All New Honda Jazz Revealed

2008 Honda Jazz/ Fit / Honda

'Big Car Features'

By Thami Masemola
July 28, 2008 3:00 pm
Filed Under: General, Honda, Japanese

Press Release

New ACE body structure



Even more efficient safety performance results from the introduction of the ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure, a concept that is being progressively rolled out across the Honda range. Its structure, in particular a front polygonal main frame, helps to reduce the negative effect of misalignment between vehicles of different sizes and construction and multiple energy absorbing pathways disperse impact energy to prevent cabin deformation.

Standard on all models are dual front and side airbags, full length side curtain airbags and three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions, those in the front with dual-stage pretensioners. The front passenger airbag can also be deactivated to allow a rear facing child seat to be fitted to the front seat and for the first time Jazz is equipped with seatbelt reminders for both the front and rear seats. Front seats are also fitted with active headrests to minimise the potential for whiplash injuries.

Two ISOFIX fittings in the left and right rear seats together with tether anchors in the roof ensure correct child seat installation.


Larger, more refined cabin with even better functionality


The ingenious interior layout of the original Jazz, with its compact suspension and centrally-mounted fuel tank liberating more load space, together with the increased external dimensions of the new model, mean interior comfort has been taken to a new level.

Rear seat passengers now have 37 mm greater knee room, while the distance between front and rear passengers is up by 30 mm. The slightly wider body also means shoulder room increases by 44 mm in the front and 43 mm in the rear.

Visibility gets a considerable boost, too. Reduced width A-pillars, a larger windscreen and quarter windows three times the size of those in the previous model make for more relaxed driving, while retractable rear headrests ensure the view out of the rear window is now totally unobscured.


Magic Seats now one-motion dive-down


Given the popularity of the previous Jazz's innovative ‘cinema' style rear seats, it comes as little surprise that Honda chose to offer a similar arrangement in the new car; but while the latest Magic Seats operate on the same principle, they are even more convenient since they have a one-motion, dive-down operation. No longer is there a need to move the front seats forward to collapse the rear seats. Instead, thanks to headrests that are virtually flush with the seatback, the 2:1 split rear seats are able to clear the front seats even when the latter are slid back to their rearmost position.

New Double-Trunk boot feature (1.4-litre models)


The outstanding practicality of the Magic Seats concept is complemented in the new Jazz by a flexible luggage area based on similar principles to the arrangement found in the Honda CR-V. Standard on 1.4 models, which are equipped with a tyre repair kit, the Double-Trunk boot features an underfloor storage area concealed by a double hinged panel - Regular Mode. The 230 mm deep, 64 litre capacity lower compartment is ideal for stashing sports gear or wet items, and once covered, won't soil other luggage.

The floor can be removed altogether or folded up against the rear seats to make full use of the total depth available - ideal for particularly tall objects (Tall Mode). Alternatively, rather than folding the complete panel against the seat backs, its rear half can be folded up to create a load shelf at half height - so creating a double load space - Upper/lower Mode. Heavier items can be stored below, while lighter items can be placed on the upper shelf, and since it incorporates a load net, is perfect for carrying awkwardly shaped items, preventing them from moving around.

Total luggage space available is 399 litres in models with a tyre repair kit, greater than that of some compact MPVs and class-leading in the supermini sector. The previous Jazz had a total of 380 litres (VDA).


Refined cabin environment


High quality, pleasant-to-the touch materials, stylish design and tasteful colours give the cabin a more upmarket feel.

More comfortable front seats with better support, a driver's footrest, a height adjustable driver's seat, a steering wheel adjustable for reach and rake and larger rear seats are just some of the features that contribute to the more cosseting, more relaxed cabin environment. Extra sound insulation and the increased body rigidity also play their part in making the Jazz a pleasant place to be. And for a real sense of spaciousness, the Jazz 1.4 EX is equipped with a panorama roof that extends over the rear seats for a great aerial view. Heat absorbing glass and a power sun shade ensure a comfortable cabin environment all year round.

Source: Honda
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Comments

AG4
July 28, 2008 8:17 pm
The 1.2 and 1.4 liter engine are for what markets?

The all-new ASEAN Honda Jazz made its debut in Thailand with a 120PS 1.5 liter VTEC engine. A 1.3 will probably be offered in other asian markets...

joshg_5
July 29, 2008 12:09 am
Are you kidding, those are the kind of engines that are perfect for the American market. Believe me, I'm all for driving V8's, but right now, in such a crisis, I'd love to have a 1.2L engine. That's the type of stuff that would save Ford...

"Built for life America"............Hella

daimlerz
July 29, 2008 12:28 am
It's interesting to note that the European and Japanese/Asian market Jazz/Fit is 'cuter' just because it is overall shorter than the US/Canada spec Honda Fit. Not only do the bumpers of the North American model extend more but upon close inspection, the overall nose is longer too (i.e. bigger engine compartment; not sure if extending the engine bay was necessary or perhaps it was designed for safer frontal collision) Looking at the NA model, the tip of the headlight is farther away from the A pillar compared to the other world market's version. Personally, this creates a less balanced car aesthetically because there seems too much frontal overhang.

BabyMilo
July 29, 2008 4:40 am
it could be because the cars in NA and canada are alot bigger than europe so you need abit of a bigger car to be safe if you were ever to have a crash...

July 30, 2008 2:36 pm
It's because the US has stricter safety standards than Europe and Japan.

phobos
July 29, 2008 1:43 am
....i've never noticed it daimlerz...thanks...anyway the previous jazz was a tremendous hit in ASEAN countries,this car is small,but packs a heavy punch inside...the global market need this class of car, and some big companies are late to enter the market

Xanavi23
July 29, 2008 4:17 am
Its cool i guess...But as far as small Hondas go, i want to see a Fit Type R even if it would only be sold in Japan.

PotatoEater
July 29, 2008 5:57 am
This car is for impoverished students.

cemi
July 29, 2008 7:37 am
The engines seem to be very good with excellent fuel economy, but the car is not good looking at all, and seems out dated.

michelin901
July 29, 2008 8:40 am
i wud drive one. looks neat and is efficient

Tuner_Mad
July 29, 2008 11:26 am
Looks nice.

Anybody thinking this looks like a Ford fiesta?

Ash
July 29, 2008 7:02 pm
Yuk, Looks the same as the older model, so this is ALL new? Evolution yeah right...

The Mazda 2 is a much better looking car and overtaken the Jazz/Fit

daimlerz
July 31, 2008 11:37 am
This is exactly what it is - an evolution, not a design from the ground up. If you put the old and the new side by side, you will definitely notice the differences. The Mazda 2 is a nice design but still does not offer the versatile functionality of the Fit/Jazz. Different strokes for different folks.

122
July 30, 2008 8:53 am
No, its definitely not a looker, but for useability, versatility and space, few supermini/small cars can beat it. It has grown a little bit on its predecessor but it virtually weighs the same.

dom6698
July 30, 2008 1:36 pm
what far removed world do you live in? Mummy and daddy buy you a nice oversized chevy or ford?

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