Its unique proposition is that it succeeds in capturing essential B-segment values such as attractive exterior styling, compact dimensions, fuel efficiency and manoeuvrability and, through innovative technology, blends them with C-segment attributes of interior space and flexibility - in a high quality, highly individualistic design.

Key target customers are 20-35 year old males and females without children, particularly early adopters, who are perhaps buying their first car and perhaps their first Honda; young families aged 30-40; and empty nesters aged 55 plus who may well have previously owned a Honda.



Honda Jazz in detail

Body

- Attractive, well-proportioned styling
- New Global Small Platform delivers packaging efficiency to C-segment standards in spite of B-segment exterior dimensions
- Super short nose features arch-type ramp side frames for outstanding impact safety characteristics
- Frontal and side impact to Euro NCAP four star standard targeted
- Pedestrian safety to Euro NCAP three star standard targeted
- Class leading body rigidity and NVH performance

Honda's new Jazz delivers exceptional interior spaciousness within B-segment dimensions and clothes it in a pleasingly well-proportioned design that is not overly tall. An overall length of 3830 mm positions the Jazz around the middle of the B-segment, even though its C-segment type interior dimensions suggest otherwise. Its height, at 1525 mm, falls somewhere between conventional B-segment contenders and the growing number of B-segment MPV models appearing on the market. The Jazz is also remarkably manoeuvrable, with a class leading 9.4 m turning circle (S and SE grade).

The secret behind its packaging efficiency is Honda's new Global Small Platform which uniquely features a fuel tank mounted in a central position beneath the front floor. As well as providing a supremely safe location, its positioning here frees up additional space in the rear of the car. This, together with a particularly compact rear suspension design, allows the rear floor to be lowered by a substantial 220 mm (compared to the previous Honda model in this class), benefiting both luggage space and rear passenger accommodation.

The compact dimensions of the Jazz's i-DSI engines and the strut front suspension, meanwhile, deliver the 'super short nose' that maximises the cabin space available - front overhang is just 715 mm compared with the 800 mm for the previous model. At the same time, the new platform provides excellent body rigidity and impact protection characteristics.


The concept of 'zenshin' adopted in exterior design

Honda Jazz's innovative, original styling is based on a design concept of 'zenshin', meaning new, progressive and integrated. Its characteristic short nose creates a monoform design, a theme established in the larger Civic and Stream models and further refined in this model, and its highly aerodynamic nature significantly helps fuel economy at motorway cruising speeds (the Cd figure is 0.31).

Flared, muscular wheel arches give the Jazz a broad, purposeful stance. At the front, the large, multi-reflector headlamps with clear lenses flank a steeply rising, scalloped bonnet that features a central crease line accentuating the sporty and distinctive form.

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