Honda is preparing to unveil the new Fit (also known as the Jazz in Europe) at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show this week. But while the current version of Honda's funky hatchback has been sold in the US for the last decade, there has been speculation that the next-generation model will forbidden fruit.

Last week, Honda released the first teaser photo of the new Fit, but only referred to the model as the Jazz, adding that it will be sold in Europe with a hybrid powertrain only. Honda's US division, on the other hand, has been suspiciously silent about the new Fit.

Sadly, the demise of the Honda Fit in America wouldn't come as a huge surprise, considering that compact cars aren't in very high demand right now. Sales of the Fit in the US have suffered, dropping by 17 percent through September to 27,268 units. It will be a shame to see it get scrapped because the Fit is one of our favorite cars in its class thanks to its funky design, fun driving dynamics, and excellent value for money.

The European Jazz debuts at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show this week, but there's still a chance the US version could debut later this year, possibly at the 2019 LA Auto Show. Nothing official has been announced yet, but we reached out to Honda for clarification.

A spokesperson from Honda wouldn't confirm if the new Fit will be sold in the US but hinted that the Fit and Jazz have historically been the same product, albeit with different drivetrains. Zooming in on Honda's teaser photo shows a "Fit" badge on the back, which could be another hint that Honda's new subcompact will come to the US after all. We're keeping our fingers crossed.

From the teaser photo and prototype spy shots, the new Fit will adopt a sleeker design than the current model, while Honda says it will retain its spacious cabin and versatile seating arrangement. The Euro-spec Honda Jazz will be powered by a new, more efficient two-motor hybrid system and deliver "strong and effortless driving performance." In the US, the current Honda Fit is powered by a 1.5-liter inline-four producing 130 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque when paired with a six-speed manual, or 128 hp and 113 lb-ft with the optional CVT.