Honda Jazz: Leaked From Japan

By Feann Torr - 24/September/2007

Tokyo, Japan — Just when we thought that the overflow of new cars, concept designs, and industry-changing announcements would subside, as the Frankfurt Motor Show runs it's course, the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show has made its presence felt.

The Australian Motor Show is only a few weeks away, and we're looking forward to a couple of world firsts in Sydney, and then after that it's the Japan auto show. It begins on October 26th in Tokyo and will be home to the Nissan GTR's official launch, which you can bet will be the single biggest event in Japanese motoring this year.

The 2007 Tokyo Motor Show has also just experienced it's first major leak. And word has it that the plumbing in Japan is not so good, so expect a few more leaks before it begins in earnest...

The new Honda Jazz, otherwise known as the Honda Fit, has found its way onto the Web. The new car will come up against some tough domestic competition in the form of the new Mazda2, the Toyota Yaris, and the Nissan Micra, all of which are well entrenched. 

The Jazz gets a new style and a range of new features, neither of which won't harm its chances in new car markets.

The most obvious change is the new design, but there's also a new 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine in there too. It's offered with a 5-speed manual and is highly likely to be be optionally available  with a CVT and a range of other low emission, small 4-cylinder petrol engines in some markets (but probably not Australia - we'll most likely get the 1.5-litre mill).

From the images it's clear that the front end of the new Honda Jazz has been modified, borrowing a few styling cues from the Honda Civic Hatch, while gaining a far more angular front face.

The side profile of the new Honda Jazz isn't too different from its predecessor, though does have a slightly more swept look as the roof tapers downwards at the rear.

The interior has also benefitted from a number of changes, foremost of which is the high tech steering wheel, borrowed from the Honda Civic models. In fact, a lot of the interior looks borrowed from the Civic, including the instrument cluster and dials. A large glass moon roof is in evidence in the leaked photography, as is a large LCD screen with satellite navigation, which could mean that Honda wants to add a bit of premium sizzle to the Jazz.

The car sits on a longer wheelbase than the current models and this is expected to be boost rear passenger leg room and boot space somewhat.

We'll have more information for you from the Tokyo Motor Show, along with plenty of coverage and expect the new model Honda Jazz (a.k.a Honda Fit) to begin sales globally from 2008.

Related Links:
- Honda Accord Tourer Concept (2007)
- Honda Accord USA (2008)
- Honda Civic Type R (Road Test)
- Honda CR-V (Road Test)
- Honda Civic Type R - sedan (2007)
- Honda CR-V (2007)
- Honda Legend (Road Test)
- Honda Civic Hybrid (Road Test)
- Honda Accord Euro (Road Test)
- Honda Accord Coupe Concept (2008)
- Honda REMIX (concept)