Honda Jazz has consistently been one of the best-selling hatchbacks across the globe. Apart from Civic, Jazz (also known as Fit in certain markets) happens to be another iconic brand which Honda has in its portfolio. At the moment, the hot-hatch is due for a model update and spyshots of the 2020 Honda Jazz have already started surfacing on the internet. Latest spy shots are credit to @laimu_0206 / Twitter.
It is also to be noted that the Jazz currently on sale in India has been here since 2015. While most international markets got a facelift earlier in 2018, Honda decided to give it a miss it in India because the facelifted version would have been longer than 4 metres and modifying the design for India alone wouldn’t have made economic sense. Instead, India just got a minor update with hard to notice styling changes.
However, the good news is that the new generation Honda Jazz is likely to come in India as well. While the competition has intensified, Jazz really needs a dose of freshness. The spyshots have revealed that there will be new LED projector headlamps, a new front grille and a redesigned bumper. On the rear, there are newly deigned tail-lamps and the bumper has also been redone. In terms of overall dimensions, the international variant is expected to grow, both in terms of length and width, however Indian version will still most likely fit under the 4 metre mark.
On the inside, the interiors will take inspiration from the elder sibling, the Civic. A floating touchscreen infotainment unit has already been spied in the past. It shall be compatible with both Android Auto and Apple Carplay. There is also speculation that apart from the city-centric Jazz, Honda might include a more off-road centric Jazz as well. This version will mostly include heavy claddings, roof-rails and an increased ride-height. This version would directly compete with the likes of Polo Cross and Fiat Avventura Urban Cross.
As far as global debut is concerned, it can possibly happen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September or later in October at the Tokyo Motor Show. Car might debut in India at the 2020 Auto Expo which will take place in NCR, followed by sales opening up in the first quarter of 2020.
Considering the timing, it is safe to assume that the car will have BS-VI compliant engines, right from the launch and the Jazz will easily pass the upcoming safety norms as well. Additionally, a hybrid powertrain has also been confirmed by Honda. Once launched, it will continue to compete with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20 and Volkswagen Polo. New entrants like Toyota Glanza and Tata Altroz will also be ready to drive away potential customers to their respective showrooms.