Honda Jazz Prototype is brand's latest production-ready 'concept'

Thu, 02 Oct 2014

Another auto show, another Honda "prototype." The brand has made something of a habit of showing very thinly veiled production models at the world's auto shows, ranging from the Accord, to the Civic and Civic Type-R, as well as the CR-V. And yes, this is far from the first time we've railed against this particular trend (it's not even the first time at this auto show). Now, it's time to preview the production-ready Jazz, known to American consumers as the recently released Fit.

As we covered in our original post on the Jazz Prototype, this car is pretty much a twin to the Fit, aside from its 1.3-liter engine. Sitting in place of the US-market 1.5-liter four-cylinder, the Earth Dreams 1.3 is probably a bit more suited to the tighter urban environments of the European Union. While the engine might be different, the six-speed manual and continuously variable transmission will be plenty familiar to US consumers.

We have a full live gallery of the new Jazz Prototype at the top of the page. Take a look at that, and then scroll down for Honda's press release and official images.

HONDA TO UNVEIL PROTOTYPE OF NEW EUROPEAN JAZZ AT PARIS MOTOR SHOW
17/09/14

Prototype of the new European Jazz unveiled
New sleek and modern exterior design
Longer wheelbase and centre fuel tank layout maximise cabin roominess
Versatile Honda Magic Seats®
Refined and comfortable ride

New 1.3-litre i-VTEC Earth Dreams Technology engine

Today Honda has released the first images of the new Jazz prototype that will make its public debut next month at the 2014 Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris.

This prototype introduces a completely new body shell for the popular model, with a sleek and modern design that hints at the significant advances to be introduced in this latest model. The external dimensions have changed with the length being 15mm longer and the wheelbase 30mm longer helping to create an even more spacious cabin.

As part of Honda's 'small series' range, the third generation European Jazz will be built on the company's global compact platform. It will retain the centre fuel tank layout that is already found in the current model, as well as the Civic and recently-announced HR-V. This space-saving layout delivers genuine customer benefits in terms of versatility, interior practicality and storage solutions. Inside, the highly versatile Honda Magic Seats® will also feature in this latest model.

Due to go on sale in summer 2015, the new European Jazz will offer improved fuel economy and higher performance thanks to its new Earth Dreams Technology engine. The new 1.3 litre i-VTEC petrol engine is supported by either a six-speed manual (replacing the previous five-speed unit) or a CVT transmission.

Honda (UK) Leon Brannan, Head of Car, commented: "The Jazz is a hugely important car for Honda in the UK, and has been a runaway success since its original launch. It has an extremely loyal following, its reliability is legendary. The new Jazz with its sleek, modern design, refined and comfortable ride, will, we are confident, build even more loyal followers."

The new Jazz is set to deliver a more refined and comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers, thanks to a new suspension system.

Further information on Honda's new Jazz for Europe will be announced during Honda's press conference at the 2014 Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris, at 16.45 CET on Thursday 2 October (Hall 3).

By Brandon Turkus