NEW HONDA JAZZ HYBRID / HONDA FIT HYBRID IN 2010

NEW HONDA JAZZ HYBRID /  HONDA FIT HYBRID IN 2010

Honda is finally trying to catch up to Toyota in the hybrid game with three new hybrid vehicles joining Honda’s lineup in the next few years. First we will get the Insight hybrid next year, followed in 2010 by a production version of the CR-Z hybrid concept and then eventually a Fit / jazz hybrid.

Sources are now claiming that Honda is going to release a hybrid powered version of the Fit/ Jazz in 2010. The Fit hybrid will feature the same hybrid powertrain as the Insight, which is a 1.3L engine mated to an electric motor. According to sources the Fit hybrid will get approximately 23.72 litre/km which is better than perodua kancil at 19 litre/km.

The Honda Fit, also called Honda Jazz, is a five-door hatchback subcompact produced by Honda of Japan, that was first introduced in June 2001. The vehicle is known as the Fit in Japan, China, and in both North and South America. It is called the Jazz in Europe, some parts of Asia, Australia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa.

The Fit uses Honda’s Global Small Car platform, which is also used by the Fit Aria/City (a sedan version of the Fit), the Airwave (a wagon version of the Fit Aria/City), the Mobilio, and the Mobilio Spike.

Fit/Jazz in Malaysia is available in two variants, the 1.5 i-DSI and 1.5 VTEC. Both of them are equipped with CVT-7 and having 2WD driving the front wheels. No Manual Transmission is offered. Unlike the Australian Market which had different trims for the Jazz e.g. (GLi (Base Model with 1.3 motor), VTi (1.5 VTEC motor without Bodykit) and VTi-S (Sports Model with Bodykit)), the Malaysian Jazzes were either the 1.3 iDSi or the 1.5 VTEC. Choices now are 1.5 iDSi and 1.5 VTEC. The VTEC model is equipped with Honda Modulo Bodykit.

Standard equipment on both models include Air-conditioning, Driver and front passenger air-bags, CD/Radio headunit, ABS Brakes, EBD, Trip computer, Central Locking, Power Assisted Windows, Power assisted Side Mirrors, Power Assisted Steering, Reflector Halogen Headlamps and Ultra/Magic Folding seats. Optional extras can be purchased from Honda Dealers/Service Centers all around Malaysia at retail price. A 3 year Warranty is standard for all Jazzes purchased from Authorized Honda Dealers in Malaysia.

Early 2006 saw the facelift of the Jazz (which was introduced earlier in Japan). The facelifted version included new front fascia and bumpers, new rear bumper, new side skirts, side mirror mounted indicators/turn signals, rear LED brake light, rear LED third brake light, body colored housing headlamps and minor interior changes. The motor remains unchanged.

In 2007 it was rumored that a hybrid electric variant of the Fit/Jazz was being developed. Later, Honda’s CEO, Takeo Fukui, said that this was not true and there were no plans to develop a hybrid powertrain.  However, in August 2008 it was mentioned in a New York Times article that Honda would be producing a hybrid jazz. Additionally, a mid-year announcement from Honda’s CEO confirmed the reality of a hybrid drivetrain.

In October 2008, Honda revealed a the honda Jazz hybrid .

Autocar claims the 2010 Honda Jazz Hybrid (as the Fit is known outside of the U.S.) will have the same powertrain as the upcoming Honda Insight hybrid.  This likely means we’ll see a 1.3-liter engine coupled with an electric motor.  With the current non-hybrid Fit getting 28/35, we should expect to see some pretty stellar fuel economy. It may be use the engine of civic hybrid 1.3 as the hybrid powertrain.