► First pictures of new 2015 Honda Jazz
► Longer for more room, bigger boot
► New ‘Earth Dreams’ 1.3 petrol
Honda has a busy Geneva motor show planned: as well as the new Civic Type R hot hatch, the HR-V crossover and the European debut of the NSX hybrid supercar, the Japanese are bringing the new 2015 Jazz supermini to Switzerland.
This is the third generation of Jazz to be launched. See it in UK showrooms by summer 2015.
What’s new on the 2015 Honda Jazz?
You won’t mistake this for anything but a Jazz; the upright, swept-back monobox silhouette is present and correct, though they’ve added the latest Honda front-end face, it’s 95mm longer overall, there’s a Vauxhall/Opel-esque styling kink along the flanks and complex rear lamps to add some character to the rump.
The group’s global B-segment chassis is underneath sporting a 30mm longer wheelbase than before, and Honda claims this improves interior space – already a Jazz strong point. Combined with the latest pop-up, cinema-style Magic Seats, it should make this one of the most practical superminis around.
In fact, Honda claims it’s the roomiest mini on the market, period. Boot space grows accordingly, to 354 litres (seats up) and 884 with them folded.
That architecture also brings heavily revised suspension, with MacPherson struts up front and an H-type torsion beam at the rear. Combined with a longer wheelbase, it’s said to make the Jazz comfier, quieter and yet more dynamic to drive. We’ll know for sure when we drive it this summer.
What about inside the Jazz’s cabin?
A large 7in central touchscreen dominates the interior; dubbed Honda Connect, it’s split into two sections, the top one controlling the navigation, radio, phone functions and Honda App Centre.
The lower digital display beneath directs the heating system through one glass panel – there are no physical buttons to tap at all, as you swipe up the temperature or prod the heated screens on.
Be warned, though; lower models stick with a somewhat less impressive five-inch LCD information display.
Jazz engines, specs
The big news under the stubby little bonnet is the arrival of Honda’s latest 1.3-litre four-cylinder ‘Earth Dreams Technology’ engine. It is expected to be the best seller in the range, and develops 101bhp at 6000rpm. Pick from a six-speed manual (an extra cog!) or CVT automatic transmissions.
Needless to say, the new Jazz is bristling with tech and gadgets: it’ll recognise traffic signs, flick up your lights onto main beam all by itself and brake of its own accord (not Accord) if it detects an imminent accident.
No performance, economy or emissions stats are published yet. We’ll update this story once they are.