Honda has pulled the covers off its all-new Jazz supermini.
With a new platform increasing overall length by 95 mm, the latest Jazz is proportionally bigger on the inside than the previous generation model. Honda says specifications are 'generous across the range', with base-grade S models fitted as standard with features such as air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter and dusk sensing auto lights. Every grade comes with Honda's City-Brake Active to help avoid low-speed accidents.
The Jazz will be available with a new 1.3 litre i-VTEC petrol engine, from Honda's Earth Dreams Technology series, delivering 102 PS at 6,000 rpm. Honda says the power unit delivers the 'sprightly driving performance' of the previous Jazz's 1.4 litre engine, together with fuel economy equivalent to its 1.2 litre.
Combined with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a newly developed CVT, emissions are as low as 106 g/km of CO2. The CVT's driveability is given a more natural 'multi-gear' feel through the use of new control software which simulates seven speeds and provides optimised gear change mapping.
The mid-grade SE model, priced from £14,595, gets front and rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and 15" alloy wheels. Honda's Driver Assistance Safety Pack is also included, giving owners the extra reassurance of five advanced active safety aids.
Those opting for the top-grade EX model (from £15,715) gain smart entry and start, automatic climate control and six-speaker audio upgrade. Styling is enhanced with 16-inch alloy wheels and front fog lamps.
Customers opting for the SE or EX models will also benefit from the Honda Connect in-car infotainment system as standard. This Android-based system features an app-based 'pinch, swipe and tap' interface accessed on a seven-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash.
Honda Connect comes with pre-installed apps, with others available for download from the Honda App Centre. These give 'rapid' access to internet-based services such as web browsing, real-time traffic information, news and weather, social media, and internet music stations.
Boot space comes in at 354 litres with the rear seats up and 897 litres with the rear seats down thanks to Honda's Magic Seat system, which allows for numerous cargo configurations.
Leon Brannan, Head of Cars at Honda UK, commented: "The all-new Jazz signals the fourth of five new and refreshed models for Honda in Europe in 2015, an exciting year in which we're boldly re-energising the brand. The Jazz is a world car that has now sold over 5 million units since it was introduced in 2001. The greatest strength of Jazz is its broad appeal to different customer segments, and we're confident this latest generation will only broaden that appeal."
The all-new Honda Jazz will go on sale in the UK in September with on-the-road prices starting at £13,495 for the S manual to £16,815 for the EX with CVT.