
Interior updates are limited to revised color and trim options and a new seat upholstery for the Crosstar. The Advance Sport gets a special black synthetic suede / grey synthetic leather upholstery, a sportier three-spoke steering wheel, and contrasting yellow stitching all around the cabin. The 7-inch digital instrument cluster and the 9-inch infotainment are carried over from the pre-facelift model, as with the signature rear Magic Seats.
The standard Honda Sensing ADAS suite got a wider angle and higher-definition camera improving the performance of the systems, while the Traffic Jam Assist now supports steering intervention from 0 km/h. All trims of the Honda Jazz e:HEV come standard with ten airbags.
More Power For All Trims And A Sportier Setup For The Advance Sport
Unlike the JDM-spec Fit which offers the option of an ICE-only engine, the Jazz is exclusively available as a hybrid in Europe and the UK. The facelifted model benefits from a series of improvements in the e:HEV powertrain allowing it to produce a combined 121 hp (90 kW / 123 PS) and 253 Nm (187 lb-ft) of torque, representing an increase of 13 hp (10 kW / 14 PS) over its predecessor.
The power bump was achieved by increasing the output of the electric motor that drives the front wheels, the second electric motor that works as a generator, and the naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter petrol engine which is now good for 106 hp (79 kW / 107 PS) and 131 Nm (96.7 lb-ft) of torque. Honda engineers have also tweaked the automatic gearbox for smoother operation and better acceleration response. Furthermore, while its predecessor didn’t come with a towing rating, the updated Jazz can tow up to 500 kg (1,102 pounds) which is good enough for bike carriers or small trailers.
More importantly, the Honda Jazz e:HEV Advance Sport benefits from a number of upgrades, in order for its driving performance and handling to match the angrier looks. The gearbox has a higher shift point and the throttle pedal map has been revised to offer “increased driving power and improve response characteristics”. In terms of the suspension, the spring rate is 8% higher at the front and 20% higher at the back, combined with stiffer dampers.
Sales of the updated Honda Jazz lineup in Europe and the UK will commence in early 2023. Pricing will be announced closer to the market launch.
