Honda's all-new and electrified Jazz is here

Monday, 3 May 2021

Honda launched the all-new Fit (sold here in New Zealand as the Jazz) at the 2019 Tokyo motor show.

Honda has launched the fourth-generation Jazz in New Zealand, confirming pricing for the three local trim levels.

The Jazz can be had in Life, Crosstar and Luxe guise, but only the range-topping Luxe gets Honda’s new hybrid powertrain, branded e:HEV.

Life replaces the outgoing S model and adds a bunch of technology to the entry Jazz. Figure on automatic climate control, LED headlights and taillights, LED daytime running lights, smart entry, 16-inch alloys and Honda’s latest 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

The latest Jazz is on sale now, with the range-topping Luxe the only version to get Honda’s new hybrid powertrain.

The Crosstar is designed for those wanting the small footprint of a hatchback with the design of a crossover (but not necessarily the off-roading capabilities). It gets unique suspension with an increased ride height of about 30mm, special steering tuning, a unique grille, front and rear bumpers and body protectors as well as water-resistant upholstery and integrated roof rails.

**READ MORE:

A new interior includes Honda’s new steering wheel and the brand’s latest infotainment system.

* Quick Charge 01/05: this week in EV news

* Honda declares all sales will be electric vehicles by 2040

If you like the look of small crossover SUVs but still want the tiny footprint of a hatchback, consider the Jazz Crosstar.

* Next-gen Honda Jazz headed to New Zealand

The e:HEV hybrid system is quite powerful for one that doesn't require a plug.

Both the Life and Crosstar models are powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder making 97kW/155Nm. It’s connected to a CVT transmission, but Honda has taken a leaf out of Toyota’s book here and added a fixed first gear to make initial getaways quicker and less CVT-ish.

The Luxe is the only model in the Jazz range to get Honda’s new dual-motor-plus-1.5-litre-engine hybrid powertrain, which produces 80kW/253Nm. Honda says it returns 2.8L/100km in fuel consumption.

That torque is instantly available, which should mitigate the laggy acceleration issues inherent in CVT transmissions, along with the new fixed first gear.

Three drive modes dictate how the powertrain is used: EV Drive only uses the electrical system; Hybrid Drive asks the engine to power an electric generator, which then powers the electric propulsion motor; Engine Drive forces the Jazz to run as a normal combustion car, with the engine powering the wheels.

In most urban driving situations, Honda says 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 faster acceleration.

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

Luxe is also the only one to get the full Honda Sensing active safety kit, which uses a new wider, high-definition camera over the old camera and radar system.

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 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.

Pricing for the new Jazz line-up starts at $28,000 for the Life, $30,000for the Crosstar and $35,000 for the e:HEV Luxe. That’s directly competing with Toyota’s Yaris, which starts at $26,990 for the base non-hybrid model ($28,990 for the cheapest hybrid) and reaches up to $34,490 for the ZR hybrid with two-tone paint.