Third generation 2015 Honda Jazz redefines the B-segment
The third generation of Honda’s versatile and hugely popular sub-compact hatchback, the all-new 2015 Jazz is destined to redefine the B-segment with added space, versatility, refinement and technology.
A new platform increases overall length by 95 mm, but highly efficient packaging means that the latest Jazz is proportionally even bigger on the inside than the previous generation model. Occupants will benefit from both boot space (354 litres with the rear seats up and 897 litres with the rear seats down) and passenger space that are unrivalled in the class. The all-new Jazz offers exceptional versatility, retaining Honda’s highly practical Magic Seat system which allows for numerous cargo configurations and a maximum interior loading length of an impressive 2,480 mm.
Specifications are generous across the range, with base-grade S models fitted as standard with convenience features such as air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter and dusk sensing auto lights. Every grade comes with Honda’s City-Brake Active to help avoid low-speed accidents.
The mid-grade SE model, priced from £14,595, adds front and rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and 15” alloy wheels. Honda’s Driver Assistance Safety Pack is also included, giving owners the extra reassurance of five advanced active safety aids.
Those opting for the top-grade EX model (from £15,715) will appreciate smart entry and start, automatic climate control and six-speaker audio upgrade. Styling is enhanced with 16-inch alloy wheels and front fog lamps.
Customers opting for the SE or EX models will also benefit from the Honda Connect in-car infotainment system as standard. This Android-based system features an app-based ‘pinch, swipe and tap‘ interface accessed on a seven-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash.
Honda Connect comes with pre-installed apps, with others available for download from the Honda App Centre. These give rapid access to internet-based services such as web browsing, real-time traffic information, news and weather, social media, and internet music stations.
Integrated Garmin navigation is available as an option on SE and EX models.
Designed and engineered to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP rating, every all-new Jazz sold in Europe will be equipped with Honda’s City-Brake Active system as standard. SE and EX models will be fitted with Honda’s Driver Assistance Safety Pack, which uses radar sensors, plus forward- and rear-facing cameras. This comprehensive suite of active safety technologies includes Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning and High-beam Support System.
A new, highly efficient, highly responsive 1.3 litre i-VTEC petrol engine from Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series delivers 102 PS at 6,000 rpm. This power unit delivers the sprightly driving performance of the previous Jazz’s 1.4 litre engine, together with fuel economy equivalent to its 1.2 litre.
Combined with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a newly developed CVT, emissions are as low as 106 g/km of CO2. The CVT’s driveability is given a more natural ‘multi-gear’ feel through the use of new control software exclusive to Europe which simulates seven speeds and provides optimised gear change mapping.
Leon Brannan, Head of Cars at Honda UK, commented: “Now in its third generation, Jazz continues to evolve its unique blend of quality, compact exterior dimensions and class-leading interior space. And with highly competitive list prices from just £13,495 and very affordable PCP packages from £139 per month, we are expecting strong demand for the all-new Jazz.
“The all-new Jazz signals the fourth of five new and refreshed models for Honda in Europe in 2015, an exciting year in which we’re boldly re-energising the brand. The Jazz is a world car that has now sold over 5 million units since it was introduced in 2001. The greatest strength of Jazz is its broad appeal to different customer segments, and we’re confident this latest generation will only broaden that appeal.”
in some markets, has sold over 5 million units worldwide since the first generation model was introduced in 2001 and it is currently being manufactured in seven countries. While the newcomer retains the classic Jazz silhouette, it exhibits distinctive contemporary styling, including a powerful new face and strong character lines.
Featuring bold yet sophisticated exterior and interior design, the all-new Jazz is
95 mm longer than its predecessor, with a wheelbase extended by 30 mm. A new platform means that the latest Jazz is proportionally even bigger on the inside than the previous generation model.
Part of Honda’s new global series, the all-new Jazz follows Honda’s ‘man maximum, machine minimum’ design concept. This concept aims to achieve a compact yet highly efficient package through maximising the space for occupants while minimising the space utilised by the car. The four-metre long Jazz employs a centre-mounted fuel tank to allow for class-leading interior space and Honda’s innovative packaging solutions. Honda’s Magic Seats system ensures the interior offers unmatched versatility as well as class-leading space, with a range of configurations for carrying cargo and passengers.
Occupants also benefit from increased refinement and advanced safety and infotainment technologies, as well as a highly efficient and more dynamic driving experience.
High-quality soft-touch materials and thoughtful interior design provide a sophisticated ambience, complemented by a seven-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash, featuring Honda’s new in-car infotainment system, Honda Connect – depending on model.
The all-new Jazz will be fitted with a new powerful and efficient 1.3 litre i-VTEC petrol engine from Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series. A refined ride is allied to more responsive and engaging handling thanks to a new, more rigid and lighter chassis and re-engineered suspension that has been specifically tuned for Europe.
Wide tailgate and low load height ensure easy access
The application of Honda’s ‘man maximum, machine minimum’ design philosophy ensures that the 2015 Jazz is a compact and highly efficient vehicle. A new platform employs optimised packaging solutions to provide best-in-class space for occupants and cargo. A lower-profile fuel tank mounted under the front seats frees up underfloor space beneath the rear seats, enabling the platform to accommodate Honda’s innovative Magic Seats system.
Longer than its predecessor by 95 mm on the outside and with a 30 mm longer wheelbase, the 2015 Jazz is endowed with class-leading interior passenger space: leg, shoulder and headroom in the front and rear are unrivalled in the class. Compared to the (already spacious) previous Jazz, the new model gives front occupants an extra 30 mm of shoulder room, while moving them 20 mm further apart. Rear passengers can enjoy 115 mm more leg room, 65 mm more knee room and 20 mm additional shoulder room.
The 2015 Jazz also gives customers class-leading cargo space. Boot space has been increased by 17 litres to 354 litres (VDA) with the rear seats in use and by 14 litres to 897 litres (VDA) with the rear seats down.
The 60:40 split Magic Seats in the rear of the 2015 Jazz can adopt numerous configurations across four modes to maximise the versatility of the spacious interior.
Utility mode – the rear seat back folds forward as the seat base itself lowers into the rear passenger footwell, creating a 1,505 mm-long flat floor (80 mm longer than in the previous generation Jazz).
Tall mode – the front of the rear seat base rises up and back and is locked in a vertical position to leave a cargo height of 1,280 mm from floor to ceiling, allowing tall objects to be placed behind the front seats. As well as this versatile height, the length of the space available in this mode is 55 mm greater than in previous generation Jazz.
Long mode – the front passenger seat back folds back to a horizontal position, while the rear seat back folds forward, forming a ‘tunnel’ to accommodate items up to 2,480 mm long (+80 mm).
Refresh mode – the front seat back reclines to a flat position meeting the rear seat base to create a 1,580 mm-long ‘couch’ (+80 mm), enabling occupants to sit in the rear and literally put their feet up after a long journey.
With a 1,090 mm wide tailgate and a low load height of just 605 mm, access to the boot is easy, while four tie-downs enable objects to be securely transported.
As part of Honda’s new global series, a new platform means the 2015 Jazz is 12% lighter than its predecessor and benefits from greater structural rigidity. Jazz models for the European market exclusively feature a bodyshell with additional stiffening and Europe-specific suspension settings. The changes are designed to maximise driving pleasure on typical European roads by enabling the suspension and steering to function with more precision.
Upgraded, lighter suspension components – MacPherson struts at the front and an H-type torsion beam at the rear – combine with the longer wheelbase (+ 30 mm) to provide ride stability by naturally reducing pitching motions. New damper systems also improve ride quality for all occupants and reduce the transmission of vibrations from the road into the cabin, generating a feeling of refined composure.
The front suspension features new geometry with a lower front roll centre to enhance stability, which helps the 2015 Jazz feel more accurate, natural and agile when cornering. The feeling of enhanced agility is augmented by a new electric power-assisted steering system which is 22.5% ‘faster’ to respond (the steering ratio is reduced from 18.2:1 to 14.1:1) and results in greater feedback for the driver.
The rear suspension has a raised roll centre and a new style of damper construction which better isolates the cabin from road surfaces vibrations.
The sense of agile handling combined with optimised ride composure is consolidated further by Honda’s AHA system. The AHA is another advanced technology that enhances the dynamic stability of the car, particularly when reacting to fast steering inputs or high cornering loads such as are experienced during emergency avoidance manoeuvres. Agile Handling Assist operates through the Vehicle Stability Assist system and applies a light braking force, imperceptible to the driver, to the inner wheels when the steering wheel is turned. The result is increased vehicle responsiveness and stability, and a more satisfying driving experience.
Powerful and stable stopping power for the 2015 Jazz is ensured by the fitting of an all-disc braking system featuring 262 mm ventilated front discs and 239 mm solid discs at the rear. Electronic aids which boost braking power and enhance vehicle stability include: Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist (HSA).
Building on the excellent foundation provided by the low NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) characteristics of the new platform and new suspension, the 2015 Jazz features comprehensive soundproofing throughout its structure.
Honda’s all encompassing approach to NVH brings further improvements, notably reducing engine, road and wind noise. The dashboard area of the body received particular attention to reduce noise paths, with gaps in the insulator pad reduced to the absolute minimum necessary. The steering has a floated steering SRS module which acts as a dynamic damper, reducing micro-vibrations felt in the steering wheel.
New aerodynamic covers under the vehicle reduce airflow noise while reducing aerodynamic drag to a class-leading level. The overall effect of these measures means that the 2015 Jazz feels and sounds peerlessly sophisticated, with reassuringly composed and refined dynamics, plus best-in-class refinement.
The CVT’s driveability is given a more natural ‘multi-gear’ feel through the use of new control software exclusive to Europe which simulates seven speeds and provides optimised gear change mapping. Two new additional programmes provide situation-specific enhancements.
Early Downshift During Braking (EDDB) utilises the engine to assist the driver during braking. When the system recognises a deceleration, downhill, or cornering situation initiated by the braking system, EDDB automatically increases the engine speed to provide engine braking. This then allows for quick re-acceleration after slowing or quick acceleration after cornering.
Fast Off measures how quickly the driver releases the accelerator pedal and maintains engine revs to provide engine braking in situations where the driver has released the pedal quickly. This system has been extensively tested for Europe’s high speed, multi-lane roads. For example, Fast Off recognises when the driver has prepared to pass a vehicle in front, but is unable to complete the manoeuvre due to a vehicle in the next lane. As the driver quickly releases the accelerator pedal to let the vehicle behind pass by, Fast Off maintains a high engine speed in preparation for completing the overtaking manoeuvre.
This newly-developed CVT unit delivers impressive fuel economy in conjunction with these significant improvements to driveability. The CVT gearbox allows the engine to operate within its most efficient range more of the time by continuously varying the gear ratio instead of adjusting the engine throttle opening. Automatically managed by the engine management system, the CVT gearbox selects the optimal ratio within the simulated seven speeds depending on engine speed, throttle position and driver input. Economy is boosted further by the transmission’s wider ratio range and reduced weight, the result of a rationalised design with reduced pulley pressure. Reductions in friction have been achieved through an optimised oil pump capacity, reduced oil resistance, a low friction reverse brake and a reduced friction from the rotational sliding parts.
Equipped with the CVT transmission, the 2015 Jazz accelerates to 62 mph in 12 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 113 mph.
Honda’s all-new Jazz line-up, which will feature three equipment grades, will go on sale across Europe in the middle of 2015.
