New Honda Jazz sports extra airbag to stop front passengers clashing heads

Published: 30 April 2020 Updated: 30 April 2020

► New Honda Jazz supermini
► Hybrid power and Crosstar model
► On sale in Europe in mid-2020

The new 2020 Honda Jazz has extra airbags between the front seats to stop passengers clashing heads in an impact. The additional centre airbags are a first for the supermini class, according to Honda.

The new hatchback was first revealed at the 2019 Tokyo motor show and a European event in Amsterdam. For the first time ever, Honda’s supermini will be hybrid only, wearing the Jazz e:HEV badge in the UK.

It’s not the only Japanese supermini to offer hybrid power. But rivals such as the new Toyota Yaris (a close rival to the Jazz) offer petrol choices too. The new Honda Jazz range will go on sale in Europe in mid-2020 – and there’ll be a Crosstar variant, too.

Hybrid only, you say?

Yup. It’s far from the first time since Honda released a hybrid model, with the brand saying there’s now much more of a focus on combustion-electric powertrains. Honda wants all of its cars in Europe to have hybrid power by 2022. 

The Jazz itself has been a hybrid in previous generations, but it’s a bold step to solely use that powertrain. Honda claims 62mpg average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 102g/km.

Honda Jazz interior

The new Honda Jazz e:HEV range will cost from £18,980 in the UK, or just £199 per month on a monthly finance package. Prices look like this at launch:

  • SE £18,980
  • SR £20,180
  • EX £21,380 
  • Crosstar EX £23,580

The Jazz was always a practical thing…

And so is this one; it’s tidy inside and, naturally, full of storage cubbies. Honda’s also used some interior design techniques from the upcoming Honda e city car, including a new two-spoke steering wheel and digital instruments. 

Also, for the nerdiest Honda fans, the brand has kept the ‘Magic Seats’ in the rear (unlike the Civic), meaning the seat bases can fold up as well as fold flat.

You mentioned a Crosstar version?

Honda Jazz Crosstar

Think of it as a Jazz Allroad, but it’s all just for show. No low-range gearbox or all-wheel drive here, just chunkier looks and a raised ride height.

The new Honda Jazz e:HEV family will go on sale half-way through 2020.

Check out our Honda reviews

By Jake Groves

CAR's deputy news editor, gamer, serial Lego-ist, lover of hot hatches

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