Honda Jazz

In many parts of the world, the five-door Honda Jazz (or Honda Fit in some markets) is probably one of Honda's most well-known models on the road. This subcompact car has proven to be versatile for a wide range of uses thanks to its reconfigurable interior. The unique combination of its adjustable interior modes, its small size and its exceptional cargo space make it suitable for both family and utility use.

The interior modes are made possible by the unique layout of its fuel tank and rear suspensions, enabling up to five different seating arrangements:

• Normal: all seats in regular positions for up to five occupants
• Utility: rear seats can be folded to create a flat load surface and increased cargo space
• Long: front and rear passenger seats fold to create an area to hold long items of up to 2.4 meters
• Tall: back seat arrangements to allow for a tall space with a height of 1.28 meters
• Refresh: only available in specific markets, this mode allows for the creation of a lounge-type of a seating area in the car for relaxation.

Funnily enough, this family-friendly car almost had its image ruined even before it hit the road in 2001. Unknown to many, this car's intended name was the Honda Fitta, and Honda also had this name on all its marketing materials printed and ready to go. It came to a halt when they suddenly realised that the word 'Fitta' was a vulgar word that would have offended many all across Scandinavia. Elsewhere in markets like Spain and Italy, the same name sounded dangerously close to other vulgar words as well, which is why Honda shortened the name to just Honda Fit.

Worse still, the car's slogan was "Small on the outside but big on the inside", which would've just added more to the embarrassment.

Dodged a big bullet there!

In markets like Australia, Europe, Oceania, and the Middle East, this car goes by the name Honda Jazz. Markets that maintain the name Fit include China, Sri Lanka, Japan, Taiwan and the Americas.

Initially, the Honda Jazz available in Australia was produced in Japan right until 2005. Since then, Honda's production plant in Thailand had been supplying the market, which made costs cheaper for Australian buyers. However, the shift cut down the number of colour choices available by half, from 12 to 6 colours.

Recently, Honda unveiled the fourth generation of the Honda Fit/Jazz, which is set to go on sale in Japan in early 2020.

In terms of its timeline, the generations have been:

• First Generation (2001-2008)
• Second Generation (2007-2014)
• Third Generation (2013-2020)
• Fourth Generation (Coming February 2020)

The First Generation (2001-2008)

The first generation of Honda Jazz was designed by Mitsuhiro Honda and came in six variants:

• GD1: 1.3 L L13A i-DSI inline-four engine 2WD
• GD2: 1.3 L L13A i-DSI inline-four engine 4WD (Only in Japan)
• GD3: 1.5 L L15A VTEC inline-four engine 2WD
• GD4: 1.5 L L15A VTEC inline-four engine 4WD (Only in Japan)
• GD5: 1.2 L L12A Inline-four engine (For Europe)
• GE3: 1.3 L L13A i-DSI inline-four engine 2WD (2007 Europe 1.4 L model and produced in China)

In Australia, the Honda Jazz was first introduced at the end of 2002. Up until 2005, it was imported straight from Japan and mostly followed the 2WD Japanese models of the car.

The base model GLi had a 1.34-litre i-DSI engine and came with airconditioning, a CD player, windows, mirrors, and a standard five-speed manual gearbox. Safety features included two front airbags, ABS brakes, and an immobiliser. Optionally, buyers could also go for a CVT auto transmission instead.

The Australian market also had available the VTi and VTi-S models. The VTi came with a 1.5-litre VTEC engine, and a sports trim instead, while the VTI-S included the additional sports body kit with fog lights and 380mm alloy wheels.

The Second Generation (2007-2014)

The second generation of Honda Jazz came out in October of 2007. It was well-received for its updated design, improved ride and handling. It maintained its height, though it was broader and longer, especially in its wheelbase.

Models built in Thailand (for the Australian market) came in three trim levels: S, V, and SV. The first offered a choice of either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, while the V and SV trims came only in automatic.

All three trim levels, however, came with a 1.5-litre 16 V engine with i-VTEC, ABS brakes, and CD/MP3 audio. By the end of 2010, all second-generation Honda Jazz in Australia came with Honda's Vehicle Stability Control.

This period was when production in Thailand came to a halt during the 2011 floods that took the plant offline. Australia temporarily imported the Honda Jazz's Vibe and Vibe S variants from Japan until the Thai plant was up and running again.

The Third Generation (2013-2020)

The third generation of Honda Jazz was mostly the same in design, especially its multi-configuration interior concept that it started branding as its "Magic Seating". It came with a facelift that included new bumpers, LED headlights, and daytime running lights. This facelift has made the third generation stand out as being the edgier, sportier one of the family of Jazzes.

One thing emphasised in the third generation of the Honda Jazz is connectivity. Since 2014, it came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports and even an HDMI input as standard features.

In Australia, the third generation of Honda Jazz comes in VTi, VTi-S and VTi-L variants. All three of these have a maximum power of 88 kW and a maximum torque of 145 Nm.

One notable difference among the three is in terms of its transmission. The Jazz VTi is the only one among the three that offers a 5-speed manual option, while the VTi-L is the only one that offers paddle shifters on its steering wheel.

The Fourth Generation (Coming February 2020)

The latest generation of Honda Jazz had already been revealed recently at the Tokyo Motor Show back in October of 2019.

This version seems to be the most high-tech yet, carrying Honda's two-motor hybrid e:HV drivetrain. The fourth-generation also comes with upgraded Honda Sensing driver-assist systems. These consist of a front camera and sensors providing safety features and short-distance collision avoidance. Additionally, it comes fitted with Honda's new 'Connect' on-board communications module, at least for Japan. This module provides smartphone remote control of specific functions and a way to communicate directly with emergency services should the need arise.

Details are still unclear on whether or not Australia will receive the upcoming generation of Honda Jazz. Some sources point out that it may not do so well here, seeing how the Australian market has shifted its preferences towards SUVs and away from subcompact vehicles. With new high-tech features and higher price tags, Honda might decide that it can't sell as much of the Jazz in Australia as with previous generations of the car.

While details are still vague, what's known is that the trim levels for the fourth generation will be Basic, Home, Ness, Crosstar, and Luxe.

It's hard to tell what happens next for the Honda Jazz and where it might be available all around the world. Given its long history as a tried and tested champion of the subcompact category, this is one car worth keeping a close eye on.

If you need auto parts for the earlier generations of Honda Jazz or have a retired Jazz sitting in your garage which you want to sell as an entire car or car parts, Carpart.com.au will be able to help you. 

- Rasyad 'Ray' Hasbollah