New Jazz leads Honda's opening to electrification

 * The next generation of the legendary Jazz adopts two-electric hybrid technology as standard equipment

 * Hybrid "e:HEV" technology offers highly refined operation and performance

 * The all-new Jazz is the first with the subtitle "e:Technology" to be used on all future Honda electric models

 * Add new version 'Crosstar'

 * Advanced connectivity with intuitive user interface and wireless smartphone mirroring

 * Top spaciousness is maintained, comfort levels are significantly improved

 * Upgraded SENSING safety system

 * The new Jazz will be launched in European markets in 2020

Honda has unveiled the new Jazz which comes with advanced two-electric hybrid technology as standard for the first time. The new generation of the popular B-Class hatchback combines the premium comfort and spaciousness for which the Jazz is renowned with an exceptional electric vehicle ride and handling and advanced technology and safety features.

The new Jazz will bring the efficiency and performance benefits of hybrid powertrains to the general public and accelerate Honda's progress towards its goal of electrifying its European range by 2022.

The next generation Jazz will be the first European Honda model to carry the new "e:HEV" badge. It is the first example of the "Honda e:Technology" badge that will be displayed on all future electric models.

Unveiling of the new Crosstar version

Another addition to the Jazz family is the new 'Crosstar' version, designed to appeal to crossover enthusiasts. The new Crosstar version will adopt the same hybrid powertrain and interior features as the standard model, but will feature increased ground clearance, a unique grille design, waterproof seat trim and integrated roof rails.

New minimalist clean design

Honda's next-generation B-Class hatchback has evolved the instantly recognisable silhouette of a Jazz volume. The unadorned, clean design philosophy that will define the identity of future Honda models follows the core functional and styling principles first seen in the Honda e.

Thanks to new structural technologies, the A-pillar is half the width of the previous model, improving horizontal forward visibility. The elegant design of the A-pillar is the result of much improved torsional rigidity and new structural technologies that transfer impact loads to specially designed collapse points.

Natural, vivid lines run horizontally along the sides of the car, capturing a fresh design. Steeper, more vertical lines accentuate the rear fender and wheel arch arches, visually enhancing the car's wider stance and sense of stability. The rear design echoes the clean lines of the front end with a sleek, new horizontal layout of the light clusters and a subtle roof spoiler.

Outstanding hybrid performance: e:HEV

For the first time in Europe, the Jazz will be available only with an advanced dual-electric hybrid system, offering an exceptional blend of powerful and effortless performance and remarkably low fuel consumption. The system has been developed for the Jazz and delivers a smooth driving feel and instant response.

New intuitive connectivity

Intuitive infotainment technology with built-in connectivity and a WiFi hotspot ensure that passengers can stay connected in their daily lives. The new LCD touchscreen interface adopts the operating philosophy of a smartphone, with swipe controls to search for recent apps and media lists. 'Smartphone mirroring' can be added to the comprehensive range of apps, via integrated Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, available to Jazz owners via wireless connectivity for the first time.

Interior: quality and comfort

The interior quality of the new Jazz offers levels of comfort and spaciousness unmatched in the B-Class.

The contemporary interior layout echoes the 'clean' exterior lines, with a sleek, user-friendly instrument panel as the dominant element. The wide armrest of the centre console is reminiscent of the equipment of larger cars.

New, wider and better-supporting front seats include special support cushions, replacing the previous spring-loaded system, for more relaxing long journeys. Improved rear seat design and thicker padding increase comfort for rear passengers.

The slim A-pillar design improves horizontal visibility, while the abundant natural light coming through the large windscreen surfaces and front portholes enhance the feeling of spaciousness inside the cabin.

Intelligent layout that preserves unparalleled spaciousness

The new Jazz retains the premium levels of interior spaciousness that have been a hallmark of previous generations thanks to the clever placement of hybrid powertrain components in the chassis and engine compartment. The secret to maximising cabin space is the placement of the fuel tank in the centre of the chassis under the front seats, which is unique in the class. In this way, the Jazz retains the versatile Magic Seats rear seats that provide the ability to raise and fold down according to the loads carried.

Honda Sensing provides comprehensive safety

Completing the powerful package of the new Jazz, Honda offers the most complete range of advanced safety features and driver aids in the class.

The range of applications for Honda Sensing technology has been increased with the use of a new wider-angle, higher definition camera, replacing the previous camera and radar system. This allows for improved recognition of the surrounding area, including the boundaries of roads without curbs or other side markings.

The Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) has been upgraded with a night mode to detect pedestrians and cyclists when there is no lighting on the road, and now activates the brakes when oncoming vehicles cross the road or enter the path of the car. The new camera system also allows Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to follow low-speed traffic in a traffic jam, and uses Lane Keep Assist on urban and rural roads - and on multi-lane highways - for greater road safety in more situations.

Sales of the next-generation Honda Jazz for European markets will start in mid-2020.