The all-new 2020 Honda Jazz is here, and we barely recognize it

MANILA: Leaked photos of the 2020 Honda Jazz started circulating days before its official reveal. But unlike the leaked pictures of Toyota Yaris, which got people excited, we were not quite sure what to make out of Honda's next-generation hatchback.

That's because it departs entirely from the aesthetics of its predecessor, the 2015 Honda Jazz. Honda President Takahiro Hachigo confirmed during the Jazz world premiere at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. It has traded off its sophisticated, sporty design for a more preppy look – a change that has garnered mixed responses from the auto industry.

Gone are the aggressive hood and front bumper, as they now have curvier edges. The nose no longer tapers off smoothly into the bumper. Instead, it's completely flat and has Honda's "H" logo right at the center. The sleek headlights of the previous model are replaced with wrap-around "bug-eye" headlamps. You also get a color-keyed front grill instead of the standard chrome.

Its roof is more rounded and upright. Meanwhile, the character lines and beltlines on both sides are not only narrower. They've also lost depth. Thankfully, the iconic quarter windows are there to stay but are now larger for improved visibility. At the back is a new pair of slim, wrap-around taillights. Only the tailgate retains the classic appeal of the old Jazz.

Based on the leaked brochure of the 2020 Honda Jazz – also known as Honda Fit in some markets – there will be five variants selling in Japan. Fit Basic and Fit Home are the two entry-level models. The latter will feature a more upmarket design for a slightly higher price.

Fit Ness will be the sporty mid-range variant. It has a high-contrast two-tone body, sportier wheel rims, and other visual improvements.
Fit Luxe is a higher-end variant with larger 16-inch aluminum wheels, chrome plating, roof bars, and other additions.

The range-topping Fit Crosstar is designed to look more like a crossover compact. It has black cladding, water-repellent fabric upholstery, and a different set of wheels from the entire line.

Honda didn't say which platform the new Jazz would feature. Although they did announce, it has better cornering visibility and more comfortable seats with thicker cushions and "body stabilizing" features.

Will the 2020 Honda Jazz soon be available in local markets? Honda Cars Philippines President Noriyuki Takakura says he cannot give an exact date as to when it will arrive. Since he didn't deny it isn't coming here, we can definitely expect it after it becomes available in its home market in Japan.

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