Honda reveals roomier, tech-laden, third-generation Jazz

Honda Motor Co has taken the covers off the third-generation Jazz hatchback. Arriving in Europe later this year, the new Jazz retains its typical silhouette but exhibits distinctive contemporary styling including a powerful new face and strong lines. The use of Honda’s cleverly packaged new global B-segment chassis means that the latest Jazz is even bigger on the inside. Also, the company’s Magic Seatssystem ensures the interior offers unmatched versatility as well as class-leading space, with a range of configurations for carrying cargo and passengers.

Longer by 95mm on the outside and with a 30mm longer wheelbase, the cars gets more interior passenger space: leg, shoulder and headroom in the front and rear are unrivalled in the class, says the company.  

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.

Cargo space is also class-leading with boot space increased to 354 litres (VDA)with the rear seats in use and 884 litres (VDA) with the rear seats down. Each of the 60:40 split Magic Seats in the rear can adopt numerous configurations to maximise the versatility of the spacious interior.

High-quality soft-touch materials and thoughtful interior design provide a sophisticated ambience. With a seven-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash, Honda Connect is a new in-car infotainment system that offers internet browsing and access to real-time news, traffic and weather and numerous internet music stations.

The 2015 Jazz, which is lighter than its predecessor, will be fitted with a new powerful and efficient 1.3-litre petrol engine from Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series. Honda says a new, more rigid and lighter chassis and re-engineered suspension facilitate a more refined ride along with more responsive and engaging handling.

Upgraded, lighter suspension components – MacPherson struts at the front and an H-type torsion beam at the rear – combine with the longer wheelbase to provide ride stability by naturally reducing pitching motions. New damper systems also improve ride quality for all occupants and reduce vibrations from the road into the cabin, and a new electric power-assisted steering system results in greater feedback for the driver.

The Advanced Driver Assist System package, which employs a camera and mid-range radar, underpins a comprehensive suite of new advanced safety technologies that are being introduced across Honda’s new product line-up during 2015.

As with all new Honda vehicles sold in Europe, the Jazz is fitted with a number of premium active and passive safety technologies.

Available as an option on the entry-level model, and standard on all other grades, Honda’s suite of safety technologies known as the Advanced Driver Assist System includes Intelligent Speed Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition system, and High-beam Support System. Honda’s City-Brake Active system will be fitted as standard on the Jazz.

Passive safety in the 2015 Jazz starts with Honda's proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure technology that enhances occupant crash protection in frontal collisions. A network of connected structural elements distributes crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle, reducing the forces transferred to the passenger compartment. ACE also helps minimise the potential for under-ride or over-ride situations that can happen during head-on or offset frontal impacts with a larger or smaller vehicle.

Further reading:

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