Waiting for a new premium hatchback? We have got good news for you. The 2020 Honda Jazz premium hatchback is set to be revealed at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. What is there to be excited about you ask? Well, some images of the new cars have hit the internet and rumor is that the 3rd generation Honda Jazz will be drastically different from the current version. The Jazz seems to have gotten smaller but it could be the angle of the photo. The cars usually get larger with each passing generation and the next-generation Jazz is expected to be no different. The new car will be curvier and Honda is likely to maximize interior space with a bigger cabin than the current version. The headlamps are narrow and similar to ones on the new Maruti Suzuki Swift.
Come to mechanicals, the 2020 Honda Jazz is likely to get the 1.2-liter i-VTEC petrol engine paired with full hybrid powertrain for most developed markets of the world. For Indian market, the 1.2-liter i-VTEC petrol engine is likely to be accompanied by a mild hybrid powertrain. Honda is also likely to continue with the 1.5-liter i-DTEC turbocharged diesel engine in this car after Bharat Stage 6 emission norms are enforced.
While manual gearboxes are likely to be offered with both engines, CVT automatic options is also expected given growing demand for these in the Indian markets. This would be similar to what Honda offers on Amaze compact sedan. On the Type-R model, the Jazz is likely to get a 1.5 liter-4 cylinder turbocharged petrol engine borrowed from the Civic Type-R. This motor generates 220 Bhp power that will be enough to take on Volkswagen Polo GTI and Mini Cooper S in the country. Same goes for torque figure at 250 Nm. The Type-R variant of the Jazz is not likely to make it to Indian though given cost considerations.
As for interiors, a major makeover is likely and Honda is expected to continue its 'man-maximum-machine-minimum' philosophy for the design of the hatchback. The car will get a slew of new features that make it more appealing to premium hatchback buyers. This is necessary given that buyers are now used to a rich feature set on cars such as Maruti Baleno and Hyundai Elite i20. Baleno and i20 Elite will be Jazz's chief competitors in India and upcoming Tata Altroz will also target the Jazz. The new Jazz will be slightly pricier than before and Honda is likely to persist with a premium pricing approach for the car in the Indian market.