Honda's Jazz Hybrid Makes World Debut In Paris

PARIS – October 4, 2010: The Jazz Hybrid is making its world motor show debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, further demonstrating Honda’s continuing commitment to petrol-electric hybrid technology.

The launch of the latest addition to the practical Jazz line-up marks the first time a parallel hybrid vehicle has been available to B-segment consumers. Importantly the Jazz Hybrid will not lose any of its practicality, with the compact nature of the Honda IMA system allowing the B-segment car to retain its ultra-flexible “Magic Seats” and 341 litres of boot space.

The IMA battery pack and power control unit have been integrated in the area under the boot floor, retaining the normal boot area and allowing the “Magic Seats” to fold in the same manner as non-hybrid versions. This means that the seats still fold entirely flat to provide a surprising 831 litre of space or the seat bases can be folded up to sit vertically, so as to accommodate tall items within the car.

The IMA hybrid system is 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 system, with over half a million vehicles on the road benefitting from its combination of low emissions and fuel economy.

The new model features the same IMA system as in the Insight hybrid, using the same 1.3 litre i-VTEC engine as its dedicated hybrid model sibling. The IMA system is combined with a CVT gearbox in the Jazz and with emissions of just 104 g/km* of CO2 it has the lowest CO2 output of any automatic car in the B-segment. As a petrol-electric hybrid, the new derivative has ultra-low levels of other exhaust emissions, not just taxable elements.

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

Inside the cabin is given a fresh look with a darker single colour dashboard, which contrasts strongly with the blue lighting of the dials and centre console. The new hybrid is also available with leather trim, the first time this has been available on a Jazz model in Europe.

The dashboard integrates a version of the Eco Assist function, which uses the ambient lighting of the speedometer to advise the driver on how their driving style is impacting on their fuel economy. The Eco Assist function aides drivers in getting the maximum economy from their car in everyday situations and gives users real-time feedback on how their use of the brakes and throttle affects their fuel bills and environmental impact.

While respecting the unique features of the car, a range of Genuine Accessories will accentuate its hybrid character even further. Decoration items, such as doorstep garnishes, a variety of exterior and interior stickers, B-pillar garnishes and alloy wheels can be fitted according to the driver’s personal taste. A Solid State Drive navigation, hands-free Bluetooth® and rear entertainment system are set to provide extra technological comfort. A complete range of Genuine Accessories is available for those customers that want to add in even more functionality and style.

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.

2011 Honda Insight
The 2011 Honda Insight on the stand at Paris features a revised interior, with the dashboard and seat trim now a darker hue for the new model year. The latest car also features revised suspension components and settings, specification changes and two new exterior colours.

Interior Changes
The most noticeable difference is the change to black in the upper section of the dashboard of the Insight, significantly altering the ambience of the hybrid’s cabin. There are now two interior colour combinations available; the first being an entirely black dash, combined with black seats, door panels and centre console. Alternatively, a grey lower dash section, seats and centre console can be selected, giving a lighter appearance to the cabin. For the first time leather seats are available on the Insight and these can be combined with either of the new dashboard and trim colour schemes.

Complementing the interior colour choices are some trim revisions with chrome rings for the air vents and heating controls to contrast against the darker interior. On top grade models with the black interior a silver metallic appearance trim is applied to the door grips.

Suspension Enhancements
In response to customer feedback the Insight has also seen revisions to the suspension, with settings and components altered to improve the ride, stability and handling of the 5-door hybrid. The changes include changing the shape of the V in the suspension brace, altering the rear camber, adjusting the recoil rate of the springs, changing the front suspension knuckle and increasing the size of underbody aerodynamic parts.

New Colours
Two new exterior colours have been added, with Dynamic Blue Pearl replacing Neutron Blue and Carnelian Red Pearl replacing New Red Pearl. For the first time parking sensors are made standard on top grade cars to enhance customer convenience.

Bespoke Hybrid Model
The Insight utilises the efficient, compact and proven 1.3 litre i-VTEC engine, combined with an electric motor. This engine and motor combination is shared with the new Jazz Hybrid and both models benefit from the ability to run on electric power alone under some speed conditions. CO2 emissions remain at 101 g/km and fuel consumption just 4.4 l/100km.

The combination of an ultra-aerodynamic body and a parallel hybrid powertrain gives the Insight impressive environmental performance with low overall exhaust emissions, not just CO2. The Insight has been developed to offer excellent fuel economy and emissions all of the time, not just in official tests. The Eco Assist encourages and assists drivers in achieving good fuel economy every day with the coaching function and ECON button.

Recycling of Battery Packs
Importantly the Insight is manufactured in a plant where zero production waste ends up in landfill and a suite of energy saving techniques are used to reduce overall impact. At the end of the vehicle’s life the Insight is designed to be highly recyclable and recoverable and the batteries can be easily recycled through any Honda dealer.