Honda Jazz looks like a good fit for Paris

Wed, 17 Sep 2014

The quirky, utilitarian little hatchback that we know as the Honda Fit in the US carries the more melodious Jazz name in Europe. And while the newest Fit is already on sale in our market, folks are still waiting for it across the pond. Honda is unveiling its new Jazz Prototype to the 2014 Paris Motor Show in October, and it's nearly identical to what is currently on sale in North America. In fact, it's hard to image Honda changing much from this "prototype" before launching it for Europeans.

The Jazz's design is exactly what you would expect after even a glance at the current North American Fit. Except for a different wing at the rear, a shark fin antenna and a new set of wheels, this Jazz plays the same tune we've heard before.

The one thing keeping the Fit and Jazz from truly being identical siblings is that the European model packs Honda's new 1.3-liter i-VTEC Earth Dreams engine under the hood, rather than the 1.5-liter used in North America. But just like our Fit, the Jazz will be available with a six-speed manual or CVT. The Japanese automaker says that the Jazz goes on sale in the summer of 2015. Scroll down to read the company's announcement for its upcoming hatch.

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 Chris Bruce