Honda Jazz/Fit Hybrid

[bizzybear]

Originally Posted by Jeff @ TOV

The Jazz Hybrid will make its world motor show debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, further demonstrating Honda's continuing commitment to petrol-electric hybrid technology.

The launch of the latest addition to the practical Jazz line-up will mark the first time a parallel hybrid vehicle has been available to B-segment consumers. The IMA hybrid motor and control system are shared with the Insight and CR-Z hybrids, taking advantage of the proven reliability of this important technology. With almost two decades of development and 10 years of sales behind it, the Honda IMA system has proven itself to be a flexible and dependable technology, with over half a million vehicles on the road benefitting from its combination of low emissions and fuel economy.

The new model will feature the same engine as the Insight hybrid, the 1.3 litre i-VTEC engine is combined with a CVT gearbox with an electric motor sandwiched between the two to create a parallel hybrid system. Like the Insight and Civic Hybrid models the Jazz Hybrid will be capable of running on the electric motor alone under some medium and low speed conditions.

Much of the Jazz's practicality is derived from its height but despite being taller than the Insight, the Jazz Hybrid manages to maintain fuel consumption and CO2 emissions on comparable levels.

Visually the Jazz hybrid is distinguished from the current Jazz range with revised headlights, with a blue surround, clear rear lights, new front grille, restyled bumpers and a chrome tailgate garnish. The new hybrid will also be available in a range of existing colours plus a bespoke Lime Green metallic.

Inside the cabin is also given a fresh look with darker single colour dashboard, which contrasts strongly with the blue lighting of the dials and stereo. The new hybrid is also available with leather trim, the first time this has been available on a Jazz model in Europe. The Jazz hybrid will go on sale in some European markets in the early part of 2011, prices and full specifications will be announced in due course.

Along with Jazz Hybrid, Honda stand will display a special edition of European made Civic, the 2011 model year Insight, CR-Z, the current petrol Jazz, CR-V, Accord and Accord Tourer, as well as the sports touring motorcycle VFR1200F equipped with "state-of-art" V4 engine, and a stylish PCX scooter with lower emission idle-stop 125cc engine.

original link http://vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=918713

i think it's interesting that they decided to go with the Insights powertrain and no word of a Manual version right now... but then again, we don't get the "Jazz" here we get the "Fit" and i'm not entirely sure if they have similar specs from the beginning... more than likely these will be similar specs to what the "Fit Hybrid" has when it's announced...

[mocmylov]

I wasn't aware that the civic and insight can run on the electric motor alone as stated in that article? Is this true?? If it is, why wouldn't our CR-Z be able to?

[bizzybear]

i think the fact that the CR-Z has a manual transmission option, doesn't allow for the EV-only mode... i could be wrong on that tho...

[Vash337]

i love the look of the newest Mugen equipped fit. would be very interesting to see a manual option hybrid in it's 4 door chasis *instead of that boring tube of an insight*

[Mugen-R]

i think were building a jazz hybrid here in the uk, not sure when

[GoHuskies]

Originally Posted by mocmylov

I wasn't aware that the civic and insight can run on the electric motor alone as stated in that article? Is this true?? If it is, why wouldn't our CR-Z be able to?

The Civic can, the Insight I'd suspect as well. You just have to be already in motion at low speeds, release some pressure from the accelerator and the IMA will propel the car. Of course it only helps in parking lots and residential streets. Not exactly useful for most drivers.