Honda refreshes Jazz hybrid range

Honda has revised its Jazz hybrid with a new e:HEV hybrid powertrain that adds power and towing capacity, without impacting CO2 or fuel efficiency.

The electric drive motor has seen a 10 kW (14 PS) increase, taking its total output to 90 kW (122 PS), and the generator motor has also seen an 8 kW increase in power, taking it to a peak of 78 kW (106 PS).

The 1.5-litre port-injection petrol engine has gained 7 kW to now produce a maximum of 79 kW (107 PS).

Torque remains at 131 Nm. Honda’s hybrid system produces CO2 emission from 102g/km, with the Advance Sport grade from 105g/km.

The automatic transmission in the Jazz e:HEV has been tweaked to "improve smoothness and driveability".

Honda says that following customer feedback it has also added the ability for the Jazz to tow up to 500kg, accommodating small trailers or bike carriers.

Other revisions include a new Advance Sport grade, as well as interior and exterior style updates across the range.

Elegance and Advance grades feature a new, more defined grille design as well as a darker headlight insert.

The revised Jazz range also feature new bumpers and new colours for the Advance's alloy wheel design.

The Jazz Crosstar also features several exterior revisions. These include a more defined grille with honeycomb design, silver inserts designed to look like underbody protection, and new, matching side skirts. Rounding out the revisions are a new finish for the alloy wheels, and the introduction of a new exterior colour: Fjord Mist blue.

Inside, Elegance and Advance grades feature revisions to the colour, material and finish choices, while the Crosstar’s interior features new seat upholstery as well as revisions to the dash and door cards along with a new trim finish for the dashboard, centre console, and minimalist two-spoke steering wheel. 

Advance Sport grade 

The new Advance Sport grade – available in a new Urban Grey paint – incorporates a unique finish to the front bumper design, a sporty lattice grille as well as gloss black wing mirrors and unique 16-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the Advance Sport features seats finished in a unique combination upholstery of black synthetic suede and grey synthetic leather, while a new three spoke wheel, central armrest and door cards are detailed with a contrasting yellow stitch.

The new Advance Sport features a new throttle pedal map to deliver increased driving power and improve response characteristics. In addition, the linear shift control has been revised to give the petrol engine a new, higher shift point of 6,300rpm. 

To capitalize on the powertrain revisions, the Advance Sport includes changes to the Jazz's suspension set-up. The front spring rate has been decreased by 8% - with the rear increased by 20%.

Honda says the revised front to rear stiffness balance offers a "more focused, dynamic drive". New stiffer dampers have also been added for increased traction and cornering speed.

Technology and safety upgrades

Honda has upgraded to a wider angle, higher-definition camera the enables improved awareness of a vehicle's surroundings, including recognition of verges without kerbs or roadside markings, while the active safety systems have been revised to reduce their intrusion on everyday driving.

The Traffic Jam Assist function, now upgraded to feature steering support from 0 km/h.

Sales of the new Honda Jazz and Jazz Crosstar for European markets are set to start early this year.