Next-gen Honda Jazz headed to New Zealand

Sunday, 31 January 2021

Honda New Zealand has finally confirmed the fourth-generation Jazz will land on New Zealand roads, after the model debuted at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.

The local arm isn’t confirming anything else at this stage, aside from the fact that a hybrid version will be offered.

The hybrid Jazz uses a twin-motor electrical system to generate power while a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an “innovative fixed-gear transmission” drive a generator which is, in turn, connected to the motors. Basically, the electric motors produce the power and do the heavy lifting while the engine charges the battery.

The fourth-gen Jazz (or Fit as it’s otherwise known) debuted back in October 2019.

European versions of the CR-V SUV have a similar system with a 2.0-litre engine, expected to be available soon in the HR-V SUV.

**READ MORE:

Honda showed off five different versions at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. It’s unclear which will be arriving here but at least one will be a hybrid.

* Honda teases electrifed HR-V

* Honda celebrates Type R double century

* What will be the top cars of 2020? Brands from H-K

* Honda NZ tight-lipped on all-new Jazz

“We’re very excited to confirm its coming and we are sure Kiwis across the country will be impressed by the new model. It’s the biggest change to the Jazz since the first generation launched in 2002” said Matt Woodburn, Marketing and Product Manager at Honda New Zealand.

The new Jazz comes with an updated design for the new decade, including slimmer A-pillars, larger headlamp units and chunkier bumpers. The present model's vertically stacked lights have been ditched in favour of more conventional horizontal units beneath the rear window.

When Honda launched the new model, it showed off five different versions. The entry car is the Basic, there's a Home for around-towners, a more vibrant Ness (as in Fit Ness), a faux-SUV version called Crosstar and a leather-trimmed Luxe flagship.

At the moment, it’s unclear which Honda NZ will take, but we should know more in the coming months as Honda has promised more information in the second quarter of 2021.