• Next Generation of iconic Jazz features two-motor e:HEV electrified technology
• All-new Jazz first to feature “e:Technology” branding that will spread to all of Honda’s future electrified products
• Addition of three new variants, “Life” “Crosstar” and “Luxe”
• Advanced connectivity provides an intuitive user interface and wireless smartphone mirroring capability
• Class-leading space retained, with significantly improved comfort levels
• Improved Honda SENSING safety system

 

NELSON, 1st May 2021. Honda New Zealand has unveiled the all-new Jazz, featuring advanced two-motor e:HEV electrified powertrain technology for the first time. The next generation of the popular Micro segment hatchback builds on the class-leading comfort and space Jazz is known for with exceptional “EV-like” driving dynamics and advanced technology and safety features.

The next-generation Jazz will be the first model in Honda’s New Zealand’s line-up to wear the new “e:HEV” powertrain badging. This is the first example of “Honda e:Technology” branding that will feature across all future electrified products.

Massive boost to standard equipment with Life Variant.
New Zealand lineup is strengthened with the introduction of a new 'Life' grade. Offering significant specification improvements on the outgoing S variant. Included but not limited too; 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC powertrain, 16” Alloys, sports trim interior, Auto climate control, LED headlights, LED DRLs, LED guide type tail lights, smart entry, push button start, walk away auto locking, power folding mirrors, privacy glass and new generation 8” infotainment system with Android Auto and Wireless Apple Carplay.

 

New Crosstar variant unveiled.
Another addition to the Jazz range is the new ‘Crosstar’, designed to appeal to those seeking a more crossover style design. Standard with the powerful and fun to drive 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC powertrain, the new Crosstar features increased ride height, dedicated suspension and steering tuning, a unique design grille, front and rear bumpers and body protectors, water-resistant upholstery and integrated roof rails.

 

New Luxe variant unveiled.
A range topping e:HEV Luxe grade has been added to the local line-up. Designed as a no compromises small car, the Luxe grade combines the advance e:HEV technology with levels of specification and refined not seen before in the Micro segment. Headlining the specifications is a full leather interior, with two colour ways (black or tan), split leather wrapped steering wheel, soft touch dash, armrest and knee pads, heated seats, key linked power folding mirrors and exclusive platinum finish exterior trims.

New minimalist clean design.
To revolutionise the essence of its compact city car, Honda focused on a new design philosophy, encapsulated in the Japanese notion of 'Yoo no bi'. This recognises the beauty that exists in everyday items, which have been honed over time to make them even more beautiful and ergonomically satisfying to use for their specific purpose.

"We have developed this car as an entity that has the power to enrich the daily lives of those who use it." explains Takeki Tanaka, Large Project Leader.

The unusually smooth exterior surface treatment and sleek front face are key to achieving a sophisticated visual balance, with all the different exterior surfaces, including the C-pillars and rear combination lamps, blended together, devoid of any lines.

Thanks to new structural technologies, the A-pillar is half the width of that on the previous model, improving forward horizontal visibility. The sleek A-pillar design is enabled by greatly improved torsional rigidity and new structural technologies that move impact stress towards the front quarter light pillars.

Natural, crisp lines run horizontally along the sides of the car, with a fresh simplicity of form.

Baek Jongkuk, all-new Jazz designer, explains, “I wanted to create a car which was a “kind companion” for the owner, while maximising its usability. I did this by minimising unnecessary features and simplifying exterior lines to deliver a car which features a friendly, fresh appearance, complete with a comfortable and practical interior.”

 

Outstanding hybrid performance: e:HEV.
The e:HEV system is newly developed for Jazz and engineered to deliver an enjoyable driving experience. It consists of two compact, powerful electric motors connected to a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and an innovative fixed-gear transmission via an intelligent power control unit, which all work harmoniously together to provide a smooth and direct response.

To deliver such a highly-rewarding driving experience and exceptional efficiency, the advanced e:HEV hybrid set-up seamlessly selects from three interchangeable drive modes:

EV Drive: the lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric propulsion motor directly

Hybrid Drive: the engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn supplies it to the electric propulsion motor.

Engine Drive: the petrol engine is connected directly to the wheels via a lock-up clutch and driveforce is transmitted directly from engine to the wheels.

Maximum power output of 109 PS / 80kW and 253 Nm of electric propulsion torque.

Astonishing fuel efficiency of 2.8L / 100kms is achieved with the New Zealand e:HEV Luxe grade.

In most urban driving situations, optimum efficiency is achieved through seamless transitions between EV Drive and Hybrid Drive. For driving at highway speeds, Engine Drive is used, supplemented by an on-demand peak power ‘boost’ from the electric propulsion motor for fast acceleration.

In Hybrid Drive, excess power from the petrol engine can also be diverted to recharge the battery via the generator motor. EV Drive is also engaged when the car is decelerating, harvesting energy through regenerative braking to recharge the battery.

Switching between the three driving modes is unnoticeable to occupants; Jazz engineers dedicated significant efforts to minimising lag during transitions. The high-speed electric motors have been developed in-house by Honda to be as lightweight, compact and efficient as possible, the electric propulsion motor spins up to 13,300 rpm to achieve a maximum speed of 175 km/h. The maximum torque is generated at 0 rpm for substantial low-speed acceleration.

Rather than using a conventional transmission, Jazz is equipped with a newly-developed Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT) with a single fixed-gear ratio to create a direct connection between moving components. The result is a smooth and reassuring transfer of torque with a linear feel during acceleration across all drive modes.

When in Hybrid Drive mode the all-new e-CVT control logic ensures that the electric propulsion motor provides powerful torque, whilst the engine provides a direct and linear feel during acceleration, similar to that of a multi-stage transmission. When more power is required, the new control logic can constantly select the ideal engine speed. This has the impact of maintaining a relationship between vehicle speed and engine speed and a more linear feeling, experienced by the driver and passengers as acceleration sound. This optimised torque output, with more responsive and consistent delivery, is a key component of the fun-to-drive character of Jazz.

 

New intuitive connectivity.
Intuitive infotainment technology with seamless in-car connectivity with Honda’s all new 9” Infotainment system paired with a 7” Drivers Display (Standard on all grades). The new LCD touchscreen interface features familiar smartphone-style usability, with swipe controls to browse recently used applications and media lists. The comprehensive suite of in-built apps can be supplemented by seamless smartphone mirroring, via built-in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is available for Jazz occupants via a wireless connection for the first time. Hard keys and a rotary volume adjustment knob return for ease of use. Steering wheel controls have also been enhanced with a scrolling roller for improved menu navigation.

 

Interior: quality and comfort.
The interior quality of the all-new Jazz provides levels of comfort and spaciousness unrivaled in the Micro segment. The contemporary interior layout echoes the clean look of the exterior, complemented with an uncluttered, user-friendly instrument panel. The wide centre console armrest also echoes interior specifications of higher segment cars. New wider, anti-fatigue front seats feature mat-structure support, replacing the previous spring set-up, to help prevent fatigue on long journeys. Improved rear-seat design and a thicker rear seat pad provides a lounge like experience for passenger’s front and rear.

The thin A-pillar design improves horizontal visibility, creating a panoramic viewing experience - with the abundance of natural light through the expansive windscreen and front quarter lights serving to enhance the sense of spaciousness in the cabin. Auto climate control is now standard on all grades, utilizing a combination of Digital temperature displays and rotary knobs for improved performance and usability.

 

Clever packaging retains unrivaled space.
The all-new Jazz retains class-leading levels of interior space that was the hallmark of previous generations through the clever packaging of hybrid drivetrain components into the chassis and within the engine bay. Key to maximising cabin room is the positioning of the fuel tank in the centre of the chassis beneath the front seats, which is unique in this class. This enables the Jazz to retain the exceptionally versatile rear Magic Seats that offer both “fold-flat” or “flip-up” seat flexibility, depending on cargo space required.

 

Honda Sensing available for the first time on Jazz.
To complete the strong package of the new Jazz, Honda provides a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features and driver aids.

The scope of the brand's Honda Sensing technology has been enhanced with the application of a new wider, higher-definition camera, replacing the previous camera and radar set-up. This enables improved awareness of vehicle surroundings, including recognition of verges without kerbs or roadside markings.

The Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) is improved and now applies the brakes when oncoming vehicles cut across or turn into the path of the car. The new camera system also enables Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to follow traffic in congestion and applies Lane Keep Assist on urban and rural roads – as well as multi-lane highways – for increased safety in more situations.

 

Sales of the next-generation Honda Jazz for New Zealand officially begins on 1st May 2021.