Fourth-gen Honda Jazz Spied For The First Time
Published On Sep 28, 2018 03:14 PM By Raunak
- 47.2K Views
- Write a comment
The 2020 Honda Jazz is expected to debut a brand new platform that’s likely to underpin the 2020 Honda City and next-gen WR-V as well
The fourth-gen Honda Jazz, which is also known as the Fit in some markets like the US, has been spied for the first time in Europe. The versatile Honda hatchback is expected to debut next year before going on sale in 2020. The current third-gen model, which made its world debut in Japan in 2013, was introduced in India in 2015.
 |
|
| Fourth-gen Honda Jazz | Third-gen Honda Jazz |
Although the test mule that was spied was completely camouflaged, it didn’t feature any padding to hide its design. The ‘cab forward' design, which has been present since the first-gen model, is the first clear indication that it is the new Jazz/Fit. Other bits that remind you of the Jazz are the large front windscreen, front and rear quarter glasses along with the tiny, nose-diving boot.
However, the new model looks more mature when compared to the current model, especially with its new wraparound tail lamps. In the current version, the tail lamps extend all the way up to the base of the roof, like they do in some of the Volvo cars. The camouflage at the front hides Honda’s latest wing-type grille, while the headlamps look bigger than the ones offered right now. Surprisingly, the test mule had a projector setup whereas all Honda cars sold nowadays have an array of multi-reflector LED units. We suspect these could be dummy units. The interior of the updated hatchback is still under wraps. However, the famed Magic seats should be there as always.
|
|
| Fourth-gen Honda Jazz | Third-gen Honda Jazz |
Compared to the current hatchback, the upcoming model looks slightly wider, which is likely the case since the fourth-gen model is expected to debut a brand new platform which will underpin Honda’s small to mid-size cars in the near future.
|
|
| Fourth-gen Honda Jazz | Third-gen Honda Jazz |
The new platform should underpin everything from the Jazz to the City and even the next-gen HR-V. The next-gen WR-V, which is expected to be developed from the ground-up, is likely to be based on this platform too. The new-gen Jazz/Fit is expected to debut late next year with sales beginning from early 2020 in some markets. The City is also likely to be unveiled around the same time and is likely to make its way to India soon after.
The new Jazz is expected to be powered by Honda’s latest range of VTEC Turbo petrol engines, including a downsized 1.0-litre engine. That’s the base engine currently on offer with the Civic in some markets, including Europe. It is rated at 126PS/200Nm and is mated either to a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT. The new 1.5-litre i-VTEC Earth Dreams petrol (131PS/155Nm), which is yet to make its debut in the Indian market, should continue to soldier on alongside.
The new Jazz Hybrid is expected to get the third generation of Honda’s two-motor hybrid system which debuted with the Honda Insight (rivals the Toyota Prius overseas) earlier this year. This system packs a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine and a powerful electric drive motor with a combined output of 151PS and 267Nm of electric motor torque. It doesn’t feature a transmission as a lock-up clutch connects the petrol engine directly to the electric drive motor when needed.
Pictured: Third-gen Honda Two-Motor Hybrid Powertrain
Competing in the premium hatchback segment, the Jazz has seen lacklustre sales in India against rivals such as the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Hyundai Elite i20. That said, it has been a consistent performer with monthly sales falling around the 2,000 unit mark. The new-gen model is expected to be bigger than the facelifted version of the current model, which is sold in various international markets and is already over four metres in length. This could be the reason why Honda decided not to launch the Jazz facelift in India (more on this here). It remains to be seen if the new model would come to India or not.
Read More on : Jazz diesel
0 out of 0 found this helpful
