TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: New Honda Jazz revealed
But will the fourth-generation hatchback come to Australia?The covers have been ripped off the fourth-generation Honda Jazz hatchback at the Tokyo motor show today.
But there’s no guarantee the all-new five-door mini-car, known as the Fit in Japan, will come to Australia.
The current Honda Jazz is scheduled to continue for at least another year here and even has a minor updated scheduled.
Beyond that though, Honda Australia refused to shed any light on Jazz plans when contacted by carsales.com.au.
“It is too early to confirm any details for the new Jazz in Australia at this stage,” it said in a statement.
Leaked yesterday ahead of its world debut, the new design is a complete engineering overhaul that continues to emphasise Jazz’s monospace versatility
Touted as the “standard for compact cars” by Honda, it features the latest version of the company’s two-motor hybrid e:HEV drivetrain, upgraded Honda Sensing driver assist systems and enhanced connected services.
In Japan the Fit will be sold from next February in five grades; Basic, Home, Ness, Crosstar and Luxe.
In western Europe it’s already been announced the Jazz will only be sold as a hybrid.
Since the first generation launched in 2001, Honda has sold 7.5 million Jazz/Fit vehicles around the world. In Australia, where it sells alongside the City sedan, its popularity in recent years has declined as other minis have been updated and outdated it.
It wouldn’t be a shock if Honda did pull the pin on Jazz. The mini segment is leaking sales to SUVs and pricing is being pushed up as more safety gear is added, making it ever-harder to extract a profit.
Ford has already pulled the pin on the new Fiesta (apart from the hot ST), Holden has axed the Barina and the Hyundai Accent will effectively be replaced by the all-new Venue small SUV.
Honda’s launch blurb says it focussed development on an “emotional” rather than numerical value for the new model, emphasising four “dimensions of comfort” to help support owners in their daily driving lives.
These include thinner A-pillars for a better view, a new-generation “body stabilizing” seat, improved ride comfort thanks to the hybrid’s electric motor and enhanced utility.
The big improvement in Honda Sensing comes from a front wide-view camera that combines with eight sensors to improve current safety features and a new short-distance collision mitigation system.
The Jazz is the first model to be fitted with Honda’s new ‘Connect’ on-board communications module, which will allow – in Japan at least – smartphone remote control of some vehicle functions, direct emergency services connection and “rush over” security guard support if an “abnormal situation” is detected.
“What we strive to do with this all-new Fit is to establish the standard for compact cars suited to this new era,” said Honda’s global president and CEO Takahiro Hachigo.
“We developed this vehicle not merely as a means of transportation for our customers. We strived for a vehicle which will become a part of our customers’ daily lives and make their daily lives more comfortable and enjoyable. This is a compact car for the new era, and this vehicle will set a new standard for Honda automobile development.
“Based on my experience with its driving performance as well as the visual and tactile quality, I have full confidence in this all-new Fit.”
Latest news from 2019 Tokyo motor show
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
