2020 Honda Jazz & Jazz Crosstar

1. Introduction: All-new Jazz offers outstanding efficiency, comfort and class-leading connectivity

• Advanced hybrid powertrain delivers optimum efficiency and performance

• Contemporary design is an evolution of the iconic Jazz silhouette
• Introduction of a new Jazz variant – Jazz Crosstar
• Integrated technology provides next-generation infotainment and connectivity

• Class-leading interior space and outstanding practicality
• Suspension enhancements deliver a dynamic driving experience
• Comprehensive suite of advanced safety features

The all-new Honda Jazz and Jazz Crosstar provide an effortless driving experience with efficient and responsive performance delivered by advanced e:HEV hybrid technology as standard. Part of Honda’s new e:TECHNOLOGY range, the next-generation Jazz is available exclusively with e:HEV two-motor hybrid powertrain technology and is the first of six electrified Honda models scheduled to be introduced in Europe by 2022.

Jazz e:HEV has been engineered to deliver a compelling blend of strong performance and impressive efficiency to complement its class-leading levels of interior comfort and usability.

To revolutionise the essence of its compact city car, Honda focused on a new design philosophy, encapsulated in the Japanese notion of ‘Yoo no bi’. This recognises the beauty that exists in everyday items, which have been honed over time to make them even more beautiful and ergonomically atisfying to use for their specific purpose.

“We have developed this car as an entity that has the power to enrich the daily lives of those who use it.” explains Takeki Tanaka, Jazz Large Project Leader.

An evolution of the timeless Jazz shape, the design of the new Jazz introduces smooth contours which follow the short nose and cabin-forward style of previous generations. The result of this design evolution is a new emotional appeal to add to the class-leading levels of comfort and practicality for which Jazz is renowned.

When developing the all-new Jazz, Honda engineers worked closely with the design team to ensure the car retained the class-leading levels of interior space that is the hallmark of previous generations. They achieved this through the clever packaging of hybrid drivetrain components into the chassis and within the engine bay.

The e:HEV system is newly developed for Jazz and engineered to deliver enjoyment to the driving experience. It comprises two energy-dense electric motors, a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and an innovative fixed-gear transmission, which all work harmoniously together to deliver the best ratio of fuel economy to acceleration in its class.

Intuitive technology and seamless in-car connectivity integrate with occupants’ everyday lives with ease, supported by a comprehensive suite of infotainment services, including Honda Personal Assistant and My Honda+ app (not available on all grades).

Featuring the most comprehensive suite of advanced safety features and driver aids in its class, the Honda Jazz and Jazz Crosstar are fitted with active and passive Honda safety technology designed to make driving both easier and safer.

Honda Jazz Crosstar

• New variant to the all-new Jazz range
• SUV style design appeals to drivers who lead active lifestyles

The Crosstar variant of the all-new Jazz presents a more SUV-style proposition, orientated toward those with active lifestyles. Available with the same hybrid powertrain and interior features as the standard model, the new Crosstar adds increased ride height, water-resistant upholstery and integrated roof rails.

The model’s enhanced visual presence is also bolstered by a bolder front grille design, black cladding around the wheelarches and stylish side sills. The Crosstar-specific 16-inch silver and black alloy wheels create a sense of increased stability and complete the variant’s overall robust visual impact.

1. 2. Powerful e:HEV hybrid technology delivers a compelling blend of performance and efficiency
   

• New Jazz is the first model to be presented under Honda’s new e:TECHNOLOGY branding
• Newly-developed hybrid technology features two compact motors combined with a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine
• Maximum power output of 109 PS / 80kW and 253 Nm of electric propulsion torque

For the first time, the Jazz will be sold exclusively across Europe with an advanced hybrid powertrain. Carrying Honda’s new e:HEV badge, the all-new Jazz has been engineered to deliver an exceptional blend of strong performance and impressive efficiency, to complement its class-leading levels of interior comfort and ultimate usability.

The e:HEV system is newly developed for Jazz and engineered to deliver an enjoyable driving experience. It consists of two compact, powerful electric motors connected to a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and an innovative fixed-gear transmission via an intelligent power control unit, which all work harmoniously together to provide a smooth and direct response.

The total output of 109 PS / 80kW can propel the car to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 175 km/h. The effect is an effortless and comfortable journey, whether travelling through urban areas or cruising at high speed on motorways. Its fuel-efficient hybrid system produces CO₂ emissions from 102 g/km (WLTP) and fuel economy of 4.5l/100km (WLTP) on the standard model and 110 g/km (WLTP) and 4.8l/100km (WLTP) on the Crosstar.

To deliver such a highly-rewarding driving experience and exceptional efficiency, the advanced e:HEV hybrid set-up seamlessly selects from three interchangeable drive modes:

• EV Drive: the lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric propulsion motor directly
• Hybrid Drive: the engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn supplies it to the electric propulsion motor
• Engine Drive: the petrol engine is connected directly to the wheels via a lock-up clutch and driveforce is transmitted directly from engine to the wheels

In most urban driving situations, 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 fast acceleration.

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

Switching between the three driving modes is unnoticeable to occupants; Jazz engineers dedicated significant efforts to minimising lag during transitions. The high-speed electric motors have been developed in-house by Honda to be as lightweight, compact and efficient as possible, the electric propulsion motor spins up to 13,300 rpm to achieve a maximum speed of 175 km/h. The maximum torque is generated at 0 rpm for substantial low-speed acceleration.

Rather than using a conventional transmission, Jazz is equipped with a newly-developed Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT) with a single fixed-gear ratio to create a direct connection between moving components. The result is a smooth and reassuring transfer of torque with a linear feel during acceleration across all drive modes.

When in Hybrid Drive mode the all-new e-CVT control logic ensures that the electric propulsion motor provides powerful torque, whilst the engine provides a direct and linear feel during acceleration, similar to that of a multi-stage transmission. When more power is required, the new control logic can constantly select the ideal engine speed. This has the impact of maintaining a relationship between vehicle speed and engine speed and a more linear feeling, experienced by the driver and passengers as acceleration sound. This optimised torque output, with more responsive and consistent delivery, is a key component of the fun-to-drive character of Jazz.

As well as being more refined, the e-CVT developed for Jazz is more compact than the conventional planetary e-CVT units typically found in hybrid vehicles from other marques. With a focus on dimensions and clever integration, the new e-CVT is an example of the intelligent packaging evident elsewhere on Jazz.

Jazz is the first model in Honda’s European line-up to wear the new e:HEV branding that will appear on all future Honda full hybrid vehicles.

3. Redefining compact class design: Seamless contemporary design introduced to iconic shape of the Jazz

• Jazz introduces ‘Yoo no bi’ design philosophy
• Evolution of the iconic Jazz silhouette with smooth lines and contours
• A-pillar width reduced by half for improved visibility

When designing and developing the latest generation Jazz, Honda engineers took the bold step of completely reimagining the model from the ground up. In the process they conceived a compelling new proposition in the compact segment: an all-new city car that combines exceptional efficiency with outstanding everyday usability, ready to meet the needs of modern consumers.

The new seamless and contemporary design evolution introduces a beautiful simplicity to the timeless shape of Jazz. Its smooth contours follow the short nose, long roof line and cabin-forward style of previous generations, to form the instantly-recognisable monoform silhouette. The result adds a new emotional appeal to the class-leading levels of comfort and practicality for which the Jazz is renowned.

To revolutionise the essence of its compact city car, Honda focused on a new design philosophy, encapsulated in the Japanese notion of ‘Yoo no bi’. This recognises the beauty that exists in everyday items, which have been honed over time to make them even more beautiful and ergonomically satisfying to use for their specific purpose.

“We have developed this car as an entity that has the power to enrich the daily lives of those who use it.” explains Takeki Tanaka, Large Project Leader.

The smooth exterior surface treatment and sleek front face are key to achieving a sophisticated visual balance, with all the different exterior surfaces, including the C-pillars and rear combination lamps, blended together, devoid of any lines.

For the designers, creating the right visual proportions was key to creating harmonious styling characteristic, inside and out. This is initiated by the new ultra-thin A-pillars that flow up in an arc from the bonnet to the broad-shouldered rear fenders.

The A-pillar thickness has been more than halved from 116mm to just 55mm with the pillar behind now providing the main structural strength. This, along with the hidden windscreen wipers, provides the driver and front seat passenger with an unobstructed, expansive field of vision. The sweeping A-pillars and a sleek door-mirror design also minimise noise and drag caused by wind turbulence and increase aerodynamic efficiency.

The overall height is reduced by 10mm, which combines with a forward-leaning tailgate design to create a more compact-looking, well-balanced cabin and a reassuringly surefooted stance.

New advanced structural technologies and processes, such as adopting the latest semiconductor technology to downsize the Power Control Unit, are key to incorporating the new two-motor hybrid drivetrain while allowing the traditional dynamic Jazz shape to be retained. Despite incorporating a new two-motor hybrid driveline, the new Jazz is only 16mm longer than the previous petrol model, and remains the same width.

Baek Jongkuk, all-new Jazz designer, explains, “I wanted to create a car which was a “kind companion” for the owner, while maximising its usability. I did this by minimising unnecessary features and simplifying exterior lines to deliver a car which features a friendly, fresh appearance, complete with a comfortable and practical interior.”

Sleek styling enhancements, including a refined rear roof spoiler and a premium-look light cluster design, complement the dynamic Jazz shape and maintain the well-balanced profile.

Jazz Crosstar

To broaden the appeal of the model, the rugged Jazz Crosstar variant presents a more SUV-style proposition, orientated toward those with active lifestyles. The model’s increased presence comes from a bold front grille design, black cladding around the wheelarches and stylish side sills and roof rails. The Crosstar-specific silver and black alloy wheels create an increased sense of stability and enhance the overall robust visual effect. To further differentiate from the standard Jazz model, the Crosstar variant is also available with its own unique Surf Blue paint colour, plus customers have the opportunity to specify a contrasting Crystal Black roof.

1. 4. Clever packaging and class-leading comfort for ultimate usability

• Optimal packaging provides class-best passenger and cargo space
• 298 litres of cargo capacity rises to 1,199 litres with rear seats folded
• Rear seat passengers enjoy enhanced levels of comfort and space
• Renowned Magic Seats offer maximum load space versatility

Creating a comfortable, feel-good interior

The philosophy of ‘Yoo no bi’ continues in the clean, minimalist interior, wrapping utility, practicality and functionality in a simple, uncluttered ergonomic cabin. To introduce the car’s pleasing utility, durable materials and contemporary, soft-touch dashboard materials are applied throughout the cabin.

The uncluttered, user-focused dashboard incorporates a slim instrument panel that sweeps horizontally across the cabin, with no visor effect restricting the field of vision, further enhancing the sense of exceptional spaciousness. With Honda placing ultimate usability at the core of the design ethos, the central HMI 9-inch touchscreen – standard on Elegance and Executive grades – and 7-inch full TFT instrument cluster – standard across the range – are simple and easy to read. Convenience features and controls are easy to reach and use, contributing to a stress-free driving experience.

Adding to the refined ambience, the flat, wide centre console armrest is height-aligned with the door armrest, echoing the interior comfort levels of larger, premium cars.

The contemporary interior of the Jazz builds on the class-leading levels of interior space that is the hallmark of previous generations.

The ultra-thin A-pillars that flow up in an arc from the bonnet improve horizontal visibility from the previous generation model’s 69 degrees to a class-leading 90 degrees. This, along with the hidden windscreen wipers and flat dashboard, allows unobstructed views and natural light to flow into the cabin through the panoramic windscreen and front quarter glass. Such abundance of light provides a sense of spaciousness for occupants, enhances the airiness in the cabin and contributes to the interior’s bright, open feel.

The luggage capacity (with rear seats up) starts from 298 litres and increases to an impressive 1,199 litres (to the roof with the rear seats down). This was achieved through the clever packaging of hybrid drivetrain components into the chassis and within the engine bay.

Fundamental developments include incorporating the air intake and components on top of the engine. This allows room for the electric motors (propulsion motor and generator) to be integerated into the engine compartment, as well as the power control unit (PCU), which is reduced by 20% compared with conventional technology. This also allows the auxiliary 12v battery to fit into the engine compartment, freeing up space at the rear. This clever packaging is made possible by using the newest semiconductors for the power control unit.

Also key to maximising cabin room is the positioning of the fuel tank in the centre of the chassis beneath the front seats, which is unique in this class. This enables the Jazz to retain the exceptionally versatile rear Magic Seat configuration that offers both fold-flat or flip-up seat flexibility, offering optimum versatility to accommodate cargo of various shapes and sizes. The packaging and overall design also permits a wider tailgate opening and new stepless flat floor that makes loading and unloading the boot easier than ever.

Front seat occupants also benefit from Honda’s newly developed body stabilising seat frame with premium mat-structure support and a 30mm seat padding thickness increase. These changes enhance comfort levels and provide greater lumbar support to minimise fatigue. To further increase driver comfort, the position of the brake pedal has been changed to optimise the foot angle offering a more natural foot placement. In addition, to support taller drivers, the steering wheel is now 2 degrees more upright and the range of adjustment has been revised to allow the wheel to be come closer to the driver.

Adults in the second row also travel in increased comfort thanks to the redesign of the Magic Seat structure allowing the hinges to be moved outside of the passenger hip points. Class-leading rear leg space of 986mm – made possible by the torsion beam suspension lay out – and seat padding thickness that has been increased by 24mm also adds to the enhanced comfort levels. Designers have also added in convenient smartphone pockets in the back of the front seats for rear occupants to use.

1. 5. Exceptional driving dynamics for an effortless driving experience

• Improved body rigidity enables suspension enhancements for agile handling
• Low friction suspension and new damper systems improve ride quality

• Cabin ambience improved through the reduction of road noise in three frequency ranges
• All-disc braking system ensures powerful and secure stopping power

Building on the Jazz’s driving dynamics and responsive performance, Honda has enhanced the car’s chassis, suspension and body rigidity for exceptional agility and best-in-class ride comfort.

The ratio of higher tensile strength steel has risen by 80% for the new Jazz, helping to reduce weight and improve safety performance in the event of a crash, static bending is improved by 6% while static torsion is improved by 13%.

The adoption of a new aluminium die-cast rear damper mount structure improves the driving experience. While further suspension improvements, such as new spring material and reduced friction-bush design, plus the rear torsion beam suspension layout, also support the outstanding ride comfort and driving enjoyment.

The front suspension geometry has a low front roll centre to enhance stability, which helps the Jazz feel precise, natural and agile when cornering. Its agility is further augmented by an electric power-assisted steering system and steering ratio improvements, which deliver accurate feedback to the driver and provide more natural direction-changing behaviour.

The low friction suspension components combine with the long wheelbase to provide an impressive base level of stability by naturally reducing pitching motions. Sophisticated damper systems also contribute to a more comfortable ride for all occupants, and minimise the transmission of vibrations from the road into the cabin, contributing to the car’s refined composure.

Responsive handling combined with enhanced ride composure is further optimised by Honda’s Agile Handling Assist (AHA) system. AHA is another advanced technology that improves the dynamic stability of the car, particularly when reacting to fast steering inputs or high cornering loads. AHA 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 stable driving experience.

Powerful stopping power is ensured by an all-disc braking system featuring 262 mm ventilated front discs and 239 mm solid discs at the rear. Electronic brake systems include: Vehicle Stability Assist, Brake Assist System, Hill Start Assist and Automatic Brake Hold.

Honda’s all encompassing approach to NVH management ensures minimal cabin intrusion of engine, road and wind noise. Increased insulation and sound deadening reduce road noise from road surface variations, improving cabin ambience in three frequency ranges. The cabin and floor panel are separated to reduce resonance through the car’s structure, and sound insulation has been added around the dashboard. Noise from the engine has also been reduced through the use of resin material to the engine mount to insulate the engine bay. The sound absorbing materials and thicker glass contribute to a 10% reduction in noise intrusion to the cabin over the previous Jazz model.

Additionally, the improved body stiffness and the use of higher tensile strength steel affords new structural technologies to be utilised to allow for the new thin A-pillars, complemented by the aerodynamic door mirror design, rear spoiler and new alloy wheel design. These aerodynamic features minimise airflow noise, help to reduce drag and improve refinement.

6. Advanced in-car technology connects owners to their everyday lives

• Seamless, intuitive in-car connectivity is unrivalled in its class
• WiFi hotspot capability and remote services keep occupants connected on the move
• AI-powered ‘Honda Personal Assistant’ delivers voice-enabled features
• My Honda+ app keeps owners connected when they are away from the car

The all-new Jazz offers the most compelling infotainment package in its segment, combining intuitive technology with seamless in-car connectivity. Next-generation advanced functionality features first seen on Honda e are fitted to all-new Jazz and will be rolled out on future models.

Owners will be able to access a wide range of easy-to-use built-in connectivity features that set a new technology benchmark in the compact segment. Connected infotainment features and apps can be accessed via touchscreen or voice activation, including weather, parking locations, music, navigation, location finding, and telephone services.

The simple-to-use LCD touchscreen interface is designed to minimise driver distraction; operation time for the most regularly-used controls is reduced by 58% compared with the previous model, providing a safer and more ergonomic experience. The system interface is navigated using familiar smartphone-style usability, with swipe controls to scroll through pages and lists. The display can be configured to suit any usage requirements, incorporating customisable shortcuts to frequently used functions and audio sources.

The comprehensive suite of in-built apps can be supplemented by smartphone mirroring, enabled by Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with the latter available via wireless connection for the first time in the Jazz. Even the owners manual can be accessed via the onboard touch infotainment system or through AI voice control for customers who have subscribed to Honda Personal Assistant. Occupants also have the opportunity to benefit from in-car WiFi to keep them connected to web services while on the move.

The new Jazz Crosstar boasts an exceptional eight-speaker premium sound system that includes an aluminimum dome tweeter, Honda-unique Kevlar cone speakers and a subwoofer in the rear luggage space, and achieves the best acoustic performance in this segment. In order to not affect visabillity the tweeter has been built in to the inner door handle, while the subwoofer box is placed where it doesn’t intrude on luggage space.

The car’s interior designers paid great attention to detail when creating the uncluttered dashboard and interface. In response to consumer demand, Honda has reinstated physical controls for key functions, with tactile, precise-feeling dials for heating and ventilation settings.

My Honda+ app

Honda has launched its My Honda+ smartphone app to keep owners connected to their car remotely. The smartphone-based service has been designed with a simple, intuitive user experience that provides secure access to a range of in-car functions, including convenience and security features. For example, journey information can be set up and sent from the app to the car and it can also lock and unlock the car remotely.

For additional security, the app provides location monitoring and car tracking via GPS. Intelligent Geofencing can also be activated to alert the owner if the vehicle breaches a pre-set ‘geofence’ zone, plus a security notification delivered to the smartphone app if the car’s security alarm is activated.

Honda Personal Assistant

The infotainment and connectivity features accessed via the advanced touchscreen interface can also be activated using voice commands, through Honda Personal Assistant. First seen in the Honda e, the intuitive Honda Personal Assistant is a smart artificial intelligence (AI) agent which harnesses natural, smart instruction-based conversations and contextual understanding to access a range of online services.

The Honda Personal Assistant assesses command inputs with a level of complexity beyond the capabilities of other voice activated virtual assistants. The system understands several levels of interaction, for more exact responses to specific queries. An owner can ask, for example: “OK Honda, find me an Italian restaurant with free parking, WiFi, and that’s open now.” The Honda Personal Assistant locates suitable options and presents them on the touchscreen interface, before plotting the optimal route to the chosen location and displaying it on the navigation screen.

To achieve optimum stress-free ownership, Honda will deliver over-the-air updates to ensure that features and apps benefit from enhancements and new functions.

For added security all vehicles feature E-Call for roadside assistance as standard. In the event of an emergency, such as airbag deployment, the car’s location is automatically shared with the relevant emergency services.

7. Comprehensive suite of Honda safety technologies

• All-new Jazz includes a comprehensive active and passive safety package as standard
• Enhanced Honda SENSING technology includes new wider angle high-definition camera
• Occupants protected by 10 airbags in the all new Jazz, including a new front centre airbag – a first-to-market in its class

The latest-generation Jazz incorporates as standard a suite of premium active and passive safety technologies designed to make driving both easier and safer.

Enhanced Honda SENSING active safety technology offers a broad range of driver assistance features and driver aids as standard, thanks to a newly-developed front wideview camera that enhances the field of vision and night-time operation, increasing safety in more situations.

The enhanced Honda SENSING suite of technologies includes:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System with improved night-time operation to also detect pedestrians when there is no street lighting. The system also alerts the driver when it detects a cyclist cutting across. In addition, the system now applies the brakes when the Jazz cuts across or turns into the path of an oncoming vehicle. This is enabled by the newly-developed front wideview camera.
• Adaptive Cruise Control which manages the gap to the car in front automatically and allows the car to follow traffic at low speeds in congestion (Low Speed Follow).
• Lane Keeping Assist System operates from 72km/h (45mph) on urban and rural roads – as well as multi-lane highways – for increased safety in more situations.
• Road Departure Mitigation System assists the driver to not stray from the road. It alerts the driver if it detects the vehicle approaching the outer edge of the pavement (into a grass or gravel border), an oncoming vehicle, or drifting into another lane without indicacting.
• Blind Spot Information, complete with Cross Traffic Monitor is standard on Executive grade.
• Traffic Sign Recognition System uses the front wideview camera to detect road signs whenever the vehicle is moving forward. The system automatically recognises and displays the signs via the seven-inch LCD display once the vehicle has passed the sign. The system is designed to detect circular road signs displaying speed limits and ‘No Passing’ information. Two road signs can be displayed at any one time – the right side of the display only shows speed limit signs while the left shows ‘No Passing’ signs and speed limits with additional information; such as weather conditions, for example.
• Intelligent Speed Limiter recognises traffic speed signs and sets the speed limit. If the traffic sign shows a slower speed compared to the actual vehicle speed, an indicator on the display flashes with an alarm sound and the system gradually decreases the vehicle speed.
• Auto High-Beam works at speeds of more than 40km/h (25mph) to switch High Beam head lights on/off automatically depending on oncoming/preceding vehicles (cars, trucks and motorcycles), bicycles and environmental brightness.

The new wider angle, higher definition camera replaces the multi-purpose camera and City-Brake Active System sensor set-up of the previous-generation Jazz. The camera recognises a more comprehensive range of road surface and traffic characteristics. These include detecting if the vehicle approaches the outer edge of a pavement (into a grass or gravel border), an oncoming vehicle, or drifting into another lane without indicating, and road signs. The camera is also able to eliminate condensation for a constantly clear field of view.

The driver can decide how much driver assistance information is displayed on the seven-inch TFT liquid crystal display (LCD) instrument binnacle.

Passive safety engineered into the Jazz structure

The all-new Jazz incorporates Honda’s proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure technology that forms the foundation for excellent passive safety performance, enhancing occupant crash protection.

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™ not only protects the car and its passengers by dispersing the collision energy throughout the body structure, but it also reduces the collision energy against the other vehicle too. Its safety performance helps protect occupants from collisions with large and small vehicles alike.

Passive safety is as important to Honda as active safety to protect occupants in the event of an accident. Jazz owners and occupants are now protected by 10 airbags, including two new rear side airbags installed in the rear seats and a new front centre airbag installed in the front seat. The new front centre airbag is a first-to-market in it’s class and activates in the event of a collision to reduce impact caused by contact between passengers. The Jazz has also been fitted with whiplash-mitigating front headrests.

8. Technical specifications