New-gen Honda Jazz (Honda Fit) breaks cover with hybrid powertrain

- Revealed at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show

- Will be offered only with a hybrid powertrain in Europe

Honda has taken the wraps off the new-gen Jazz at the ongoing 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. The global-spec Jazz (or Fit, as it will be called in some markets) enters into its fourth generation and debuts only in the hybrid guise as it will be sold in the European markets. The new Jazz has grown in size and comes with a whole new design language. 

Appearance-wise, the Jazz looks quirky and old-school with its bulbous headlamp shape. Even the front grille doesn’t follow the traditional Honda design of chrome slat, instead, it gets a body-coloured panel joining the headlamps and a small recess below it. The bumper design is simple as well. Meanwhile, the silhouette has a typical supermini stance and Honda has retained the characteristic quarter window on the A-pillar. Honda hasn’t divulged any figures, but the new Jazz has surely grown in size. 

Another quirky design element is the C-pillar which drops down on the wrap-around tail lamps. The large tailgate has an MPV-like stance to it and the large taillights lack any sort of drama. Even the rear bumpers are bland without even a crease or special detail. Also, the new Jazz is offered with five personalisation options – Basic, Home, Ness, Crosstar, and Luxe which add stylish elements all around. 

On the inside, the cabin is well laid out and looks spacious, to say the least. There’s a simple steering wheel with an all-digital instrument cluster sitting behind it. Mounted on the dashboard is a large touchscreen infotainment system. There are identical Honda buttons below on the centre console and instead of a conventional lever, there is an electronic handbrake as well. Also part of the package are Honda’s ‘magic seats’ and a new Connect onboard communication system. 

As for the powertrain, details of the exact power figures are yet to be announced. However, we know now that the Fit hybrid will use a two-motor setup similar to the CR-V. However, instead of the bigger 2.0-litre engine, the Jazz will be powered by either a 1.0-litre or a 1.5-litre petrol engine with lesser power and range. 

The new-gen Honda Jazz will go on sale in February 2020 in the Japanese and the European markets. It will also make its way to India; however, we’ll have to wait for the ASEAN-spec model which might come around by the end of the next year.