Honda Jazz Hybrid Car in Japan

Honda releases new Jazz Hybrid in Japan

Honda has released a new, third generation of its Fit model in Japan (sold as the Jazz over here) including a new hybrid version.

Benefitting from a complete overhaul, the new model gets a new look, increased dimensions and improved levels of comfort and fuel economy. 

 

Still recognisable as a Jazz, the new model looks less angular and more streamlined while a new lightweight and more rigid platform will help improve ride quality and increase miles to the gallon.

Inside, the car features a unique, swivelling front passenger seat to make it easier to get in and out of the car-something that will appeal to the Jazz’s core audience of retired drivers.

An all-new 1.3 litre petrol engine is rated as achieving 26km/litre in the Japanese fuel economy cycle (equivalent to around 73mpg)-more than the old generation hybrid model achieved.

The new hybrid arriving in December, features a new one motor Sport Hybrid i-DCD system and achieves fuel economy of around 36.4 km/litre (equivalent to 103 mpg-but more likely to be rated at around 85mpg under Euro NEDC)-the highest of any vehicle currently available in Japan.

This new hybrid system-featuring a 1.5 litre petrol engine and a new 7-speed dual-clutch-performs from start as an electric model, switching automatically EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive to adapt to driving conditions.

The new electric servo braking system increases regeneration efficiency, while the fully electric compressor reduces engine load. These and other improvements help the new hybrid system offer more than 35 per cent higher fuel economy than Honda's previous IMA hybrid system.

We’ll have to wait until spring next year before we hear of a new generation model for Europe, but there will also be a diesel engine to add to the range to meet demand here for oil burners.

First introduced in June 2001, the Fit has sold more than two million models in Japan and 4.87 million worldwide. A hybrid version was first introduced in 2010.